About to Pop: Krista
Posted Wednesday 09 September 01:45 PM By: Nadine Cheung
Who: KristaAlbum: 'Taking Back Brooklyn'
Video: 'Temporary Insanity'
Hails From: Sunset Park, NY
For Fans Of:
Alanis Morrissette and
ParamoreWhy She's About to Pop: Krista was raised by her grandmother and father in a low-income neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. As a young girl, she would express herself through writing in her journals, but when she discovered music, those words turned into songs. At age 16, Krista dropped out of high school to pursue her dream of becoming a performer. Her hard work paid off when the singer was signed to J Records, who will release her debut album, 'Taking Back Brooklyn,' on September 15. The 21-year-old rocker's debut single 'Temporary Insanity' has helped the New York native build a loyal fanbase, and since her signing, Krista has toured with
Kelly Clarkson and
Shwayze, and performed at the X-Games, the Bamboozle Festival and Lollapalooza.
Watch the 'Temporary Insanity' Video
Six Questions With Krista:
How did growing up in Sunset Park, Brooklyn inspire your song writing?
Growing up in Brooklyn, I would say, made me grow up faster than the average kid. The pace of living in a city is definitely faster than most places. My neighborhood was diverse and I was exposed to a lot of crazy things at an early age. I feel a lot of those experiences influenced and inspired the topics I choose to write about today.
When did you realize that music was what you wanted to do with your life?
I would say I realized music was what I wanted to do with my life the moment I first started singing as a little girl. There is this sense of release and peace I feel when I sing.
You've said that when you were younger, you'd lock yourself in the bathroom and write songs from the tub. Where's your favorite place to write songs now? I don't think I have a specific place these days. I find a lot of inspiration whenever I get the chance to sit down and stare at the ocean. Being on the road is another awesome place for writing, but I really just enjoy anytime I get to be alone. Its when I'm alone that I feel like I can say anything I want.
Who have been your biggest musical influences? Vocally I'm inspired by artists such as
Stevie Wonder,
Bono,
Mariah Carey,
Robert Plant,
Keith Caputo,
Alicia Keys but mostly I'm inspired by anyone who has gone through the struggle and persevered.
What song means the most to you from the album 'Taking Back Brooklyn'? All of my songs mean a lot to me, but if I had to pick a song that means the most to me off of this record, I would say it would have to be 'Please Don't Go.' Its a song I wrote basically recapping some of the stuff I went through during my mother and father's separation.
What was it like opening for Kelly Clarkson on tour?I had a blast. It was such an eye opening experience. Kelly is an amazingly sweet, down-to-earth, fun girl. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to rock stages with her. Every night was better than the last. She's such an amazing vocalist that she constantly inspired me to be better. Can't wait to share a stage with her again!
