Katy Pfaffl Named May “Best Vocalist Of The Month" With Her Song "Down The River"
By Dale Kawashima
Katy Pfaffl
Katy Pfaffl, a talented, pop/rock/soul singer & songwriter based in New York City, has won the May SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “Down The River.” This song is from her recent recording sessions, and it will be included on her next album, which will be her third release.
“Down The River” is a distinctive, appealing song which combines the piano-based, artistic style of a Joni Mitchell, with a soulful, R&B edge. The recording provides an excellent showcase for Pfaffl’s expressive, lead and harmony vocals, and her skillful, jazz-influenced piano playing. Impressively, Pfaffl did an expert job of producing this song herself, as well as all the songs for her current project.
Pfaffly grew up in Milwaukee, WI, where she learned to play violin and piano at a young age, and she entered several, classical piano competitions. During her teenage years, she attended the Milwaukee High School of the Performing Arts, where she began focusing on her singing, and performing in jazz vocal groups. Notably, Pfaffl won the Down Beat magazine Jazz Award For Best Vocalist (for high school students). Also, she began composing music, and she wrote the score for a jazz composition, which was performed by her high school orchestra.
For college, Pfaffl attended the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, but she left after two years and decided to move to New York City. “I wanted to focus on writing my own music and performing it, and I felt New York was the best place for me to further my artist career,” explained Pfaffl. “I wrote the songs for my first CD (titled Katy Pfaffl) and released it in 2000. The album was a combination of jazz and pop/rock. Then in 2003, I released my second CD, which was called As She Stands.”
Katy Pfaffl performing live.
Both of her CDs sold about 2,000 units, mostly in the New York area. Subsequently, Pfaffl’s music caught the attention of Los Angeles music pro Marsy Robinson, who became her manager. Robinson has set up several showcases for Pfaffl with major labels.
Pfaffl is now completing work on her latest album, which will include “Down The River.” She plans on shopping this album to the major labels. Pfaffl also maintains an active schedule as a live performer, frequently playing NYC venues as the Living Room and the Bitter End, and sometimes playing in Los Angeles. She is now playing as a trio, accompanied by drummer Sean Dixon and bassist Orlando Marin. ‘I’m hoping to start touring more nationally,” she said. Lastly, in addition to her performing and recording career, Pfaffl also works as a vocal coach and voice teacher in NYC.
Top Five Vocalists Of The Month
"Best Vocalist Of The Month" Winner
Song Title:
"Down The River".
By:
Performed by Rachelle Dobin of Los Angeles, CA. Written by Rachelle Dobin & Toby Gad.Performed and written by Katy Pfaffl of New York, NY
