In Front of the Lens: Interview with Track Star and Singer Extraordinaire
Q1 - Tell me about yourself!
Hey everyone! My name is Katelyn. Nice to meet you! I grew up in Prince Albert SK, with my two amazing parents and my equally amazing little brother. I stayed in P.A. until I graduated high school, before I headed off to university. I was (and still am) very involved in the sport of Track & Field. After visits in my Grade 12 year to American colleges offering scholarships, I made a decision to attend the University of Calgary, which at that time, was a national training centre for combined events. I started a degree in Kinesiology and competed for the U of C Dinos. After 4 great years, I decided to move closer to home and finish my degree at the University of Saskatchewan while finishing my eligibility with the Huskies Track team. In the fall of 2019, I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and finished my 5 years of eligibility as a multiple Canwest and National Usport medalist.
I have been singing my whole life. I have completed Grade 7 RCM and attended many performances and competitions around the province in my earlier years. I have always known I wanted to give music a shot, but was waiting for the right time to do so. Now that I have a university degree, and (a tad) more free time, It’s now or never!
Q2- What does a day in life look like for you?
My days can look pretty different time to time. But here’s the usual:
AM – Wake up, make my bed, quick social media catch up, coffee/breakfast, read a chapter of a book (recommendations welcome!). Then I either go to work at the Sask Aboriginal Track and Field admin office, or have music meetings/rehearsals.
PM – Finish up with work or music, then go to the track for a 2hr training session. 3x a week I go to the gym after to do my strength program. I get home, make a good dinner, call my parents/facetime with my boyfriend, and then get to sleep!
Weekends are more or less the same, but sometimes I have a show to get ready to play!
Q3- What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
Aside from music, Track is my other passion. When I was 18, I competed for Team Canada in the Heptathlon (7 events in 2 days), at PanAm Juniors in Colombia. I now specialize in the 100m Hurdles, and finished 9th at Canadian Senior Nationals last summer. I am looking forward to competing again at Nationals this summer which will be the qualification meet for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Q4- If you could fix one thing in the world what would it be?
Man, this is a big question… There’s lots I would do. I am very fortunate to have a supportive family, a great group of friends, and to be in a relationship with someone who stays by my side no matter what. Sadly, I know that this isn’t the case for everyone out there. My wish would be for everyone to have family close by that loves them, friends they can go to when they need advice or to have a good time, and a partner that makes them feel safe and loved.
Q5- Would you be willing to share a couple of your goals for 2020?
I am a person who is VERY goal oriented, and I tend to set quite big goals for myself. My music goals for 2020 are to release my first single, followed by an EP or full-length album. Hearing one of my songs on the radio would be SO exciting! I’d also love to have a video done for one of my singles. I want to use this year to perform as much as I can and meet and learn from people in the music industry.
Q6- What inspired you to book a photoshoot, and what do you plan to use the photos for?
I planned this photoshoot with anticipation of my first single being released and needed cover art to go along with it. I had some ideas and a look I knew I wanted. After viewing Nicole’s work, I knew that she would be the perfect photographer to capture my vision. She did not disappoint!
Q7- What is your favourite photo, and why?
I have so many favourites! This was a hard choice... but I absolutely LOVE this photo! I love the pose, the outfit I’m wearing, and the modest smile I have on my face. I think this photo captures the slight shyness of myself as a person, but the confidence I have as an artist. Nicole did a great job on this photo and capturing the moment. I feel like a star!
Q8- Where can people follow you, and get in touch?
Website – http://katelynlehner.com/
Email – katelynlehnermusic@gmail.com
Facebook – Katelyn Lehner Music
Instagram – @KatelynLehnerMusic
Feel free to get in touch! I love connecting with people ☺