What A Difference A Year Makes
Scrolling back to my last posts on my blog, I remember the exact mindset I was in.
I was still very excited to have finally made the big move to NYC, but I was also starting to feel more settled in my move. I was more comfortable venturing around (while still hopping on the wrong train going in the wrong direction
all the time
, lol), and simultaneously growing confidently into my womanhood. Just having complete independence and learning about myself was the experience that I was fully embracing.
I was also very inspired by the city (as I still am every day). Walking inspiration, from the people I would see, to the architecture, to the street art and graffiti in my neighborhood, to my musician friends in their element when I would attend their shows.
I was feeling a bit anxious, as I knew I had moved to NYC for a specific reason, which was to pursue my career in music, and I was trying to figure out my first step in doing just that.
Who knew what God had planned!
The new year broke and I was recovering from a very busy work season (working as a server in Times Square is NO JOKE), and I really didn't have much else going on. I eventually got connected with my now good friend and bandmate,
(I'm the featured vocalist in his band), and we started performing together, which has been amazing! Music was picking up and it felt good to be on stage. I also started singing background vocals for my lovely friend
, which inspired me even more to continue singing, and pursuing my personal music.
I got to talking with my close friend,
, about how I was interested in breaking into the background vocal scene, as she has been very successful in doing so for herself, and she encouraged me to keep putting myself out there, and gave me advice on how to do so. Not long after, she reached out to me specifically about my availability to singing backgrounds for an up-and-coming artist (who turned out to be top Billboard charting artist
) who was to perform on Saturday Night Live! as his official US debut. Of course I made myself available! Through Corso, I was able to do a couple of gigs with Billboard charting artist Iggy Azalea as well. And this is how I was able to tap into the professional background vocal scene. She is a great friend and only has my best interests in her heart, and for that I thank you Shawna. Words can only say so much of my appreciation I feel for you, and the love I have for you. God has blessed me with such a great friend and sister!
H&M
top,
Zara
shorts,
Topshop
sandals
Thanks to her and another mentor I have been blessed to know,
, I was able to perform with Sam Smith on Good Morning America, The View, David Letterman, with our group (tentatively named "Marlon's Chil'ren" lol), who is family now. I was also asked to be a background vocalist for his show at The Apollo, in which Mary J. Blige shared the stage for his last song, a duet performed of his hit single, "
."
The Apollo show was both surreal and pivotal for me. Growing up, I used to watch The Apollo, and understood how much of an important cultural institution it was- not just for Black people, but the weight it held as a music venue in the United States, and even internationally. So many greats have graced that stage, and I had not even been there to attend a concert, but I was on that stage, PERFORMING. That experience, is something I will never forget. I am grateful to have had friends on stage with me, and friends in the audience to share that experience with.
----------------
In other news, I am
SUPER
excited to announce the launch of my new website:
This site encompasses everything that IS Kris. From music, to personal style, from blogging to vlogging! I encourage you to please take the time to navigate my site, and subscribe because there you will find updates on my life, via this blog, dates for upcoming performances (I have quite a few lined up this coming fall ;)), and an opportunity to find out more about who I am, and to see me on this journey called my life!
This is a kicking off point, and the site will continue to GROW, as I
GROW!
Thank you for all of your continued support, patience, and love.
-Kris
Photography by: