Today, we sat down with our artist Krystal Brown for an interview. Here is what she had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I am from Chesapeake, Virginia originally. Things are a bit slower there. It is not like LA or New York. Maybe that is why I really don’t jump on trends. I make the music that I consider good music. I don’t worry about “is trap hot now?” or” is this hot?” or “is that hot?” Everything is hot to someone I suppose. I just make what I consider good. Being that the music scene is not really “happening” here, you really have to put yourself out there and promote, promote, promote. You just cannot rest on your laurels. This is not a town where people get a lot of big breaks. Things don’t happen by accident here. If you want to be great, an opportunity just doesn’t fall in your lap. You’ve got to really pursue it.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
I try not to copy anyone. We can only be ourselves….all other positions are taken, you know? That being said, I have always liked Depeche Mode. They make good moody electronic music. Their songwriter Martin Gore is just phenomenal. He has written songs that have dealt with almost every facet of the human experience. I do admire them and the fact that they’ve put out good music over a period of decades. They are not a flash in the pan. And they’ve overcome a lot and have not given up. They’ve dealt with cancer, alcoholism, drug problems etc., and have not given up. I also admire Solange Knowles a lot. Growing up in the shadow of Beyonce had to be a bit difficult and even when she grew up and released her own music, people still compare them. She just does her own thing regardless of what is trending and I admire that. She also have a very beautiful and soothing voice.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
To be honest, I probably would buy some land and open up an animal shelter/sanctuary. I am a major animal lover. Animals are my other passion besides music. I have a bearded dragon, a cat, a crested gecko and several different types of toads. I would also do a lot of music promotion, record another album and do some investing. I am not the type of person who likes to put all of her eggs in one basket.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
I would advise them to be yourself as everyone else is already taken! The most interesting musicians are the ones who don’t try to be the next Rihanna or the next Beyonce. Those positions are taken. Just be yourself and don’t worry about the trends. Also just persevere. It can be depressing to think that you are putting all of this time and effort into making music and that people aren’t listening. But you never know who you might influence or when that big break could come. And you want to be ready for it.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
I always use index cards to help me in songwriting. I will have one for the pre-chorus, one for the chorus, one for the first verse and so on. You can then put the cards in the right order and then you have your song together. And if you need to switch up the order, you can do that easily. I find it easier to write by hand than on a computer for some odd reason.
6. How does your family and close friends feel about your music career? Have they always been supportive or have there been issues in the past?
They’ve been supportive. But at the same time, sometimes people believe that you will not ever really “get there”. Which is understandable because a lot of people don’t make it and are unable to make a career out of their music. A lot of times people lose interest or stop paying attention because they think it is not going to happen for you and they want you to have a back up plan. So, you cannot take it personally. You have to believe in you and just continue to do your thing.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
Kelly Rowland. She has done everything from R&B (“Dirty Laundry”) to dance/EDM (“Commander”, “When Love Takes Over”) to rock (“Stole”). Her tastes are very eclectic and so are mine. She has also been in one of the biggest selling girl groups of all time, so I know she has some good tips on longevity in the industry.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
Jeff Buckley. I loved “the Last Goodbye” and his cover of “Hallelujah”. I think he was a very talented musician and songwriter. He also had a fantastic vocal range.
9. In your time with LiquidSound Records, what is the number one thing you have enjoyed the most? Also, what is your advice to those artists who would be interested in joining the roster in the future?
I have enjoyed the fact that someone is always checking in on me multiple times a week. A lot of times, people are not that attentive to their artists and you feel like people are really slacking on trying to help you in your career. At LiquidSound, they do really try to help you and personalize their program to fit your needs. My advice is to go for it and give it a shot. You could easily waste the same amount of money or more trying to “go at it alone” so you might as well give that money to someone who knows what he is really doing and has been there and done that with regards to pushing artist careers. Ryan Katz is really great and does try to help his artists!
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
I see myself selling albums and singles and doing very well. I will be financially stable and releasing the type of music I want to release….the type of music that is true to me. I want to have at least one platinum record or EP. I am speaking it into existence. Our thoughts create reality!