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Indie Artist Kristi Jacque Picked Up Her Guitar After 25 Years and Found Herself Again Through Music

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Photo courtesy of Kristi Jacque

Alt-rock indie artist Kristi Jacques lived and breathed music in the early 1990s. She had embedded herself in the local Charleston, SC music scene running a local music store, writing for the local entertainment magazine, taking guitar lessons and singing occasionally. But later on, life got in the way, the negative voices in head would win, and she let her musical side slip away.

Kristi didn’t pick up a guitar again for over 25 years.

In 2020 she began watching YouTube videos of one particular artist and was really moved by his lyrics and melodies. It inspired her to clean up her late brother’s guitar, find a great guitar teacher, and co-writers. She had found herself again through music and on a new path.

Her debut album, “Mosaic”, was released in 2022. In early 2023 she covered the Eurythmics hit, “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This”. In March 2023, Kristi dropped her latest single, “Scorched Earth”, a track from her forthcoming second album, Working on a Dream.

The South Carolina based artist says she hopes she can translate her love and passion for music onto others.

I recently interviewed Kristi about her new single, picking up a guitar after 25 years, her cover of the Eurythmics’ hit song, running a music store, writing for a music magazine, finding herself though music again, her musical journey, and much more.

Congratulations, Kristi, on your latest single release, “Scorched Earth”.  What is the theme? What would you like for listeners to take away from it?

Thanks so much. The theme of the single is something I care deeply about, which is climate change. I know that it can be a tricky topic for some, but I just had to get it out. We just need to be aware of what is going on, learn more and make some small simple changes. Nothing will ever be solved if we ignore it and do nothing.

Tell us more about your second album, Working on a Dream, scheduled to be released on April 28th. What can we expect?

Well, the title track is being released on April 21st, but the album release date has been pushed to May 5th. This album has 6 original songs along with one cover. The originals are just a continuation. I write songs that are personal to me, from the heart.

You recorded an amazing cover of the Eurythmics 1983 breakout hit “Sweet Dreams are Made of This”. What inspired your rock version?

I’ve always loved the Eurythmics and particularly this song. I didn’t want to stray too far from the original song, just add a little twist to it, some heavier songs. I have my producer Tavis Stanley to thank for that.

In high school you took chorus and then vocal studies in classical and opera. Why did you study them? How has that training influenced your vocals today?  

Those studies really helped me develop and strengthen my voice and my sound. Of course, when you stop singing for a couple of decades, it’s pretty much like starting over again, but I know what to do.

Studying classical and opera really expanded my range back then as well.  


Your late brother was the musician in your family who played guitar, wrote songs, and sang in a Christian band, called Sweet Spirit. You mention he was also your idol. Explain how he influenced your musical journey. 

I used to practice on one of his guitars. I learned how to play one of his original songs, Emily, then too. I unfortunately don’t remember it and I can’t find a copy of it anywhere. When I do find it, I would like to relearn and perhaps record it in his honor. He was amazing and I miss him every day, especially when I look up on my wall and see his guitars. It’s like he’s there with me.

Many years ago you embedded yourself into the Charleston, NC music scene, including singing, taking guitar lessons at and running a local music store, as well as writing for a local entertainment magazine. Any favorite memories you could share about that time? How did you get the opportunity to write for the magazine? What artists and bands did you write about? 

That was a really fun time for me and happy memories. This is the store that all of the local musicians came to and many worked in. I made some lifelong friends there. We used to have guitar and drum clinics and I got to meet and get to know incredible musicians like Steve Morse, Dave LaRue, Van Romain, Rod Morganstein. I’m actually still friends with a couple of them all these years later.

The magazine was run by a good friend, and I wrote for him and did deliveries around town. I used to do album reviews. Once, I was given a demo tape (yes, a cassette tape lol) to listen to and review. It was Eric Bass’ (now in Shinedown) band. I don’t think I ever actually wrote a review for it at the time, but I found that cassette several years ago and gave it back to him. He was shocked to say the least, saying he was sure it was pure gold.

In 2020, you picked up a guitar again after not doing so for 25 years. That’s a very long time. You say you had let the musical side of yourself slip away. Why do you think that happened? Who was the artist and how did they inspire you to play again after “going down the YouTube rabbit hole”?

I let life get in the way and I let all of the negative voices in my head win. I had nothing to do in 2020 for awhile, so I started watching YouTube and listened to more of Myles Kennedy than I ever had. I had been listening to him with his band Alter Bridge and his work with Slash, but this was different. I watched him playing acoustic and singing. Most of his songs, lyrics and melodies really move me.

I remember thinking that “I used to be able to do that”. So I grabbed my brother’s Gibson off the wall, had it cleaned up and restrung, found a teacher and a co-writer. I haven’t looked back since.

In all honesty, he really changed my life then and that is a debt I don’t think I can every repay. I found myself again through music.

