Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(by Wolfy Becker)

Kristal: This native Detroiter is appointed and anointed to sing, and write music that touches the soul of man (Photo: LivinginPeru.com)

LIP: Your music has all sorts of influences; R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, but lyric-wise you are mostly walking down the path of the gospel. What influence does your faith have, not just as expressed in our songs, but on your daily life?

K.: I live or have lived already what I write. My music is simply an expression of who I am, in some cases where I am on my way to. I pray that my music would put a permanent impression on the world: An eternal mark that lasts whether they choose to follow the truth or not. They would at least know what truth is.

My music, and my life are both tools to teach truth. I love giving my experience if it will prevent pain for someone else. It’s sacrifice.

LIP: When I first heard your music, your voice reminded me a little of Erykah Badu, India Arie and Oleta Adams. Is this an accurate, favorable comparison in your opinion?

K.: Not sure about that, but I realize that until the world knows Kristal as they recognize these other artists that you’ve compared me to, I will always be compared to someone.
When my name stands on it’s own, people will be using me as a tool of comparison for other up and coming artists. It’s the human thing to do. LOL

LIP: You were born and raised in Detroit and now live in Pennsylvania. What was your childhood like in the Motor City and what attracted you to Penn State?

K.: Yes, born and raised in the Motor city. I came from a musical background so I’ve been singing since the age of 3, doing concerts and afternoon services at churches. I grew up teaching and directing choirs since the age of 12. All ages I’ve sung with a host of well known Gospel artists as well and traveled extensively.
When I matured and realized that many had only been using me my whole life and had no intent of helping me be who I am supposed to be, I walked away and did what I was called to do.

I am here in Pennsylvania because I was called to be here. I am setting up my east coast tour first, and then we will go Midwest and South from there. It’s a lot closer to the major cities on the east coast from Penn State.

LIP: You just released your first CD a few months ago, called “No more broken vessels”. It must have been a long way and required a lot of patience to finally get that record deal. How many of your vessels were broken before you got where you are now?

K.: My first CD is actually a few years old now, and yes it required a lot of patience and effort. I am an independent artist. My husband and I own the record company and the studio. It didn’t take long, 6 months from the beginning to the end. It was recorded in a hallway at our place in Detroit, before we built our second studio. My husband is awesome… No one ever believes when we tell him or her that we did that CD while being at our lowest. We were both flat busted, and a couple heard me sing and wanted to invest in me. They gave us $125 per week, and that’s what we lived off of, built a studio with our own hands and did our first CD.

Anything is possible. When you want to do it, you just get it done. It’s called seeing the bigger picture; making it your focus instead of what’s facing you. Nothing with any worth just happens. When it’s of value, you protect it, you see it through. No matter who disapproves, even if your life depends on it.

We were faced again with a similar situation when we moved to Penn State. We were homeless for 15 days, due to a deal that went bad on some property, but we didn’t pack up and leave town. We stayed here until we got a victory. We were sent here to change lives, and we helped so many people daily, even while we were homeless: we knew there was no turning back. Now it’s time for the next phase.

LIP: Have you ever been to Latin America? I heard you have a special interest in the southern part of the American continent and especially in Peru. Why?

K.: I have never been there, but I dream of it… I love the food and the culture. The people are unique. I have major Latin American musical overtones in my music. It’s like it’s in my bones. Almost like I have some heritage there, I wonder?

LIP: Are you planning on performing on stage in Peru in the near future?

K.: Yes, I definitely have plans to perform in Peru in the future. I am looking forward to coming there and touching the people.

LIP: Besides making music, what are your hobbies?

K.: Dancing, acting, writing, art, designing and I love to cook with my husband.

LIP: You like sports?
I like sports. As a matter of fact in my younger years I would have been considered a tomboy. Playing football in the streets with the boys. I pretty much like all sports. I would like to get into tennis and golf.

LIP: I know this question is sometimes considered as a “toughie”, but how would you describe yourself as a person?

K.: I don’t think that’s a tough question at all. I am outgoing, touchable, and down to earth. I love people. The stage is my platform to talk to people whether I am acting, doing comedy, singing, dancing or teaching. I live life like tomorrow will never come. I want all the decisions of today to benefit mine and others future positively. I love my husband truly, and my children. I want to raise a seed that knows truth and carries on the legacy of truth.

LIP: Who is your favorite music artist? Anyone you could listen to all day long and never get tired?

K.: I love Michael Jackson. Always have and always will. As an artist, he has my utmost respect. Gladys Knight, Josh Groban, Classical Music of many kinds. I think Brandy is totally awesome.

LIP: Have you ever played the air guitar in front of a mirror?

K.: I have played more than the air guitar. I have played a real one. Although I have been a little lazy in the past on my instruments, I am putting myself out there now. Making myself accountable to my gifts by telling you that I play the guitar, piano, and have played clarinet and flute.

LIP: What’s the outlook? What’s on tap? Any new projects on the hot stove?

K.: My new project, "Anti-Religion", will be released in 2007. I am working on a couple of other secret weapons though ….

LIP: Thank you so much, Kristal. Best wishes for a successful career as a musician and life in general. We certainly hope you will keep us Peruvians and expatriates in the loop and you will let us know when we can welcome you to Incaland.

K.: Thank you. I am thankful for your introduction and I hope that many become fans of truth. I will definitely keep you in the loop. You can welcome me whenever you’re ready. I’ll accept.



>>> Listen to her CD "No more broken vessels" here! >>>

You can also check out her website, which is still being developed. But her blog is now up and running.

>>> click here for www.simplykristal.org>>>

(You are listening to Kristal's song "Living without you")


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