Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirschen Wolford.
Hi Kirschen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Kirschen ‘TeX’ Wolford and I’m a multi-hyphenated artist. I was born and raised in Dallas and attended Booker T. Washington HSPVA. From there, I graduated and went to a college in Philadelphia called the University of the Arts. I believe wholeheartedly this is when my entire artistry shifted for me. Before I moved, I was a one-dimensional artist. I loved acting and I dabbled in music from growing up in church. But when I got to Philadelphia, it was a complete culture shock. It allowed me to view Texas from an outer perspective gaining a newfound respect for my hometown. Not only did it expand my gifts, but I began to use my artistry to teach children. It was difficult for me to make that transition, but once I did, I became a more dynamic artist. When I moved back home in 2016, I took a break for three years. After coming out of that hiatus, I released a project called Trauma Tapes EP and it opened so many doors for me. To all the kids with a dream, anything is possible!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The challenges and obstacles along my journey have made me grow into a more purposeful artist. In 2016, I lost my younger sister to kidney failure and that was an extremely difficult obstacle to overcome. By the grace of God, I was able to learn how to live in this new reality without her. This is also when I begin to speak with more intention in my art. It made me more disciplined and focused. That experience taught me so much that it helped me understand resilience. She is the sole reason why I exercise my musical gifts. My sister always wanted to be a songstress and I intend on keeping her legacy alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work consists of blending two genres to create an inclusive experience for all ages. Currently, I specialize in live music performances as well as teaching songwriting workshops. The performances have electric guitar, bass, and drums. As the lead vocalist, I sing and rap original music that has theatrical elements all throughout. More than often, I’m accompanied by another vocalist, Jazz Aunry, who adds a more country flare that always catches the audience off guard. When it comes to the workshops, I create an environment for children to have the opportunity to explore live instrumentation. When I lived in Philadelphia, this is something that I would host at a space called The Village of Arts and Humanities and I saw firsthand the effect it had on the community. I desperately wanted to bring the work back home and now I have the privilege of doing so. A few things that I am proud of that happened here recently are the Community Artist Program (CAP) and the TACA grant. So, the CAP roster has allowed me to host shows throughout the city of Dallas funded by the office of arts and culture. It also allows me to teach songwriting workshops free of charge and free to the public. I can be booked at https://dallasculture.org/roster/. The TACA grant is something that was awarded to an organization that I’ll be working with where I’ll be scoring the music for an original children’s theatre play. What sets me apart from others is my ability to bring my authentic self to any space and when sharing my art, I’m unafraid to be vulnerable.
What matters most to you? Why?
The things that matter to me the most are God, Family, and the Work. All in that order. God is at the foundation of everything I do, the end. My family has supported me through thick and thin. We’ve had our moments, but they’re always a key part of my support system. And the work is something I value and cherish dearly. I love the process. I embrace it. I truly admire watching something come from an idea to blossoming to a full piece of art. I know for me, at times, I’ll try to rush the process to hurry and get a result. That’s when I always have to catch myself and slow down. The process forces me to pay attention to detail. It is priceless!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tex-three.bandcamp.com/music
- Instagram: @tex_thr33
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/rDq7tefa0XU
Image Credits
Johnathan Johnson
Trevon McWilliams
Renee Image
Hanna Le Image
Christopher ‘Sonny’ Martinez
