A Conversation With Redbud’s Katie Claghorn

By Adrian Escareno 

Local Music Journalist 

 

As a local music fan, it’s impossible to overlook Redbud when discussing the Austin music scene. This band has captivated the city with their sound since releasing their debut EP, Long Night, a year ago. They’ve soared to new heights, performing across the country, headlining the front page of Austin Chronicle and earning a continuous spot in the SXSW lineup. I recently spoke with Katie Claghorn, the band’s lead singer and Austin native, about Redbud’s Long Night and its impact on her career. 

 

How Did Redbud Come to Fruition 

 

“I never planned to be a musician,” says Claghorn, who started playing guitar for fun, inspired by her dad. After graduating from UT, Katie went to Colombia to teach English, where she faced an existential crisis and anxiety. “I’d wake up at 5 a.m., pick up the hostel guitar, change the strings, and play by the pool,” she recalls. This was in 2018. During these early morning sessions, she wrote many songs and thought, “Wow, I guess I should form a band now.”

 

Where did the name Redbud come from? 

 

Claghorn grew up in Austin with divorced parents on opposite sides of the city. “My sister and I would take long drives between their houses,” she said. Redbud Isle, a scenic shortcut, felt like a portal between central and west Austin. 

 

In college, she suggested “Red Bud” as a band name for her musician boyfriend, but he didn’t use it. “If I ever have a band, that would be the name,” she thought, highlighting the personal significance behind the name “Redbud.” 

 

What was your reaction when you discovered you were the cover of the Austin chronicle? 

 

“They don’t give you a heads-up; they just do it,” Claghorn stated about the Austin Chronicle. She discovered her Free Week feature through a friend’s text saying, “Congrats buddy!”

“It was cool to open Instagram and see friends tagging me,” she added. The surprise was fun, even without a warning from the Chronicle. This unexpected recognition underscores the supportive and spontaneous nature of Austin’s music community. 

 

Do you believe that appearing on the cover of the Austin Chronicle was a significant step forward in your career? 

 

“I believe a significant part of music happens unseen; we’ve been performing for two years before that cover went up. It felt like validation for the work we’ve put in, especially from the community. Such exposure brings more attention and keeps us in people’s minds, which is great!” 

What’s the story behind the “Long Night” EP Cover? 

 

“I crafted an intricate tale in my imagination.” Admitting she’s a dreamer; Her story, akin to Romeo and Juliet in an apocalyptic war, depicts a conflict between her and her lover, with one side triumphant while the other falls. “The climax is a final showdown with my ex-lover,” she explained. In the end, she disarms him, picturing the album cover showing her victorious, looking down as she delivers his final words. This imaginative narrative showcases Claghorn’s creative depth, blending elements of classic tragedy with personal triumph.

 

Are there some songs on the ep that you made in your time in Colombia? 

 

“Yes! I wrote the lyrics for “Soul Work” in Colombia, I was staying at a work-for-stay and reading ‘Wherever You Go, There You Are’ by Jon Kabat-Zinn. The book talked about soul work, the idea of working on yourself, like emptying a pond of troubles one bucket at a time. That’s where the concept for ‘Soul Work’ came from.” 

 

Tell me about the track “Soul Work”

 

“I wrote many lyrics for ‘Soul Work,’ but only a fraction made it into the song,” Claghorn said. She tends to include all her thoughts, rhyming where possible, and revises later. “There’s an alternate version with more lyrics,” she revealed. However, she’s pleased with the ones she chose, as they capture the essence of the song. “Soul Work” delves into themes of direction and reflection on the past. It used to be their opening song, embodying their sound. Claghorn considers it their favorite. 

 

After over a year of your debut ep “Long Night” being released, how do you feel like it affected your career? 

 

“Starting from a non-musical background, crafting our initial set of songs was daunting,” Claghorn admitted. The music industry’s vastness and Austin’s size added to the challenge. “None of us were well-connected in the scene, so it felt risky,” she said. Mixing the first two tracks with her dad, despite their limited expertise, was a fulfilling step. “We found a friend of a friend to record them,” she explained. The final mixes exceeded their expectations, marking a significant milestone. 

 

Looking back from when you made your first single, “To the Moon,” to now, do you see any differences in yourself as an artist? 

 

“When we created ‘To the Moon,’ I had no clue about production,”. At that time, they were simply friends making music, lacking foresight. She was eager to release music. “Now, I prioritize planning and forethought,” Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of the mix in music production, advising her past self to have someone else handle it. 

 

If you could go back to your days writing in Colombia, what advice would you give to the musician you’ve become? 

 

“I’m content with how things unfolded; back then, I had a feeling they’d work out. Dealing with uncertainty is tough, and that’s the essence of ‘Soul Work’ — learning to live without overthinking. It still amazes me that all of this is happening. I believe anyone can become an artist if they want; I didn’t write a song until I was 23, so it’s possible.” 

 

Claghorn’s insights leave me eagerly anticipating Redbud’s next release, building on the success of their impressive debut EP. Don’t miss Redbud live at the Ballroom on July 14th, performing alongside The Irons, LLUVI, and Juan Wauters. I simply can’t wait to see what exciting new music Redbud has in store for us.