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Contact Katy |
Electronic Press Kit
Short Bios
SOLO:
Known for her heartfelt songwriting and optimistic spirit, Katy Tessman has swiftly become a beloved artist in the Minnesota music scene. Since her 2023 album Fly and 2025 EP Turnbuckles, her Mama-Americana style—celebrating life’s stumbles and summits—has earned praise from RnR Magazine as “a quietly inspiring pleasure” and from Americana UK for her "striking, pure country voice." She is also an award-winning children’s book author and a Minnesota Women’s Press Changemaker.
DUO - Katy Tessman & Sweet Lou:
Blending the heart of Americana and the soul of the blues, Katy Tessman and Sweet Lou are an authentic mom-and-son duo with a unique ability to inspire listeners through heartfelt songwriting that celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. With her albums Fly and Turnbuckles, Tessman has become a beloved voice in the local music scene. Based in Minneapolis, she is also an award-winning children's book author and was recognized as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women’s Press.
BAND - Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles:
Katy Tessman and The Turnbuckles have established themselves as a beloved Americana group, captivating audiences with Tessman’s heartfelt songwriting, her son Louis Tessman Stanoch’s commanding lead guitar work, and a rhythm section that brings vibrant energy to the stage—delivering an experience that is “infectious, contagious, and all kinds of fun rolled into one” (Smouse in the House).
Known for her heartfelt songwriting and optimistic spirit, Katy Tessman has swiftly become a beloved artist in the Minnesota music scene. Since her 2023 album Fly and 2025 EP Turnbuckles, her Mama-Americana style—celebrating life’s stumbles and summits—has earned praise from RnR Magazine as “a quietly inspiring pleasure” and from Americana UK for her "striking, pure country voice." She is also an award-winning children’s book author and a Minnesota Women’s Press Changemaker.
DUO - Katy Tessman & Sweet Lou:
Blending the heart of Americana and the soul of the blues, Katy Tessman and Sweet Lou are an authentic mom-and-son duo with a unique ability to inspire listeners through heartfelt songwriting that celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. With her albums Fly and Turnbuckles, Tessman has become a beloved voice in the local music scene. Based in Minneapolis, she is also an award-winning children's book author and was recognized as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women’s Press.
BAND - Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles:
Katy Tessman and The Turnbuckles have established themselves as a beloved Americana group, captivating audiences with Tessman’s heartfelt songwriting, her son Louis Tessman Stanoch’s commanding lead guitar work, and a rhythm section that brings vibrant energy to the stage—delivering an experience that is “infectious, contagious, and all kinds of fun rolled into one” (Smouse in the House).
Long Bio
With a voice full of the wisdom she’s gained through cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable songwriter who celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. Her powerful vocals and rhythmic approach to guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that moves passionately over a diverse emotional and musical terrain.
Katy’s music uplifts and inspires with messages of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Mostly Minnesota calls her “a great storyteller” whose songs feel like “warm encouragement,” drawing audiences in with heartfelt lyrics and an engaging presence.
Since releasing her 2023 album Fly, Katy has continued to make her mark in the local music scene, selling out listening-room concerts, releasing new music, and publishing the lyric picture book Hero Now Crowned, which Melodic Noise calls “a passionate tribute [to the everyday hero].” In 2025, she followed up with her album Turnbuckles, further solidifying her place in the music scene with songs that explore resilience, connection, and strength. Katy is also taking her music on the road, embarking on solo tours across the U.S., bringing her heartfelt songwriting and engaging performances to new audiences nationwide. Based in Minneapolis, Katy is also an award-winning children's book author and was recognized as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press.
Her band, Katy Tessman and The Turnbuckles, has established itself as a beloved Americana group, captivating audiences with Tessman’s heartfelt songwriting, her son Louis “Sweet Lou” Tessman Stanoch’s commanding lead guitar work, and a rhythm section that brings vibrant energy to the stage—delivering an experience that is “infectious, contagious, and all kinds of fun rolled into one” (Smouse in the House). Blending Americana and folk-rock, their performances are high-energy, engaging, and captivating.
Before becoming a mom in 2003 (and again in 2006), Katy performed throughout Minnesota and toured stages from Michigan to Washington for nearly a decade. In 2001, she released her solo debut Fall. During her 20-year pause from the stage, she raised two sons, fought a victorious battle with breast cancer, and authored the award-winning children’s book Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.
Books and music have always taken center stage in Katy’s life. As a writer and musician, she aims to spread hope and joy, using her voice and storytelling to inspire. She actively participates in outreach events, sharing her story, talent, and positivity with those who need it.
Katy’s music uplifts and inspires with messages of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Mostly Minnesota calls her “a great storyteller” whose songs feel like “warm encouragement,” drawing audiences in with heartfelt lyrics and an engaging presence.
