After a more than 25-year hiatus, Kristi decided to pick up the guitar again in 2020. She was inspired by another artist to get back to her first love, music. Songwriting, singing, and recording is her life and her passion. he has been writing constantly and working with some amazing musicians/friends. She is very excited to be on this new path, one that brings her back to herself.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in the arts?
Thanks so much for having me. My story is really the usual story. I grew up in a rather musical family. My father had an amazing baritone voice and sang in church. I would sing next to him in the congregation. My sisters loved to sing and play piano and my brother was an accomplished musician. He had his own Christian band where he played guitar, wrote songs, and sang. He was a true inspiration for me. I now have his guitars on my wall, displayed (and played) with love. I took chorus in high school which led to finding a vocal coach. With her, I learned classical and opera and sang in multiple arts festivals. I started taking guitar lessons when I started college, worked in a music store, worked for an entertainment newspaper, put together music festivals, and more. I basically embedded myself in the music scene at home. Then, life happened. When 2020 happened, I found myself with a lot more time on my hands and I started watching a lot of YouTube where I was inspired to pick up the guitar again and start over.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
My early influences were mostly country singers and musicians. My father had to listen to the country radio station every morning before school and work. A lot of that music has stuck with me. Then came the 80s and glam rock. It won me over. I love all music, all types. I was, and still am, a huge fan of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Heart, Pretenders, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Raitt, and more. More recently I have found inspiration from bands like Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Cardinal Black, and musicians like Myles Kennedy, Todd Kerns, and Clint Lowery. They keep me going and constantly writing.
Which three traits define you?
I’m pretty stubborn, I guess. I don’t give up easily. I’m also very willing to compromise when it comes to collaborating; really when it comes to anything. I also like to think of myself as creative. When I’m not writing songs, I can immerse myself in painting, making jewelry, and creating delicious healthy meals.
Please tell us about your latest projects
I have a single called Scorched Earth. It was co-written with Elise Testone and produced by Tavis Stanley who also played all instruments. Check out my newest single, Better Late Than Never, recorded in January of this year in Nashville. More singles coming soon. You can listen to the song on Spotify or check out the video on YouTube!
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I recently did some recording in a studio in Franklin, TN, right outside of Nashville. Those songs and EP will be released later in the summer. I’m still writing also, so I’m certain more will be on the way.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
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