Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirstie Kraus.
Hi Kirstie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started singing at age two! My first solo was when I was five in school and shortly after, my music teacher spoke to my mom about how I was born to do this and she explained how a lot of people can sing but I had the extra spark when I performed.
I started in community theater at age six, began piano lessons and dance classes at age seven, started writing full songs with a mentor at age 12, released my record at age 12 called “Sweet Music.” At age 15, I picked up the guitar, joined my local NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) chapter, and started making trips to Nashville to perform and co-write! Since then, I have written hundreds of songs for myself as an artists and for other artists!
I have over 500 shows and 12+ years of band experience under my belt. I have been in 4 bands that performed all around the Midwest area. I was 11 first time I visited Nashville and finally made the move in October of 2017. Since being in Nashville, I have toured Nationally for the past three years!
My anniversary of being full-time with music is April 14th, 2016! So right around the corner. The Yes You Can singles have been added to the top Ten Next Women of Country Playlist on Spotify, her single Gotta Do went #1 on She Wolf Radio. I am currently releasing singles from my debut full length record entitled “Yes You Can” and dropping the record in August of 2021!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never! I think anyone going after your dreams and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone everyday is going to have struggles. I personally had nodules that developed on my vocal cords when I was 17 and it was so bad I had to be on voice rest for at least three months. I had to explain to all my teachers I wasn’t able to participate for a while in class, choir or show choir. It was a really hard time and took me a while to get my voice back into a place where it was healthy again.
Around that same time I also had my tonsils taken out because it got to a point where it was very challenging for me to sing and run. As I got sicker I had taught myself to sing around it and strain muscles to make the same sounds I was used to. Once my tonsils were out I realized what I was doing to my throat to make the sounds was very damaging so I went to a voice teacher to specifically help me re-learn how to sing in a healthy way again.
What do you do?
I am a Country Recording Artists and Songwriter that always pushes the envelope and follows what the song wants to be. I am also a Host, Model and Actress.
What do you specialize in?
Acoustic and full band performances, customary songs, songwriting, on camera hosting and interviewing.
What are you known for?
My charismatic stage performance and unique songwriting abilities.
What are you most proud of?
Most proud of the connection I have with my loyal fans what we call Kirstie’s Thirsties.
What sets you apart from others?
My charismatic stage performance and unique songwriting abilities.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I less believe in the idea of luck as I do manifestation. I think it is lucky when you over schedule your day and somehow it all works out!! HAHA that happens to me often. I think it was lucky I got introduced to my manager by playing a show last minute where a friend of his just happened to be downtown on the hunt for live music.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@KirstieKraus.com
- Website: https://www.kirstiekraus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstiekraus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstiekrausmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirstiekraus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KirstieKrausMusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/KirstieKraus
Image Credits
Justin Hammond @JustinHammondPhoto https://www.justinhammondphoto.com
