...Powderly possesses a singing style similar to Gillian Welch, Natalie Merchant, and Emmylou Harris in its soft sensual delivery.”

– The Alternate Root Magazine

“...inhabiting the same musical geography as Gillian Welch and Aoife O’Donovan, fiddle and guitar combining to create a sublime bluegrass ambience.”

– Americana UK

“Katie Powderly's "Live by the Song, Die by the Song" is a puzzle you put together by listening.”

– Wildfire Music + News

"Katie Powderly has lived her music and many of us have, too. Her confessional songwriting, velvety vocals, and warm stage presence captivate just like your best friend does when she confides in you her deepest heartache.

Though originally from Wisconsin, her ties to Bristol almost make her an honorary native. A number of past Bristol Rhythm artists have recorded on her first album, Slips of the Tongue, including Josh Oliver (Watchhouse), Tom Pryor (The Black Lillies) and Jill Andrews.

Katie took home trophies at both the 2023 and 2024 Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying rounds held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Her latest EP, Live by the Song, Die by the Song, is an intricate and deeply moving 5-song treasure. Though she's been touring for over a decade on her own and with other bands, she has yet to be "discovered." In our eyes, she's a star and the bestie we all need."

- Voice - Magazine for Women

“Appalachian ballads, the outcrop of a summer affair that turned sour, are all allegories, opening in smoking style with the fingerpicked tumbling and fiddle coloured 'Tobacco' which pretty much lays out the emotional backdrop....

The last of the five, graced with poignant forlorn folksy violin 'Love Me One More Time Before I Go' is also perhaps the loveliest and most heartbreaking and glows with the warmth of a traditional American folk ballad.... She's most definitely now on my radar to flag up future releases. She should be on yours too.”

– FATEA Magazine

“When it’s just you, your voice, and your guitar, there isn’t much to hide behind, which is how Katie Powderly likes it.

The singer-songwriter shines brightly on her latest release, the five-song EP Live by the Song, Die by the Song… Powderly utilized a stripped-down approach, relying predominantly on her talents as a songwriter and vocalist. And it’s those talents that are very apparent, with a collection of powerful, heartfelt tracks.

They will get you thinking, but the answers, those you will have to seek out for yourself. Her powerful lyrics and bold, honest approach lend a cathartic quality to these songs. Impressively and sincerely, Powderly packs a lot into five tracks.”

– V13 Magazine

“Celebrating the beauty of simplicity with stripped-down, acoustic instrumentation, [Live by the Song, Die by the Song] features a blend of acoustic guitar, haunting vocals and occasional touches of mandolin and fiddle, bringing the spirit of the mountains to life. It showcases 10 songs that demonstrate Powderly’s evolution as a songwriter and a reflection of her experiences living in Appalachia.” - Lauren LaRocca

– The Frederick News-Post (Frederick, MD)