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When it comes to the industry, we know females are running it. That is why we had to catch an exclusive interview with KrissyK!
Tell me in a few words, who you are. How would you describe
yourself in a short story.
- I’m Krissyk, the Midwest Rockstar! I’ve considered myself to
be a real street runner. Street runners are hustlers,
innovators, and humble beings, because they know what it’s
like to work your way from the ground up. Born and raised in
Gary,IN and I’ve made Indiana my home, but now, it’s time
to expand.
What’s your stage name and how did you come up with it?
- Krissyk was just a given to be honest. Everyone calls me
Kris or Krissy and I just added my initial at the end.
What got you into music?
- I’ve always been into music since I was a kid. My mother
could sing opera and I went to a performing arts school,
where I majored in Vocal as a 1 st Alto/2 nd soprano. Once I
moved to Indianapolis, music slowed down, but old friends
of mine started hanging out with some local artist and we
became close. Some of them used to suck, so I’d make
jokes about rapping better and one day they put me to the
test. My good friend inspired me to get into music after I’d
seen how much work and dedication being underground
took. I grew a different feeling for music after that.
What was life like growing up?
- Life was beautiful to be honest. I mean, sure we didn’t have
the biggest house or the latest fashion, but I had family that
loved me for me. I was raised with a lot of men and usually
hung around guys at school, so I was a little rough around
the edges.
Who is your inspiration? What keeps you going to get up daily
and put effort into your music career?
- Honestly, numbers keep me motivated because numbers
don’t lie. I’m my own inspiration and motivation. Losing
family and friends at the same time will make you a loner. At
first, I was so wrapped up in wanting approval, but once I
started finding my sound and what makes me happy, I was
able to release music raw and uncut. I keep going because I
know I’m gone be the greatest, with all the odds against me.
I do have days where I’m emotionally unstable and get
writers block or don’t want to promote. Then I see my
numbers rising and I remember that I’m almost there.
What is your creative process like? What is the meaning
behind?
your current single?
- I think it depends on my emotions, but my notes are
everything. When I’m feeling good, I can write acapella and
then I find a beat and rap my verse over the beat until I find
the right one. Sometimes, I just take a week listening to
beats and when I’m traveling, I can hear a beat constantly
playing in my head and that’s how I know that’s the one. My
current single, “Rolling Doobie’s” originally was called
“Raising Doobie” since I wanted to create a song dedicated
to my childhood self. Doobie is my family nickname, so I
wanted to be creative and came up with a good title. Child
Kris was unapologetically her and raw, so I had to rock out
with a single.
What is the name of the current single/ep/album that you
are pushing? Do you prefer people to buy it or stream? And
why?
- I’m pushing my album, “Rolling Doobie’s” right now with a
few singles from my last album, “Street Runner Chronicles”.
To be honest, I could care less if they streamed or brought
the album, as long as they’re listening and spreading the
word.
With the industry changing so much, would you stay indie or
sign to a label? Why and why not?
- I think I would stay indie if I knew that I was able to do
everything on my own and create the same effect as a label
does when they are behind a artist. Being signed is scary, so
I think that’s something that I’d have to decide based on the
terms.
Do you feel like the music industry has went down since the
pandemic? Why or why not? Where you affected by the
pandemic with music or everyday life?
- I believe the industry has gone up since the pandemic and
people started having more time to learn and perfect their
craft or make it profitable. I was more affected with everyday
life versus music.
If you were given a chance to sit down and have a business
dinner with a celebrity, who would it be and why?
- I’d choose Jermaine Cole, because his work from his later
days reminds me of myself in today’s time. Cole is a humble
beast and he’s real and authentic and I believe he could
drop some game on me, seeing how he is still underrated.
How do you balance everyday life tied into your music career?
- To be honest, there is no balance and I need to work on time
management and sleep. I work two jobs and graduate from
college next year, so music fits in when it can!
Tell me about your most memorable moment in your career?
- I want to say receiving my first rap check was something I’ll
never forget. It was only $50, but it made me realize people
were listening and that I was doing something right.
What style of music do you prefer to make? Would you
ever try a different lane?
- I prefer HipHop/Rap music, but I love all music and want to
dive in every lane that deals with music because I consider
myself to be versatile.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
- Jermaine Cole
Is there anyone who you would collab with right now?
- I love London B style and J.Cole of course!
Who is the producer and engineer behind your music?
- I mainly use Icon from CityDump Records and he gets me
together eveytime!I’ve worked with Geechie and a few
producers like Switzonthebeat recently.
What are you currently working on and what is next for you?
- Right now, I’M working on promotion and networking, but I
do have some singles coming out, 1 on the block
performance in ATL, a video for Mardi Gras in NOLA, and
another album come May.
When it comes to fashion, whats your dressing style ?
- I like to be comfortable, but sometimes I like to be edgy and
I haven’t quite figured out my style. I think growing up
around adults and wearing turtlenecks in the summer
messed me up for life.
What is your creative process like and who inspired you to
make music?
- Beat, write, and lay it downnnnnn. I’ve always loved music
and started running out of songs, so decided so add to the
collection.
If you could open up for one celebrity who would it be and why?
- Right now, I’d open up for J.Cole or SexxyRedd because
they are the most uncut and rawest artist out to me. I’m all
about being authentic and they scream it.
Any funny stories or an embarrassing moments you want to
share with our readers?
- One day I was in the 7 th grade and was dancing hard, being
goofy, and my drawstring puffball ponytail fell right off my
head onto the ground.
What would you be doing right now if it wasn’t for your music
career?
- I’ve also gotten back into acting and college would be my
priority if it wasn’t for music.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
- They are either with you or against you or in your way! You
are going to run into a lot of people who can be bad or
malicious in the industry, so don’t let it discourage you or
stop you. Remember your worst song is somebody’s
favorite.
Follow and stream KrissyK on all platforms!