Five years ago Katie Jane Gowdy sat down at a piano for the first time, touched the keys and let instinct take over. Now, the 24-year-old single mother and alternative pop artist has written and recorded over 25 songs, and signed with independent record label, Pocket Records.

Gowdy, who goes by Katie Jane, will perform at noon today in the Redwood Room, located in the University Union.

“It’s hard to balance being a mother, having a full-time job and still find time to create and perform my music, but it just goes to show how far you can go if you follow your passion,” Gowdy said.

As a child growing up on a farm in Winters, Calif., Gowdy had an interest in music, participating in choir and singing the National Anthem at different events. Katie Jane received good grades and was expected by her family and friends to continue her education at the university level.

When Gowdy became pregnant in 2001 at 19, her future was no longer mapped out, but she was thrilled at the thought of creating life and becoming a mother. Not so thrilled about the young expectant mother were her parents, who feared for their daughter’s future.

Gowdy used their doubts and disappointment as a driving force to follow her passion and prove to her family that although formal education is important, there is no better education than experiencing real life, she said.

When it comes to identifying herself, Gowdy puts being a mother above everything else and then follows her other passions as singer, songwriter, and pianist.

“I love being a mother and am so grateful for the experience,” Gowdy said. “My daughter is my muse and is reflected in every one of my songs.”

Her love for music is reflected in her songs.

“Her music is very organic, full of soul and very emotional, an intimate reflection of her life as a young mother and woman,” said Joe Menegus, founder of Pocket Records and Katie Jane’s music producer.

For a woman who does not understand music and relies strictly on instinct, Gowdy said she has found that creating music is an outlet to her imagination.

“Katie will be doing something such as cleaning the kitchen with the water running, and suddenly she’ll get a jingle in her head, sit down at the piano and within minutes have a song,” Menegus said. “The process is truly amazing.”

“I’ve always felt that imagination is more important than knowledge because I honestly don’t understand the keys I play, or the notes I sing; I just play what feels right,” Gowdy said.

Sac State English major Jill Sitcler has been a big fan of Gowdy’s ever since she came across her profile and music on Myspace.com a few months ago.

“I think her lack of knowledge has given her a unique sound and significantly sets her a part from any mainstream artist,” Sitcler said.

With her 4-year-old daughter Layla by her side, Gowdy spends a few days a week recording in the studio and trying to focus on creating a full length album. Her goal is to tour within the next year and continue following her passion as a mother and musician.

Admission to the solo performance is free and will last an hour. The audience can expect a coverage of 17 songs and a sound similar to Fionna Apple, and a little Jodi Mitchell.

Jessica Rojo can be reached at [email protected]