INTERVIEW: Katie Pruitt Harnesses the Power of Faith -- In Herself

Katie Pruitt gifts us with new music on "Backseat Driver." The song is a gentle recollection of a relationship that was, perhaps, a bit smothering. Pruitt's voice may be soft – but it's never been more confident. In our interview, Pruitt explains how she came into that strength, the sounds that have gone into her upcoming album, and how she's found faith in herself ahead of her tour.

Thanks so much for your time. We last spoke for an article in No Depression when you were prepping for a panel about faith and music. Faith has always been an important element in your work. Do you feel your relationship with faith has changed since Mantras came out?

The meaning of “faith” to me has changed for me over the years. I grew up being told to have faith in a God, (capital G with he/him pronouns) when I was writing Mantras i was learning in real time that having faith in yourself is just as (if not more) important. The record is a lot about realizing & harnessing the power of self love.

With the increasing prominence of Christian nationalism, it must feel like the principles you've been fighting against are only getting stronger. How are you caring for yourself in this moment, and where are you finding strength?

It’s definitely difficult to stay positive under the current administration. Personally, when I feel myself getting overwhelmed by it I have to just zoom in & focus on what I can actually control. Spending time with friends, writing songs, going fishing & doing community outreach when I’m able (protests, volunteering, community service)

“Backseat Driver" details a toxic relationship, but the song itself is quite gentle. What do you hope this contrast will evoke in the listener?

Great question! To say the entire relationship was toxic is definitely an overreach by me. The gentleness most likely comes for the consideration & care I still have for the person I’m singing about while also recalling all the ways they’ve deeply hurt me. The vocals are almost a whisper instead of scream to signify how exhausted that relationship made me towards the end.

I'm excited to see more music from you! What music do you feel you've carried forward from your time working on Mantras?

I distinctly remember listening to a lot of Pinegrove, Slow Pulp & Big Thief during that time which made me want to chase more indie leaning production on certain songs. However, I also had my usual go-to folk/americana songwriters on repeat - Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Patti Griffin, John Moreland ect. So the record is naturally a blend of both!

Is there anything you'd like to share with readers who might be questioning their identities, especially in this political moment?

Just keep being unapologetically yourself! Don’t be afraid to keep trying on different identities until you land on one that resonates. There’s infinite possibilities of who you can be in this life! People pushing back against sexual expression & queerness as a whole right now are insecure, boring & unoriginal. They’re clinging this idea of “sameness” to feel more comfortable instead of accepting that people’s differences  make this world much more interesting place to live!

Katie Pruitt — Official, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp

KATIE PRUITT UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
September 9, 2025 – Newport, KY – The Southgate House Revival - Sanctuary ^
September 10, 2025 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark ^
September 11, 2025 – Evanston, IL – SPACE ^
October 14, 2025 – Washington, DC – Union Stage ^
October 15, 2025 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage ^
October 16, 2025 – New York, NY – Joe's Pub
October 17, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church ^
October 18, 2025 – State College, PA – The State Theatre
October 20, 2025 – Providence, RI – Fete Lounge ^
October 21, 2025 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall ^
October 23, 2025 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square ^
October 24, 2025 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall ^
October 25, 2025 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios ^

^ supported by Jess Nolan