Katie Henry’s latest single, “Love Like Kerosene,” from her album Get Goin’, is a blazing testament to her extraordinary talent and fiery spirit. The New Jersey songwriter, whose journey began with banging on doors and braving New York’s blues clubs, has evolved into a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist racing through career milestones at rocket speed.
With “Love Like Kerosene,” Katie delivers a performance that is part Stevie Ray Vaughan, part Bonnie Raitt. Her blues guitar playing ignites the track, each note dripping with raw energy and emotion. It’s no surprise that she’s often compared to these legends—her guitar work on this song alone cements her place among the greats.
Katie’s ascent in the blues world has been nothing short of meteoric. From her Blues Blast and IBMA-nominated 2018 debut album High Road to her international breakout on Ruf’s 2022 Blues Caravan Revue, she has captured the attention of critics and fans alike. Her starburst of media acclaim includes endorsements from Henry Yates of Classic Rock, NME, and The Guardian, who hailed her as “a runaway talent you need to keep up with.”
The song “Love Like Kerosene” encapsulates the intensity and depth that Katie brings to her music. Co-written with bassist and slide-guitar maestro Antar Goodwin, this track showcases her ability to transform American roots into contemporary gemstones. Her trusty Gibson SG is more than just an instrument; it’s an extension of her soul, producing riffs that are both scorching and soulful.
The lyrical content of “Love Like Kerosene” is just as compelling as the instrumentation. Reflecting on her personal battles and triumphs, Katie’s voice is both smooth and harsh, embodying the complexity of her journey. She sings with a conviction that feels lived-in and authentic, evoking the emotional depth of blues greats while maintaining her unique modern edge.
Katie’s journey began in New Jersey, where she first tinkered with piano chords at age six and later became the heart of singalongs at her family home. Her fiery guitar chops and natural charisma quickly made her a favorite in New York City’s jam scene, with performances that spanned genres from blues to rock, R&B, funk, pop, soul, and country. Her stage presence, often likened to Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, is magnetic and unforgettable.
Recorded live during the pandemic at Brooklyn’s Degraw Sound, Get Goin’ captures the essence of Katie’s live performances, full of spontaneity and raw power. The lineup, featuring Ben Rice, Antar Goodwin, Kurt Thum, Greg Wieczorek, and British harp ace Giles Robson, laid down tracks that feel like capturing lightning in a bottle.
“Love Like Kerosene” is a standout track on an album that marks a significant milestone in Katie’s career. Her guitar chops are as nasty as they come, and her voice, reminiscent of good whiskey, is both smooth and harsh. Katie Henry is a force to be reckoned with, and “Love Like Kerosene” is a blazing affirmation of her place in the contemporary blues-rock landscape.