Let me tell you a little about myself in my own words.
I am a small town girl with a big voice and dreams so big that people around here think I'm silly for dreaming them.
I grew up in a musically talented family in a rural central Ohio. I remember listening to my mom and dad's cover band practice from the comfort of my grandma's lap. I'd sing along and when put on the spot I'd freak out and hide under a blanket with the microphone and sing with the band.
I even remember a time that I sat in as drummer while my father needed a quick break. He snuck me back there in the middle of the song and no one even knew he'd left for a mintue till the song was over and they turned around. Surprise! There I was! I must've been no more than four years old.
I enjoy performing live. Goofing around and just being me. I tend to bring a lot of joy to the stage with me. Anyone from high school remember voting me the "Happy Award....most likely to be smiling"??? Ha Ha! I don't believe being a self-serving diva type makes anyone very comfortable (including me) that's not me at all. I like campfires and guitars, comfortable surroundings, and good friends. I want to sound as authentic and real on my cd projects as I would sitting in your living room. Have you ever been to a concert and thought, man they do NOT sound like that on the cd I have in the car? Don't you feel disapointed? I wouldn't want my fans to say that about me!
I sing all types of music from country, rock, gospel and r&b, and that's why it's been a journey to find what is my signature style that sets me apart from the rest. I believe that style is a mixture of spunk, soul, and fire from the pit of my being...All spilled out in a power voice that's been compared to the likes of Martina McBride and Celine Dion.
I'm very careful about lyrics. I'm a lyrics freak! If I can't peform it for a three year old and feel comfortable, I'm not singing it. In public anyway...ha ha. I think my faith has a very big part in that. I'm not ashamed to say that Jesus is my Lord! I love to do ministry events and serve people with music. I believe music bypasses your brain and goes right to your heart and can help heal the deepest pain.
Country music is wonderful for telling stories that relate to real life. It's like having a totally free therapist on hand 24/7. Have you ever heard a song and thought, OMG that's exactly what I've been feeling and could never put words to? Sometimes all you need is to say it out loud and everything feels okay again.
I have a country album releasing soon. A songwriter named Steve Harris wrote quite a few songs that he wanted to leave as a legacy. So, to the studio we went. The album contains a variety of styles from jazz, bluegrass, pop ballads, country rock, and even doo-wop...but all linked together by the country stylings of Ms. Steff Mahan and Mrs. Nancy Gardner, producers and engineers of the project. Along with all the talented musicians who worked with us on this record.
I've recorded with grammy nominated musicians that play every day with the likes of Toto, Reba, the Gaithers, Rodney Atkins, Tricia Yearwood, and more.
Some industry professionals have been impressed with me as well. It's a humbling and exciting experience to hear wonderful things being said about you by the best in the business.
Brett Manning, judge on the new hit show by CMT "Can You Duet",and the vocal coach to greats like Keith Urban, , heard my song "Notion" and said.."Dang...you are burning it up! Good singing!" And after hearing a preliminary rendition of the song "Night Time" commented, "Your tone is incredibly pleasing. You totally blew me away!"
Tom Jackson , performance coach to stars like Taylor Swift said "Great voice, great person, and wow, what a story! I expect great things from her"
Amy Wolter, performance coach and live music producer for Tom Jackson Productions said, "Meeting and working with Kristy...was a real joy. She's an amazing person with real talent, and has the kind of voice that sounds great no matter what style she's singing. I'll definately be buying any future projects!"
Steff Mahan, former staff writer at Encore Entertainment and nationally touring artist on Lounge Hound Records said, "I have seldom worked with a young talent and have them be able to deliver a song the way she does...plus she does it with a smile...how rare is that in this world of divas?"