Fresh off the release of her new EP, “Eat This Cake” we receive Manhattan-based artist krissy, whose artistic vision combines boldness with humility, passion with composure, and a deep appreciation for fashion and cinema.
krissy comes from a traditional Christian-Caribbean background and discovered her love for music by singing in church. Her musical interests were diverse, ranging from Elton John to Hannah Montana. She draws inspiration from a variety of artists, including Lady Gaga, FKA Twigs, Cher, Madonna, Mark Ronson, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, Ludwig Goransson, and Donald Glover/Childish Gambino.
Today we’re diving into “Eat This Cake”, an EP that stands as testimony of her dedication and an exercise in pure groove. The whole EP is tied thematically as a commentary on modern dating, exploring the “minefield” of questions that come with it. krissy’s less-than-orthodox pop has an angelic disposition but an ultimately imposing aura to it as well, one that will cry with you while also grabbing you by the arm and taking you out to the dance floor.
www.instagram.com/kissxkrissy / vyd.co/KrissyEatThisCake
Can you elaborate on the concept behind your self-titled track, “Eat This Cake” and exactly why it became the name of the EP?
“Eat This Cake” definitely feels like my most challenging track. It was the last song to be included. Whenever I am in the process of creating a song, it is so important for me to immediately feel for a groove, and to be able to visualize the mood. I wanted to explore house music, somewhat cheeky empowered lyrics, all the while singing at full force behind an infectious beat. My producer, House of M captured that mood of fashion and dance.
The entire theme of the EP is just a culmination of my feelings towards a certain period of my life and in dating. It feels like it is all happening at once this year, like the late bloomer that I am lol. My songs are just documenting those feelings. So similar to my opening track, “Want To Want Me,” the EP message is to indulge in “krissy”. Very tongue in cheek on purpose, it can be a hint towards, literally, you know devouring my work, my songs. This EP is my first, it is so sweet and full of dance. It is for anyone who just wants to have cake and dance!
How would you describe the musical style and influences behind “Tryna Lemme Go”?
“Tryna Lemme Go” is such a collaborative endeavor with one of my favorite producers, Jordan Olmos. He immediately understood the vision, embodying as he’d say, “captivating the dark edge in its composition.” My favorite exploration with music is finding the moments of balance between underground and grunge, but cinematically soft, that you could also like to rave to. “Tryna Lemme Go” is my introduction song to that new eclectic world I am trying to create for myself sonically. Honestly, as Jordan puts it beautifully, “With meticulous attention to detail, we refined and polished this piece, resulting in a compelling and evocative song that encapsulates the essence of our collaboration.” This song is our baby, our joint effort to deliver a unique and compelling musical experience.
Could you explain the underlying theme that ties together “Eat This Cake” and “Tryna Lemme Go”?
These two songs are like sisters to me. They sort of mirror each other, whilst exploring different moods towards the same theme almost. My first intention is to always find a groove, a moment to sit with. But I wanted to challenge myself and not just find a hook, but rather delve into the moody and the dark. I love to sing and dance out my frustrations and both songs capture that for me. With “Eat This Cake,” I am saying, I am the prize, I am the sweet treat, and no one person should ever dim your light or make you feel secondary. But do I walk away in the end? Not really, I am just expressing and letting you know…which is exactly what “Tryna Lemme Go” says. Relationships are messy. It is the urge to, still after everything, through “highs and lows”, let them in. You know you probably shouldn’t, they know it too..but we can’t seem to end the song and dance. It was important to me that both songs felt that urgency in dance production. Like, let it be as addictive as it is in a real-life toxic relationship.
What do you hope listeners will take away from your powerful belted vocals in your songs?
I mean I hope listeners want to sing out loud and belt too lol. I am quite shy and often am afraid to speak up and say, “Hey I feel neglected.” Platonic or romantic, it does not matter, that is so hard for me to do. I have to feel like you’re a real one to voice any type of insecurity, otherwise, I feel like a nag. So it is fun to have songs that express that vocally I think. It is just another way of showcasing my desires, and ultimately having grown up in church, singing gospel – is the only way I know how to express musically.
How do you navigate the balance between vying for catchy tunes that also express frustration or disillusionment in your lyrics?
I mean, the best women in music have done that always, Janet Jackson’s “Son of a Gun,” and Madonna’s “Hung Up” are the perfect upbeat catch of a song expressing her frustrations. Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” is a sucker punch to the gut on how to handle a rejection. I gravitate towards whatever it is I want to sing and dance to and perform to etc. The lyrics will be what they will be depending on what I am going through. The beauty for me in making music is seeing every emotion collide into something cool.
Can you share your perspective on the evolving nature of romantic limitations in today’s world?
Is there an evolving limitation to romance?! I thought it was just me.
What emotions or feelings do you aim to evoke in your audience through your music?
As I get more personal and reflective, I do hope that translates… I am much more comfortable in my songwriting, and my style and vision. I am also having fun and creating what I like and want to perform. I hope that connects with an audience.
How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from?
I am always updating my playlist with songs that feed my soul from gospel to dance to garage, to just some of my favorite artists today, like Tove Lo for example. Additionally, I have just been so lucky to surround myself with awesome humans who are passionate and reveal their beauty in their creative work. They have all taught me that the first step in the creative process is about showing up even when you are not ready to do so. I have been going back and forth between NYC and London lately, and have been taking in both cultures, their movement in music, etc. My process is simple, I am just diving into what feeds my soul at the current and following that beat or hum…the words come when they are ready to and they are always expressing what I am deeply feeling.
What do you believe sets your music apart from other artists in the industry?
I don’t know yet what others’ impressions are of me…but I hope to be authentic in my vision and art. I am driven by so many elements, not just sonically but visually too. Creating space for myself to be as vulnerable as I want to be or weird, experimental, and passionate is my goal.
