Kathryn Grimm

KATHRYN GRIMM is an award-winning songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose had an intriguing musical journey, to say the least.  Escaping her home town at 23 (Pre-Grunge) after a jaunt at the University of Washington for Los Angeles was "The best idea I ever had".  In L.A. Kathryn was able to blossom working with some of the best talents in the biz. "Los Angeles was definitely the land of opportunity. Meeting my musical (s)heros Joni Mitchell, Quincy Jones, Terri Nunn and Bonnie Raitt kept me inspired and focused".

Kathryn's hard work and determination earned her recognition for her songwriting, several scholarships while studying at Cal State L.A.  (BA Jazz Studies / MA Commercial Music) and an honorable mention by the Grammy Association for her self-produced album "GRIMM AGAIN".  Kathryn discovered her knack for teaching and opened a studio on Laurel Canyon Blvd. where she taught voice, guitar, bass, piano and songwriting to budding musicians and actors. Being a musical mentor is something she says she was "born to do".    

After an extraordinary stint in The City of Angels Kathryn moved back to Seattle where she taught at The Seattle Drum School, worked on songs for her next album and showcased her material at various venues around town creating a buzz and working on a plan.  "I was plotting my next band and already a name in mind - 'HIPPIE LOVE SLAVE'."  That plan quickly came to fruition when she moved to Portland.   
                                                                                         Kathryn said a tearful goodbye to her students and moved South into a 1908 Victorian house in Sabin, a home her late partner Mark Frere had bought and refurbished for her in 1990 (he founded their Los Angeles band "GROUP THERAPY" with the late JEFF BUCKLEY on guitar). Mark was a good friend and a former STEPPENWOLF bandmate with Kent Henry, a long-time resident. "We spent a lot of time in Portland with Kent". On one of their many visits Mark eyed the (then disheveled) house and bought it on a whim. After putting much blood sweat and tears into it's renovation Mark sadly passed away and it was rented out.  "Years later while I was teaching in Seattle the tenants gave notice.  I saw that as a omen to get to Portland".  In Mark's honor she turned the home into an inspiring, musical Airbnb, "THE FRERE HOUSE", giving lessons to the many guests . "It's still the same seafoam green Mark painted it" making it easy to spot by the water tower on Prescott. 

Kathryn discovered in time that her band's name was not going to endear her to the Blues Community which she wanted to be a part of so she put the band on hold and began playing under her own name. " 'HIPPIE LOVE SLAVE' has eleven honorary members and we do a show every year to keep the name and the Fun going".  

"People ask me often who my  influences are. That is a very long answer."  From childhood Kathryn has spent hours in a state of bliss and wonder listening intently to a cornucopia of artists she loves -  Joni, SRV, Patsy Cline, Cecelia Bartoli, John Coltrane, Paul Rogers, Chaka Kahn, Hendrix, Eric Gales, Nancy Wilson, Eva Cassidy...and that is a very abbreviated list of who she has drawn inspiration from.

Aside from gigging, writing and recording with her own band and other writers Kathryn stays busy with her many other musical projects, traveling, practicing qigong and studying Spanish. 

For interview and/or gig inquiries please contact grimmmusic@yahoo.com