Biography

After a decade of fronting popular Alt-Country duo, Truckstop Honeymoon, Katie West has formed the powerful and groovy five piece band, 40 Watt Dreams. Katie plays guitar or banjo and sings gritty songs that range from dark hillbilly blues to irresistible pop, telling stories from dead-end housing tracts and the open road, stories of love, loss, flood and drought.

The latest album, After the Show, features Manchester born Danny McGaw on electric guitar, Mike West on banjo, Paul Schmidt on bass and Colin Mahoney on drums. Together they create a distinctive sound combining rock’n’roll, bluegrass banjo and powerful vocal harmonies.The album was produced by Mike West at The 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor, Lawrence KS.

Katie West began her career in New Orleans, where she played wash tub bass and piano in the streets and clubs of the French Quarter. In 2003 she formed Truckstop Honeymoon with husband and partner, Mike West. Together they continue to tour in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US. A seasoned studio musician, Katie also records with numerous artists produced at The 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor.