#cristylerenae1

1 - How old were you when you realized you wanted to be an artist?

I don't think I truly settled into that thought until maybe 25. I think that's when the full understanding came in that I could really have a career in music.

2- What woman or women inspire you the most artistically and why?

Rachelle Ferrell inspires me to truly utilize my gift. To not be lazy. She is a consummate musician/performer. And you don't get to her level unless you put in time to really learn about music. To work at learning as much as you can about your particular vocal gift and crafting your technique. She makes me want to tap into all of my artistic capabilities and be the best I can. I equally adore Anita Baker. Besides being a phenomenal artist & musician, she has had her hand in all aspects of her brand for all these years. I admire her business sense and longevity. That's my lady! 3- If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would that be and why?

Only 1 thing?? Hmm...that's a tough one! Probably my work ethic. Sometimes when things don't come to me easily I get discouraged. For example, when writing a song, I normally listen to the track to get inspired to write the lyrics. A lot of times ideas will jump out at me and I can create a solid foundation, but oh when that doesn't happen! It annoys me so bad. I'll put it to the side for probably too long. I'm starting to teach myself to just sit with the music. Let it marinate, without expectation. See what comes, jot it down. Be more willing to work toward it in a different way. 4- How would you like your work to most impact our community and why?

Wow, that's a big question! Well, a lot of my stories are derived from my own life experience or from people I've known. So of course many can relate to what I sing about. It's truth. So I think I at least want people to feel that its ok to tell the truth. That we don't have to be ashamed that we long for love, like I sing about in Why Me or that we sometimes are in unhealthy relationships, knowing better, but don't leave until its gotten so, so bad as in Poison. That's life! Once we tell the truth about it we can learn stuff to help us navigate it better.  5- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Returning home to a beautiful family of my own after another successful tour with my phenomenal band! 

6- What is your favorite quote or affirmation? 

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent..." - Calvin Coolidge

Andriod or iPhone - Andriod

Sneakers or Wedge - Wedge for sure! Lipstick or Lip-gloss - Helen Gurley Brown or Angela Davis - Can't decide, they both were great rebels in their own way! Lady Gaga or Madonna - Madonna, I guess, old school Madge preferably :) Bette Davis or Joan Crawford - Bette Davis was a bad lady!