Nashville-based artist Kate Kelly unveiled her new single "Quiet as a Mouse" on February 21st.

Written by Kelly and co-produced with Andy Cata, the folk record explores the feelings of abandonment.

"It was an all-consuming emotion, one that I felt in my body and in the passing of time. This song became important to write as I learned how much of myself could be regained through being left alone. It is an exploration of being left, leaving, and saying goodbye. There is strength in our endings if we honor the pain", explains Kelly.

Directed, filmed and edited by New-Orleans based visual artist Virginia Walcott, the heartfelt music video displays how we are going through pain.

“Quiet as a Mouse” is now available on major streaming platforms.

Introduce yourself - what's your story?

Hi there! I’m Kate Kelly— singer-songwriter from the Gulf Coast, currently working as a musician in Nashville. I started writing songs as a teen when life was deeply challenging me for the first time. Songwriting became my self-healing remedy and has been that for me and for others ever since.

Could you describe us your childhood a little bit?

My parents actually met in AA and have been in recovery for 30+ years. I mention this because it created a deep sense of honesty and nurturing in our home from day one. I feel really lucky to feel so close to my family and I believe vulnerability and openness is the thread that ties us all together.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?

Oof! I would tell younger Kate, “It’s okay to ask for help and that life gets so much better.”

How would you describe yourself today?

I remember the day that I felt my own mortality for the first time. The true acknowledgement that life wouldn’t last forever made me realize that the only thing that really mattered to me was to live a meaningful life. I’d describe myself as someone who is seeking divine meaning everyday in my relationship with myself, others, and with music.

"Quiet as a Mouse" is your new single. What's the story behind this song?

I wrote "Quiet as a Mouse" several years ago as I explored feelings of abandonment after a breakup. It was an all-consuming emotion, one that I felt in my body and in the passing of time. This song became important to write as I learned how much of myself could be regained through being left alone.

I originally wrote this song in a romantic context, but time has made it so much more than that. It’s become a song about the estranged family member, about the single mom, about that old friend who doesn’t come around anymore, about losing someone to mental illness. I have shared this song at many live shows and heard these stories— they all add new perspectives to its meaning.

This song is an exploration of being left, leaving, and saying goodbye. There is strength in our endings if we honor the pain.

When did you start working on it? Who helped you create it?

I actually wrote this song by myself several years ago, but my partner Andy Cata and I decided to dust it off a few months ago and produce it in our home studio. My best friend Virginia Walcott, an artist based out of New Orleans, created the album art and video.

What can you tell us about the music video? What was the inspiration behind it?

The inspiration behind the music video is how when we are going through pain, we feel it in our bodies and in the passing of time. It’s about the entire process of saying goodbye and how that process can be agonizing but ultimately empowering as you learn more about who you are and how you maneuver this world on your own.

What made you want to release "Quiet as a Mouse" as a single?

My last record, The Wonder of It All, explores soul and jazz in a lovely way but I wanted to show listeners that I am also capable of diving into other genres and influences. “Quiet as a Mouse” shows my life long love of folk music.

Why do you make music?

If I didn’t make music, a very special part of me would wither and fade away. I believe making art is one of the most important ways we can feel common humanity in this chaotic world. I want my music to promote peace and togetherness.

What does songwriting make you feel?

It feels like a huge exhale at the end of a long day.

Releasing personal music can be a "scary" thing to do, what gives you the confidence to share your art with the world?

I really think the world is a better place when we are honest about the suffering we endure-- it promotes unity! That alone gives me the bravery to speak up about what I’ve been through.

What biggest lessons have you learned since your very first release?

Honestly, to not try so hard! I think art making should be easy and feel natural.

What are your thoughts on today's music industry?

I think it’s wonderful to see more people than ever people making music and putting into the world. I love that there are no rules for how to be a musician in today’s world.

What is your definition of success?

To be living a meaningful life.

As a human being, what do you want to accomplish?

To help others connect to be themselves and find healing through the arts .

In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?

Equality! I strive to help make the world a safe place for everyone.

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