Kristen Chalk Interview first published online at SporkBinge, March 19, 2010.
Interview Excerpts:
Kristen Chalk is a vocalist, songwriter and acoustic guitarist. She began her musical career as a pianist, sometimes playing at a church in Big Sandy, Texas. Songwriting interest later led her to learn the guitar. While attending college in Nachogdoches, she was exposed to ‘Texas Country‘ music and writes some original lyrics for that genre. She sang and played her guitar in public for the first time in August 2009. Kristen believes that “Performing that night was the spark she needed to start a career in music.” … she can be found singing and strumming at various venues in Northeast Texas as a solo Texas Country artist.
More Kristen Chalk Interview Excerpts:
SPORKETTE: How hard was it to learn finger-picking, and why do you prefer that style rather than just playing rhythm?
KRISTEN CHALK: Finger-picking was no easy mountain to climb, but I admire several musicians that have that playing style and wanted to play like that myself. I remember sitting in my dorm room with my guitar in hand for six hours at a time practicing, trying to learn that style. It took about four months before I was decent at it.
Of course, when I started out playing, I was all about that style…but recently, like in my song ‘The Storm‘, I’ve been playing a lot more rhythm. I love both playing styles and incorporate them both in my music.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mImn8Tw0krE
SPORKETTE: Why are you enthralled with country music?
KRISTEN CHALK: My interest in country music began with George Strait; I would listen to his songs all day long. I love his style, lyrics and passion for music.
Years went by…I found Texas Country and fell even more in love with the music. Texas Country artists write and sing songs that are real and from the heart…songs that are full of passion and I can relate to.
It’s hard to put it into words, but I think Chris Cagle says it best with his song ‘My Life’s Been a Country Song.’ Sometimes I feel like my life is nothing but country song.
SPORKETTE: In your opinion, what is your best song and why do you think so?
KRISTEN CHALK: I’d say it’s a tie between ‘Time‘ and ‘Fly Away’.
‘Time‘ is one of those songs that makes you want to get up, grab a partner and dance the night away. Every time I play that song, the heads in the crowd start to rockin’. It’s a song you can really get into.
As for ‘Fly Away‘, it’s a sweet love song that anyone who has been in love can relate to. It’s also a great song to dance to, but the lyrics are what make this song; it’s heartwarming and heartfelt.
SPORKETTE: Your custom guitar strap has a cross and your last name on it, so why the cross?
KRISTEN CHALK: It has a pretty deep meaning to me, but basically music is a gift that God blessed me with. Since I’m blessed with this gift, I feel like it’s something I should never give up on. The cross is a reminder that no matter how good or bad life is going, I should always be grateful for my blessings, such as my music.
SPORKETTE: Why do you think your voice, style and personality set you apart from other Texas Country artists?
KRISTEN CHALK: I feel that my voice and sound of my music is unique, as I said before. It’s a soulful country sound. My writing and playing style is also different; my songs have a certain feel to them that sets it apart from others.
As for my personality, I’m just a crazy small town kid with a love for country music.
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KRISTEN CHALK
Solo Texas Country Artist
Listen to More Soundtracks at Kristen’s Artist Page.
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