Meet Kathy Palma | Musician & Audio Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Palma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Guatemala. At 18 I moved to Miami to go to the Art Institute of Miami for Audio engineering. To this day, what has impacted me the most about coming from a third world country has been the awareness that a slower paced life does exist, and the belief that my career does not come before my family and friends. For a while I got caught up in the need to keep up with the “American lifestyle” and it took its toll on my mental, physical, and emotional well being. I was never satisfied. I kept comparing my journey with others and trying to rush to catch those milestones that I thought I needed to achieve before a certain age to be recognized as somebody successful. Busy was a batch of honor and goal instead of it being a temporary status. I forgot why I work so hard, it is not about the recognition but about the quality of life I want to have. Not just monetary success but connection, relationships and self-care. The people I admire back home lead a very simple existence, smiles come easily and gratefulness is a daily practice. This is what I also want to carry with me everywhere and however far I go in this life. Happiness in simplicity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets any artist apart from others is the way we connect the dots in our lives to express a message. The same information is out there for all of us to absorb, but the magic happens in your perspective. The way we adorn and choose to tell our message is what sets us apart. In my case, I do it with music and lyrics. I am gearing up to release new songs that are truly close to my heart, crafted from love and making sure that the smallest of details are in tune with who I am. The next song comes out this April 30th so stay tuned for that. I am also performing at the LAMC on May 7th (Latin Alternative Music Conference) , and I am very excited about it! I don´t think art is supposed to be easy, the challenges we face as creatives are what inspire it. The search for that elusive muse is what makes art relatable and remarkable. Going through it is the only way out. Once you learn to love the challenges and notice that this is what gives your unique voice strength, there is a sense of calm in overcoming. I have learned that growth is the only thing that matters. As long as we keep growing as a collective and honing our craft and skill it will always be worth it, no matter how long it takes for you to achieve your true expression. If there is anything I want people to feel and leave with after listening to my music it would be peace and mindfulness. A welcoming and warm feeling that embraces you long after you stop listening. Everyone is invited on this journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first thing to do would definitely be the beach, get some sun and go for a stroll, my favorites are South Pointe Park and Dania beach. If we wanted to go for a very hearty and tasty meal I would take them to Tree Lion for some amazing vegetarian food. A day trip to Wynwood is a must, stop by Le Chick to get some truffle fries and a cocktail. If it´s sunday we´d stop by Gramps to catch some live rock music by the band Tiki Flores. Talking about live music, thursday nights at the Oak Garden in south miami are epic. A great venue and Alejandro Elizondo and friends bring the best sets with a different guest musician every week. During the week, going to Simpson Hammock Park, a beautiful garden in the middle of Brickell, Alice C. Wainwright Park or Greynolds Park to soak up some fresh air is always nice. Another great weekend plan to get some fresh and local goodies is the Yellow Green Farmer´s market, amazing products and delicious food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is truth to clichés, my shoutout has to go to my mom. She has been my best friend and hype woman since the very first time I told her I wanted to give music a shot. Supporting a musician is not easy, not only did she put me through school but also gave me an infinite amount of love and wisdom. As an artist and entrepeneur the thing that most ails me is negative self talk and at times lack of motivation. My mom, friends, and community´s support and words of encouragement have single handedly carried me through to the other side when this happens.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathpalma/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgSC-KuIqn94cikgXRRZDg

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cEPsNEucruatKACcIdktb?si=kYA0K0UbSJGEVzMp6s639w

Image Credits
Edie Angela Fuertes, and Cohete Studio