Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Steel
Hi Patti, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Grew up in a small town
Went to college and achieved a master’s degree
Lived in the KC area for a few years
Travel alot
I teach photography at a college
I give private music and photography lessons
I play in several bands I started but also play with many other projects
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is always a very bumpy, curvy, and windy road. It is never easy and always comes with struggles for all people, I believe. However, it is what makes us a stronger person when we have to learn to adapt to these hurdles and challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My name is Patti “Steel” Richardson and I was born in Joplin, MO area. I was raised in Webb City, MO by my parents and grandparents. I was always an active kid even from childhood. I am always hungry to learn new things. I started playing instruments at a young age, dancing, and always enjoyed snapping photos as a kid. I would say that it is great that I still enjoy all these things still later in life.
Here is some more details about my artist/creative sides:
—————Artist/Musician/Educator:
Patti Steel’s musical talents and powerful stage presence have been wowing audiences for over a decade. An award winning multi-instrumentalist she easily switches from clarinet, spoons, guitar, mandolin and many other random noise makers at performances keeping her sound fresh. Combining roots, country, rock and your favorite cover songs, Patti’s live show is upbeat and fun from start to finish. After spending years as a side-woman, Patti stepped into a solo career in 2020 and has been sharing her music across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Patti’s goals are to spread love and for people to have fun at her shows.
“While listening to Patti, you can’t help but get lost in a sense of wonder. She pulls you in with her passion, grabbing your ears and holding on to your heart.” –Samantha Hunt, Singer/Songwriter
Kyle Kellams is KUAF’s news director and host of Ozarks at Large says, “Patti Steel is a musical juggernaut!! She has played alongside almost every regional musician of note, but just now is releasing her first collection of songs…”
Patti Steel’s debut EP, No Better, is wholly relatable. Patti speaks on missing what once was, the reality of a world in quarantine, relationships twists and turns, standing up for oneself, and remaining humble. Steel puts her soul into every note you hear; her words and stories are thought provoking and deliver an emotional strength and comfort with a positive influence. She wants to help take the world as it is and leave it a better place, and inspires audiences to do the same.
The thoughtfulness of roots, the fiery emotions of blues, the integrity of country, and the spirit of rock and roll… Patti Steel’s musical talents and powerful stage presence have been wowing audiences for over a decade. Steel’s sultry soul blues vocal style draws from her inspirations, greats like Aretha Franklin, Patsy Cline, and Whitney Houston. Steel easily switches from clarinet, spoons, guitar, mandolin and many other random noise makers at performances keeping her sound fresh.
“I’m so excited to finally be performing in this incredible community and what an honor to be sharing the night with one of the region’s brightest lights and strongest voices – Patti Steel,” says Julia Othmer, Kansas City singer/songwriter. “She’s an phenomenal powerhouse.”
Mike Dillion says “I’m glad to be playing with Patti,” Dillon adds, saying that she’s a big supporter of live music and touring bands. “I love it that she has her own band. She’s playing all the time. I always get her up to sit in with me if she shows up. I’m looking forward to what the night bequeaths upon us.”With a career of performing, supporting and managing regional acts which spans over a decade, Patti is stepping-out as a solo artist. Patti began writing and co-writing music as a way to kickstart solo performance and more intimate projects. Her 20+ years playing music, for a variety of projects and collaborations, brings an immense spectrum of genres to the table. Genres span from folk, bluegrass, blues, soul, jazz, rock and country. Patti’s hunger for music is insatiable and shows when she performs.
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“Patti Steel is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, visual artist and photographer. A true artist, she always delivers a blend of her unique zest for life and deep well of creativity to every project making it not only light up, but shine brightly and powerfully” – Wendy Love Edge
Patti is proficient in the following instruments: clarinet, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, spoons, washboard and other percussion instruments, tambourine, Kazoo, slide whistle, train whistle, nose flute. She is also familiar with flute, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, trumpet among a few more. She has even dabbled in other instruments, and is always willing to learn more. Patti also sings harmonies and lead vocals.
“Patti is the definition of a utility player and all around musician. The multitude of instruments she plays brings a new dynamic to any project she performs with. Her ability to sing solo or match her harmonies with other vocals is a true talent in itself. Patti’s hard work behind the scenes only matches her work she obviously puts into her music craft as well and it shows.” – Erin Detherage, Lead Guitarist and Lessons Manager at Guitar Center
—————————–Artist: Owner/Photographer/Educator————————
For some, pictures are simply images captured in time. For Patti, a photo is a conduit for sharing one’s experience, knowledge, beauty, and inner-truth. With her documentary-style approach to photography, she depicts the essence of life by harnessing the intrinsic magic of film and digital media.
Like any skilled magician, Patti is passionate about her craft. Ever willing to experiment, she has proven her ability to capture spell-binding images from behind the lens. While learning and teaching photography in her home state of Missouri, Patti has shown how a fresh perspective and command of the camera can enable us to transform everyday images into prize-winning works of art.
Following her heart to Arkansas, she is excited about her future as a professional freelance photographer. Whether you are documenting a special event for a publication, launching a marketing campaign for your business, or simply wanting to capture a loved one’s smile, let Patti show you the trans-formative magic of modern photography. After all, we all need a little more abracadabra in our lives!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have a master’s degree in Communication. I enjoy gaming. I am an omnivert. I love Thai food. I really love to be in or around water.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pattisteel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti_steel
- Twitter: https://x.com/pattisteelmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pattisteel
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/patti-steel-music
- Other: https://www.pattisteelphotos.com
