Kathryn Cloward’s new “Free to Be Me” single has an empowering message about embracing who you truly are and loving yourself. As both the writer and co-producer, Kathryn delivers a soaring pop-Americana anthem about liberation — freeing yourself from fear, judgment, and limitation to live authentically and love unconditionally. “Free to Be Me” exemplifies her gift for crafting melodies that stick, stories that resonate, and performances that leave audiences moved and inspired. With her signature blend of fearless authenticity, soulful vocals, and melodic storytelling, Kathryn captures the universal longing to live unapologetically and love unconditionally. Audiences who listen to “Free to Be Me” are reminded of their inner strength and are inspired to release what holds them back, reconnect with their true essence, and shine their light without hesitation. It’s more than just a song — it’s an invitation to honor your journey, trust your heart, and courageously be yourself.

Having already earned accolades for her previous works and established herself as a voice of empowerment and heart-centered truth, Kathryn Cloward’s Lighthouse era promises to be her most luminous chapter yet. With “Free to Be Me” leading the way, Kathryn reminds us all that the greatest freedom comes from being exactly who we are — and letting our own light shine.



We caught up with Kathryn about her new release, her journey in self discovery and more.

How did you get started in music? Did you grow up in a musical family?

I didn’t grow up in a musical family, but I was raised in a very active one. I was the youngest and the only girl with three older brothers, and while there were a lot of wonderful moments, I often felt unheard in the mix. Music and writing became my safe space. When I was alone in my room, my imagination came alive. I would write songs and little speeches for my dolls and stuffed animals and then perform for them as if they were my audience.

Writing was my way into music. From the very beginning, my dream was to be a songwriter and to one day release an album filled with songs I had written and sung myself.

Who were your favorite artists growing up?

I was always drawn to female-fronted bands and women artists. As a teenager, I spent hours watching CMT, and I’ll never forget the moment I noticed the songwriter credits on the screen. It hit me that the person singing wasn’t always the one who wrote the song, and that realization opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

I fell in love with the storytelling in late ‘80s and ‘90s country music. Songwriters like Gretchen Peters and artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter really inspired me. I also admired Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Lorrie Morgan, and Faith Hill. But Wynonna was my ultimate influence for years. She shaped me in such a big way. In fact, my very first guitar was a shiny black one, just like hers.

What inspires your music?

My songwriting is inspired by real-life moments. I can’t write what I haven’t felt or lived through, because it’s usually a feeling or memory that sparks a song for me. For many years, I carried the desire to write and play music quietly inside of me. By the time I finally gave myself permission to pursue it, I had already lived a lot of love and heartbreak, loss and grief, struggles and setbacks, and unspoken longings. Those experiences became the well from which I draw inspiration. When I started writing, the songs just poured out. My perspective reflects decades of living and learning. People connect with my music because the stories I tell mirror their own journeys.

How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard it before?

At its core, my music is rooted in Americana, with threads of folk, pop, and roots rock woven through it. I write songs on an acoustic guitar, so I love keeping those organic layers in the mix as much as I can, while also bringing in the full energy of a band—live drums, a steady bass line, and the kind of dynamics that make songs really come alive.

Lyrically, my songs are raw and honest, almost like pages from my personal journal. They touch on real experiences of love, resilience, joy, loss, and transformation. So while they’re deeply personal, the messages are universal. Listeners often tell me that the vulnerability in my music resonates with their own lives, and that’s the connection that unites us.

What does "Free to Be Me" mean to you? What inspired it?

I wrote “Free to Be Me” during a pivotal time of transformation when I was finally standing up for myself after years of imbalance and silence. It was my way of reclaiming my story, ensuring that my son knew me through my truth, not through others’ narratives. That clarity spread into every part of my life, and the song became an outward expression of years of inner change.

“Free to Be Me” reflects both the before and after, starting with the feelings of being caged and conditioned, then the liberation of finding my authentic voice. Writing and creating have always been where I feel most free, and this song captures that journey. At its heart, it’s about breaking out of boxes, trusting your path, and reconnecting with your inner voice. I hope that listeners feel seen, inspired, and empowered to embrace their own truth.

How would you describe your songwriting process?

For me, songwriting is very organic. I rarely sit down and decide to write a song. It usually starts with a lyric line and melody streaming into me while on a walk or in the shower, then I sit down and start writing the full song with my guitar to capture it before it slips away. Other times, it’s a feeling or experience that sparks the lyrics, and the music follows. When I am writing a song, it follows me around until it is done. Some songs are written in one session while others flow out over days.

I think of myself first as a storyteller, so the message is always at the heart of what I write. My songs are born from real experiences or the inner expression of my hopes for my life and the world. Then, I work with others to expand it sonically, layering in the instruments and energy that bring it fully to life. In many ways, songwriting has been both my healing process and my way of sharing hope and connection with others.


You've previously mentioned learning how to embrace and love yourself. What role does creating music play in that self-expression and acceptance?

Songwriting has been one of my greatest tools for healing and self-acceptance. In the early years, writing helped me process grief, release shame, and rediscover my voice. Now, it allows me to celebrate resilience, authenticity, and joy. Music is where I fully express who I am, and I hope that by sharing my songs, others feel inspired to embrace and love themselves too.

What are your ultimate goals for your career.
When I started, my dream was simply to create one album. I achieved that in 2015 and have since released 12 full-length albums across my Kathryn Cloward music and Kathryn the Grape children’s series. From the beginning, my goal has been to build a sustainable career from my own creative works, which is why I’ve always secured ownership of my songs, books, and media through my company, Kandon Unlimited. I’ve bootstrapped projects, taken risks, and bet on myself, and it’s paid off.

Now, my focus is on expansion and joyful fulfillment. I want my music to reach wider audiences, continue performing live in ways that feel aligned, and keep writing songs and stories for years to come. I love the process of bringing an idea to life and sharing it with others. With my son now in college and starting his adult journey, I feel excited about entering this next chapter of my own with fresh goals and possibilities.


Any final thoughts?

Recently, I met a young college student who dreamed of writing songs but felt discouraged by others. I encouraged her because dreams are meant to be pursued. The truth is, it takes belief, resilience, and consistent action to bring them to life. Uplifting one another while doing the hard work is how we turn dreams into reality.

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