Today we’d like to introduce you to April Kry.
Hi April, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up singing in my local church. My dad was a worship leader, so my sister and I were always surrounded by music, it just felt like a natural part of life. I think I always knew, deep down, that music was what I was meant to do. So after high school, while most of my friends were heading off to college, I decided to follow that feeling and see where it would take me.
I started out with a management deal in my hometown of Connecticut. I spent a few years making a full record, learning a lot, and figuring things out along the way. But I also ran into my first real challenge in the industry. I was only eighteen when I signed a contract I didn’t fully understand. Looking back, I was hopeful and a little naive, but I think that’s something a lot of artists go through. My former management ended up owning all of my masters and tried to take my royalties forever. It was really discouraging, and for a while, I felt pretty lost.
But then I thought about someone I had worked with in Nashville who had helped produce my demos from afar. I reached out, packed up the car with my dad, and we drove from Connecticut to Nashville together. That trip ended up changing everything.
That was almost thirteen years ago now. Since then, I’ve been signed to a record label, released singles and an EP, put out a full-length album independently, toured in Switzerland, gotten married, and become a mom to my little boy. I have a monthly residency at the 1865 Club in Nashville, TN and a spot on the Nashville Basement Stage roster (which I am so thankful for). NBS helps support local artists through patrons.
After taking four years away from releasing music, I’m finally working on a new project called Seasons. And I’ve truly never felt more excited or more ready to share my music again.
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?
I think the biggest struggle for me was getting in my own way. When you want something so badly, you tend to overthink, over-say, and overstep. I forgot to take a step back and enjoy the journey. I lost sight of my WHY. There will always be challenges, whether it be rejection, criticism, or road blocks…but when I stopped and reframed what success is to me, my whole perspective shifted. After becoming a mother, God changed my heart and my view of success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So I am a singer/songwriter with a country, soulful/pop flare. I am known as the tiny girl with the big voice. I am 4’11 and when I step off stage, I often get the line, “wow, you sounded bigger than you look!” And I’m ok with that. My influences range but at my core are the BIG voices- Martina McBride, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston. I am really proud of all of the music I have released and sang live. I look back and see the growth as an artist, and I think its great to acknowledge that. I have gone from singing empty rooms, to singing backup for Enya on Live with Regis & Kelly, and back to singing open mic nights at Douglas corner cafe in Nashville, and then on the Hard Rock Stage at CMA fest getting introduced by Bobby Bones. I got to sing at the legendary Apollo theater at 19 years old, and got a standing ovation which I will never forget. But I will always be the little girl singing into my hairbrush in front of my mirror in my purple bedroom. I will never forget that girl.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book in the world is the Bible. It helps me to refocus, feed my spirit, and go through life without having mental breakdowns!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aprilkry.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aprilkrymusic
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/aprilkry
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/aprilkry
- Other: https://Nashvillebasementstage.com
