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The Outsider "Songwriter Spotlight" with Guest Kem Watts

  • The Auslander Fredericksburg, Texas (map)

Kem Watts is an Austin-based singer/songwriter poised to become the next breakout star in the Americana/Folk/Country genre. Often described around the Central Texas music scene as 'one of the hardest working in the business,' Kem's rich, soulful voice lends a unique sound to the genuine and heartfelt lyrics that make up songs which have brought her acclaim across the rich landscape of Texas music!   Kem's authentic roots lend her credibility as a fresh new voice. Raised in Lubbock, Tx. to a family with deep musical roots dating back centuries, Kem grew up around Country, Rock, Honky Tonk, and Folk music. Perhaps that's why, despite only a few short years on the scene, Kem has developed a reputation as a vibrant and engaging performer. "The musical hertiiage of my father's side of the family dates back three centuries or more. My mother's side were many poets. Two of my grandmother's poems have been inspiration to the writing's of my songs, Call 911 and Twilight Reverie. My father, my uncle (on my dad's side), and my brother are all guitar-playing singer /songwriters, and my uncle on my mother's side, Terry Marshall, was a great pedal steel player taught by (Grammy-Winning) Lloyd Maines, who was his mentor and friend," says Kem! Kem says that keeping her family's musical heritage alive is the driving motivation for her. "I'm the last one in the family who has a chance to keep it alive," says Kem. "I want the 'Watts' music tradition to live on. It inspires me. It inspires my songwriting, and it drives me to work hard to be the best I can at what I do."  In a few short years on the scene, she has honed her craft and worked her way to playing at some of the top venues in Austin and around the country, played many local and international music festivals, had her songs played on several radio stations including Radio Free Texas, KFAN, KDRP, and 95.9 The Ranch KFRW. and been on the television series, Songwriter's Across Texas on KNVA CW Austin. She has been invited to share the stage with many Legendary songwriter's some of which include, Dale Watson, Earl Poole Ball, Van Wilks, Alvin Crow and The Texas Mavericks, Monte Montgomery, Butch Hancock of The Flatlanders, Fabrizzio Poggi and Chicken Mambo with special guest John Inmon and Ponty Bone, to name a few! Kem continues to developing her ability to craft songs that capture the essence of what makes the Texas music scene so vibrant. "One thing I have learned very early on is that good songs tell a great story. That's something I've tried to hold onto in my songwriting. I write with empathy and hope to send a positive message to the world through my songs. They are not just songs, they're stories that need to be told." Billboard@ best-selling country artist Johnny Lee ( "Lookin' for Love", "Bet Your Heart on Me") calls Kem one of his favorite new artists. INFO: Kem is available as a solo act, as a duo act with her on acoustic and vocals plus a lead electric guitarist or her with a multi- instrumentalist piano, trombone, and harmonica player, or with a full four to five piece band! Alone, Kem's masterful storytelling and rich vocals are complemented by her guitar playing and will keep listener's wanting more. Performing with her full band, Kem's songs take on a whole new dimension that peak and flow with high energy dance songs that will drive you out of your seat then back to to soft subtle songs that will put you in a trance and make your heart skip a beat! Kem's shows are always intimate, personable, and fun, making it an enjoyable musical journey! 

Earlier Event: April 9
Private (Christoval, Texas)
Later Event: April 16
Lost Draw Cellars