Today we’d like to introduce you to Gillian Krystal.
Hi Gillian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was always drawn to the stage and singers. I always found it mesmerizing to watch or hear someone put their heart and words to music for other people to experience. The spark started by listening to some Nat King Cole, Etta James, and The Beatles in the car with my Dad and began to turn into a lifelong dream.
Music has always shown up in various ways throughout my life, but once I started to record my first EP with Russ Desalvo, my producer who I met in 2018, I knew it was something I had to fully pursue once I was fully immersed in creating. I felt a very strong connection to Nashville and made it home in February of 2020. Since then, I have continued to create, develop my craft, release many singles and another EP throughout the years. This year, I played a show in LA and my first festival. Taking the leap has completely changed my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always, but I try to remember that the struggles make you even more grateful for the moments that click and feel magical. Within a month of the year I left New York to fully pursue my music career in Nashville, the tornado hit, and COVID just a few weeks later. It was a different layer of loneliness and challenges that I didn’t expect to come over me, but I still had a gut feeling it was where I needed to be.
I feel like I’m growing and learning new lessons constantly in this city. There is always inspiration to be found, a new corner to turn, and words to be written. I’m 5 years in now, and I can still confidently say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to release my own music and pursue this dream in Nashville.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I grew up feeling very connected to soulful artists. I always loved some Nat King Cole, Norah Jones, Etta James, and could go on. I also fell in love with Fleetwood Mac along the way, Eagles, Sheryl Crow, and could also go on. Playing a lot of cover gigs throughout town in this past year has also helped me to define what really connects people through music.
My most recent releases are where I finally feel like I’ve been able to blend the sounds I grew up falling in love with. I co-wrote Safekeeping with Jaan Harrison Kohm and Sophia Joelle, and Colorblind with Jaan Harrison Kohm and Sarah Gargano. It’s been so much fun to work on these songs and I’m in the process of working on more! I recently collaborated with the first producer I ever worked with, Russ Desalvo, on a new song coming out, Just a Kiss. I am excited for everyone to hear that one. Things are tending to lean into the alt indie genre.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support is the most helpful thing right now! https://gilliankrystal.com/home#newsletter
My newsletter is the best place to be up to date on upcoming shows, releases, and more 🙂
In regards to collaboration I am always open to writing with and working with other artists and I can be contacted through email at info@gilliankrystal.com or through Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gilliankrystal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilliankrystal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilliankrystal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gillian_krystal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVBCsLsnDL3erCQwXW_ODwA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gilliankrystal
