Even the most seasoned performers fight nerves on stage, so no one could blame an up-and-coming artist for having to ward off the occasional jitters. Not Columbia, South Carolina native Kat Velasco. From a young age, the stage is where she’s felt most at home. Even in her years of pageants, beguiled by the concept of being judged on beauty and a knee-jerk response to a current events question, Velasco realized she continued chasing titles for a 3-minute and 30-second chance to sing for an audience. “I spent a lot of time asking myself, ‘what was my purpose in competing all those years?’ I realized really quickly - it was that I just love to sing on stage for people.” With a penchant for the limelight and obvious vocal talent, Velasco’s storytelling - delivered by her distinct raspy yet feather light voice - draws listeners in, delving into her own life experience, as well as exploring things she doesn’t yet understand. And though a detour took her off her obvious path momentarily, it’s clear Velasco’s purpose lies in music. “I could never see my life any other way.”