Explain how it felt to play guitar, write songs, and record again after getting back on a new path with a great guitar teacher and co-writers and “a stack of old lyrics”.  

This is the happiest I’ve ever been. This journey is one I never thought I would take, especially so much later in life than most. And, I am really “All In”.  Music is pretty much all I do now, and I tell people that it is the most expensive job/career I’ve ever had. But it is very fulfilling.

What does it mean to you personally to be an indie music woman artist?

I can do what I want, write what I want, and I don’t really follow any rules. It does mean I have to work a bit harder to get noticed, but all in due time.

How do you think women artists can be better supported in the indie music industry?

I wish I had a solid answer for that, because I think about it all of the time. There are really so many of us out there. The music industry has changed so much that it is hard to navigate. 

I think it would be wonderful to have more radio stations, magazines, and all media sources actually play more indie music and help promote.

What is your favorite guitar to play and why?    

Oh wow. Once I started back, I became a guitar addict. I currently own 9, including two of my brother’s. I love my Tremonti PRS and my Fender Telecaster, but my favorite electric guitar has to be my newest in the lineup. It is an Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic guitar. I saw it at Gibson Garage when I was in Nashville a couple of years ago. I didn’t take it home that day, but I then purchased it online as a reward to myself when my debut album was complete. My Martin Grand Performance acoustic, is however the guitar I play most often. I just love it.   

What is your favorite microphone for performing and/or recording and why?

Ha! I actually use the se Electronics Myles Kennedy signature V7 mic. I use it for all of my vocals. I love how crisp and clear it sounds.

I took it with me to Nashville the beginning of the year and the studio there is now planning on purchasing their own. It’s my go to.

What other projects do you have planned for this year?

Speaking of Nashville, I was there the end of January/first of February recording at Off The Row Studio in Franklin, TN. I worked with some truly incredible session players and recorded 4 songs for an upcoming EP. I should be releasing those singles starting in June. Other than that, I am just still writing, practicing, and learning new things. The fun really lies in this journey I’m on. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

 

Follow Kristi Jacque on Instagram @kristi_jacques and her Spotify Artist Page. 

For more information, go to www.kristijacquemusic.com

Kristi Jacques Drops New Single, “Scorched Earth”

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Kristi Jacques Drops New Single, “Scorched Earth”

 

(South Carolina) – Kristi Jacques, the rising alt-rock sensation, has released her new single, “Scorched Earth.” The song is an upbeat and empowering track that showcases Kristi’s signature blend of catchy hooks, raw emotion, and powerful vocals. The lyrics are relatable and poignant.

Kristi said of the single, “I wrote ‘Scorched Earth’ to highlight what is going on with climate change. It is something I deeply care about, I even put together an Earth Day Music Fest for the last 10 years.

The new single is the follow-up to Kristi’s critically acclaimed cover song “Sweet Dreams” which garnered attention.

“Scorched Earth” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Fans can follow Kristi Jacques on social media for updates on new music and upcoming shows.

Music: https://es.prsts.de/c/c1A/m_ax/vczUBzOMQhPBkKyeJz4A_a/qHz/bxaE/F/8013e816

https://www.kristijacquesmusic.com

 

Featured Artist of the Day: Cat Calabrese

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Cat Calabrese / Cover Art courtesy of Cat Calabrese

Indie Music Women’s Artist of the Day is…

Cat Calabrese (@catcalabresemusic)

Hailing from Cleveland, Cat Calabrese is the former lead vocalist for the band, Rule of Young. From 2019 – 2020, they released 5 singles and amassed over 130K streams on Spotify. The band played many of the major venues in Cleveland and was greeted with rave reviews on their singles, “Surrender” and “Lie Better”, both co-written by Cat. Now a solo artist, Cat is stepping into her own musical spotlight and is cultivating a pop sound that represents herself not only as a singer and songwriter but as a woman ready to tell her own story in her own words.

As part of her musical reintroduction, she teamed up with producers and fellow Clevelanders, Wavy Duder (co-producer of Machine Gun Kelly’s 2020 hit, “In These Walls”) and DJ London Bridges to create “Quicksand”, which debuted on March 5, 2021. The song was met with enthusiastic reviews and its backstory even landed Cat a feature on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She and Bridges have quickly become a team and are continuing to collaborate on her upcoming releases. Through Bridges’ innovation, she is able to separate herself from the indie/alternative sound that her band was known for, and develop the pop sound she always aspired to create: songs full of memorable hooks and driving bass lines coupled with lyrical storytelling.

Cat also continues to work with her band’s former producer, Jim Wirt. Jim is a 15x platinum and Emmy award-winning producer who is best known for producing artists such as Incubus, No Doubt, Fiona Apple, and Jack’s Mannequin.