Since releasing her 2023 album Fly, Katy has continued to make her mark in the local music scene, selling out listening-room concerts, releasing new music, and publishing the lyric picture book Hero Now Crowned, which Melodic Noise calls “a passionate tribute [to the everyday hero].” In 2025, she followed up with her album Turnbuckles, further solidifying her place in the music scene with songs that explore resilience, connection, and strength. Katy is also taking her music on the road, embarking on solo tours across the U.S., bringing her heartfelt songwriting and engaging performances to new audiences nationwide. Based in Minneapolis, Katy is also an award-winning children's book author and was recognized as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press.
Her band, Katy Tessman and The Turnbuckles, has established itself as a beloved Americana group, captivating audiences with Tessman’s heartfelt songwriting, her son Louis “Sweet Lou” Tessman Stanoch’s commanding lead guitar work, and a rhythm section that brings vibrant energy to the stage—delivering an experience that is “infectious, contagious, and all kinds of fun rolled into one” (Smouse in the House). Blending Americana and folk-rock, their performances are high-energy, engaging, and captivating.
Before becoming a mom in 2003 (and again in 2006), Katy performed throughout Minnesota and toured stages from Michigan to Washington for nearly a decade. In 2001, she released her solo debut Fall. During her 20-year pause from the stage, she raised two sons, fought a victorious battle with breast cancer, and authored the award-winning children’s book Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.
Books and music have always taken center stage in Katy’s life. As a writer and musician, she aims to spread hope and joy, using her voice and storytelling to inspire. She actively participates in outreach events, sharing her story, talent, and positivity with those who need it.
Quotes |
Please follow this link for interviews and news stories.
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[Tessman's live shows are ] infectious, contagious, and all kinds of fun rolled into one." Tom Smouse, Smouse in the House
Katy Tessman is a great storyteller. Each song is a little vignette, and most are like a shot of warm encouragement from a strong, supportive voice." Ann Treacy, Mostly Minnesota
[Tessman’s album “Fly” is] A quietly inspiring pleasure." Jeremy Searle, RnR Magazine (starred review)
[“Fly” is] a gorgeous and honest release from Katy Tessman." RagMag (Recording Artists Guild Digital Magazine)
Katy Tessman’s voice has never been stronger as she explores the points of connection to the life and people around her. This album ["Turnbuckles"] about searching will find you as you listen. " Doyle Turner, Adventures in Americana
"Turnbuckles" album blurb, isolatedKaty Tessman’s third album, Turnbuckles, is a testament to resilience, connection, and the strength we find in others.
Much like the album’s namesake, the songs on Turnbuckles serve as dependable anchors—holding us together, strengthening our connections, and keeping us steady through life’s push and pull. Tessman’s heartfelt songwriting is brought to life by producers Nikki Lemire and Michael Koppelman. With expressive lead guitar work from her son, Louis Tessman Stanoch, the project blends Americana and Urban Folk, drawing comparisons to Sarah Jarosz’s songwriting, the Indigo Girls’ energy, and Derek Trucks’ soulful intensity. Backed by her band, also named The Turnbuckles, Katy delivers a rich, full sound that adds depth and vibrancy to her music. "Turnbuckles" release date: May 17, 2025 Radio MastersDropbox Link available upon request.
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"Turnbuckles" One Sheet
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"Fly" album blurb, isolatedKaty Tessman soars to new heights with her eagerly awaited second album, “Fly,” marking her return to songwriting and performing after a twenty-year hiatus. The album weaves a tapestry of uplifting melodies and heartfelt ballads, resonating with themes of self-discovery and resilience.
Produced by multi-instrumentalist Michael Koppelman, “Fly” features Tessman’s bandmates Thomas Leier, Kelley Lima, and her son Louis “Sweet Lou” Tessman Stanoch. Breathtaking performances by special guests Nikki Lemire, Jillian Rae, Michael Koppelman, and Justin Jacobson add lush layers of harmonies and strings that elevate Tessman’s radiant voice. "Fly" release date: October 14, 2023. Radio MastersDropbox Link available upon request.
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"Fly" One Sheet
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Photos
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Mom & Son duo
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Mom & Son duo
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Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles:
Tom Leier on bass, Louis Tessman Stanoch on guitar, and Kelley Lima on drums
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Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles:
Tom Leier on bass, Louis Tessman Stanoch on guitar, and Kelley Lima on drums
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Music Heals / Outreach BioFor Katy Tessman, music is her main source of strength as she navigates life’s stumbles and summits. Using the wisdom she’s gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, her songwriting helps her celebrate resiliency. Katy is also an award-winning children's book author, celebrated as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press. “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” is her young family’s story battling breast cancer. A decade after her cancer diagnosis, Katy wrote a song that sums up the everyday-hero’s journey and published the accompanying lyric picture book, “Hero Now Crowned.” Stories and songs truly heal and her aim is to evoke laughter and tears, spread smiles, while fostering a sense of hope and togetherness.
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