Krystal Brown is a singer/songwriter who creates indie-pop music. She is influenced by Depeche Mode, Solange Knowles and Fiona Apple. She has been writing songs since she was 15 years old and released a mix-tape entitled “Stripped” last year. She is currently completing her latest album “Lady Sisyphus”.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I have always liked music. I grew up listening to it. My mother loved Motown and the Oldies. When I hit my pre-teen years, I started getting into and liking dance music like La Bouche, Depeche Mode, Le Click, Amber etc. Music is a rewarding career because your feelings are condensed into a medium that people around the world can hear, share, enjoy and even relate to. It is an awesome feeling. I have definitely been influenced by Depeche Mode. I love their type of music and deep lyrics. I have also been influenced by Destiny’s Child. They worked hard for year and years before they “made it” and are still working hard and grinding today even though the members have gone into other projects. They have worked hard since they were just little kids. I respect that. That’s a good work ethic.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?
If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians? I would say that I am a cross between Solange and Colbie Caillat. I just try to make music with meaning. We have enough songs out about butts and sex and it gets old. I try to bring something fresh to the table. I talk about everything from eating disorders to toxic relatives in my music.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
I think growing up very poor and without a father who cared was quite difficult. At an early age, you become aware that you are not like other kids and it puts a chasm between you and them that can be difficult to cross. In addition to that, I was quite overweight as a child and teenager and kids are ruthlessly cruel. I was teased and bullied a lot. Professionally, the most difficult thing is getting people to give your music a chance and buy. The market is so saturated now.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I think about the subject I want to talk about. I write notes down on index cards. Each card is labeled something like “verse 1”, “chorus”, “verse 2”, “bridge” etc. I write each of the elements separately. Then, I put the card in an order that sounds good to me. And then, I have my song. It is a very organized process. I do a rough vocal and send it to my producer. We get the backing track and then hit the real studio!
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
It is sad that there are so many people with good music and good things to say that get lost in the shuffle. I plan on promoting hard. No one will care as much about your music as you do. I promote myself daily. Yes, we like doing music as musicians. But the music business is just that….a business first and foremost.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
I would rather stay independent. I want creative control over my work. And like I said earlier, no faceless corporation will care more about your craft than you do. The traditional music industry is dead as a door nail. Even established artists that I grew up with like Brandy (I love her raspy tone by the way) are not selling and moving records like they used to. The industry has totally changed. CDs are dead. No one is paying $10 for your CD anymore. And record labels are not putting money into building their artists like they used to. I heard that Motown had almost like a finishing school for artists. Their clothing and makeup were carefully selected and they were taught how to “interview” properly. Record labels today are not putting money into building a talented person into a total package anymore.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
It has made it easier and cheaper for musicians to market themselves and that’s great. Like I said, no one will care more about your craft than you do. The internet makes it easier and cheaper to promote yourself and indie artists really need to take advantage of that.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
No, I don’t think a new artist can survive if they’re not social media savvy. Even McDonald’s is on social media. and they’ve certainly been around before any of these indie artists were even born. People need to get with the program and stop being dinosaurs. Use every tool at your disposal…especially free ones!
9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I don’t see it as being a sell out. You do what you have to do in order to not starve to death. I don’t think that is selling out. Like I said, I’d rather stay independent and that will keep me free enough to pursue music the way I want. But, I certainly don’t blame an artist for “selling out”. People have to eat you know!
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself as selling enough music to have a comfortable life and the freedom to have a private and peaceful home.
Follow Krystal Brown
Bandcamp:https://krystal3.band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/krystal_mu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krys
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Krys
My Official Website: https://krystalmuzik.weebly.co