Kat Mills.

Blacksburg resident Kat Mills delivers folk-inspired original music and cover songs with an acoustic guitar. Her solo act is a regular presence in New River Valley venues. She chatted with Chris Winston, New River Current editor. Here's some of what they said:

People say Blacksburg’s music scene is dead. What do you say?

A: Kat Mills: I say it is what we make it.

But I also say, the expectations are way off.

Art is vital, not an afterthought. In order to keep it growing in the community, we must be willing to compensate artists for the time, energy and guts they put into it. And to respect it. It’s not as easy as it looks. Let’s all raise the standard.

That goes for music, theater, dance, visual art — all of it.

I think it’s tough for a town so centered around science and technology to place a high value on the arts. But it’s totally possible if we all do our part.

I’ve seen some outstanding shows in this town. I know the talent is there.

What CD is in your player right now?

KM: One of Peter Gabriel’s first solo albums: “Security.”

It’s the one with “Shock the Monkey.”

His drummer from those days [Jerry Marotta] plays on the new album I’m working on, so I’ve been listening to a lot of his stuff. He’s amazing.

What is the first album you ever bought with your own money?

KM: I’m pretty sure it was “A Night at the Opera” by Queen on LP.

But I was also buying a lot of 45s in those days. I still have a lot of my original 45s of songs like “Eye of the Tiger” and “Heat of the Moment.”

I have an older brother, so I started buying records early on.

Who is your favorite New River Valley band or artist?

KM: Nobody moves me like True Sound. Those guys have massive skills and a righteous message.

But the Jugbusters know their stuff. The new band Time Wave Zero can jam.

And Frank Dieter and Britt Mistele are tremendous singer/songwriters.

Have you ever heard of Hung Jury or Southern Heart?

KM: I have now.