Cat plans to release a new single every 7 to 8 weeks for the foreseeable future. She is continuing to write and work on new music daily, all the while balancing her full-time career in accounting. 

On the heels of her March debut comes Cat’s second single, Scared of Me, written by Cat and produced by DJ London Bridges, L8niteSasuke, and 15x platinum and Emmy award-winning, Jim Wirt (Incubus, No Doubt, Fiona Apple, Jack’s Mannequin). Released on April 30, 2021, the song is a dynamic break-up anthem in which Cat channels raw emotion into a powerhouse vocal performance. The production includes heavy 808s, ripping guitars, and ominous strings to support the vivid lyrics that tell a story of a woman scorned who is fighting back.  Scared of Me is packed with personal symbolism, reflected most directly in the bridge with Cat’s interpolation of her former band’s song, Lie Better. The two tracks share similar subject matter, with Lie Better telling the beginning of the story, and Scared of Me crescendoing into the dramatic conclusion.

(Bio courtesy of Cat Calabrese)

Cat shared what it means to her to be an indie music woman artist:

“I am proud of being a female artist and I believe in telling my truth through music. So many female artists have and continue to inspire me to pursue my dreams and I am so grateful to be able to fulfill them now! I appreciate your support as I continue this journey!”

Featured Artist of the Day: Verity White

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Verity White / Photo courtesy of Verity

Indie Music Women’s Featured Artist of the Day is…

Verity White (@original_verity)

Take influences from the 90s rock and grunge scene, add intricate vocal lines and bring it into the 21st century and you’ve got Verity White’s brutal yet beautiful style of rock – loved by fans of  The Pretty Reckless, Tori Amos, Garbage, and Skunk Anansie.

Recently, White and her band have been impressing gig-goers at festivals (Giants of Rock, Wildfire, Lechlade) and live music venues (The Fleece, The Troubadour, The Slaughtered Lamb) with their high-energy live show across the UK. They’re also featured on the New Wave of Rock and Roll release from Earache Records (4/5 stars in Classic Rock Mag) been a guest on a BBC live-lounge and are proudly signed with WDFD records.

Verity released her EP, After the Storm, in May 2020 and her new EP, Ungrounded, was released at the end of November 2020.

(Bio courtesy of Verity White)

Verity shared what it means to her to be an indie music woman artist:

“It means fighting against the grain, it means standing up for myself when others won’t, and it means always trying to forge forward in a system of inequality.”

 

Featured Artist of the Day: Cassady Southern

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Cassady Southern

Indie Music Women’s Featured Artist of the Day is…

Cassady Southern (@cassadysouthern)

Cassady Southern grew up in a musical household in Victoria, with her father playing in pioneering rock bands in Melbourne during the 70s. She was brought up on the blues as well as musical bands like the Rolling Stones.

Cassady released her first EP ‘Don’t ask me’ in 2012. The EP received airplay on a number of radio stations including Triple R, FBI and PBS and the opening track ‘Why didn’t you want me?’ was a finalist in the Rock category of the 2013 ‘MusicOz Awards’. Cassady then released her second EP ‘Heart’ in 2016. ‘Heart’ also received airplay on radio stations across Australia and internationally and made the top 100 Triple J Unearthed Charts. Three of the four tracks were also shortlisted in the ‘Songsalive’ song competition.

Cassady’s music is largely pop-rock/country rock but rooted in the authentic blues of her upbringing. Her music emphasizes the use of instruments, particularly the electric guitar, as well as strong melodies, lyrics, and arrangements. Her influences include the Rolling Stones, Powderfinger, and The Divinyls.

Cassady played with her band around Sydney in 2018 and 2019 and in 2020 she completed a Diploma of Music Production at SAE Creative Media Institute. During this time she continued to collaborate with her band in Sydney remotely and in late 2020 they recorded her first full-length album at Damien Gerard Studios on the Central Coast. The first 2 singles are being played on the radio and receiving positive reviews. Her debut full-length album is to follow.  (Bio courtesy of Cassady)

Cassady shared with me what it means to her to be an indie music woman artist:

“I love songwriting, producing, and performing and I love having the freedom to write and release music I like. These are some of the freedoms that come with being an independent artist. Being an independent artist can also involve a lot of work too though. In the development of my latest album over the last few months, there would be very few days that I have not put in at least a couple of hours of work every day in some capacity and this would be the case for many indie artists. This is usually on top of your day job which is often what is funding the release!

The reason for this is that, as an indie artist, you have a role to play in almost everything from start to finish – obviously writing and recording the songs and booking gigs, etc but also the promotion: Building social media profiles, creating music videos, designing artwork, generating media and press, etc. Promotion can be a large and ongoing part of being an independent artist and can be crucial to your success. It is a part that I am still trying to get better at. So I am really grateful to platforms like yours, Indie Music for Women, for helping to promote independent artists.”

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