Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Skinner.
Hi Kristy , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has always lived in my soul. My grandfather played the concertina and violin when he immigrated from Czechoslovakia, and that deep connection to music was passed down through my family. My father played the trumpet, and I began my own journey in school band, starting on trumpet before moving to the clarinet section. Even then, I always felt pulled toward the guitar. Once I finally learned to play, everything changed. After going through a breakup, I wrote my first song, and that moment became the beginning of my life as a songwriter. Grounded in a lifelong love for the blues, rock ’n’ roll, country, and folk, my music is shaped by both my roots and my personal experiences, and it’s what ultimately led me to where I am today as a songwriter in Nashville.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative paths, there have been moments of doubt and growing pains. Finding my confidence as a songwriter took time, especially early on as I was still discovering my sound and learning to trust my own voice. Performing live was a big hurdle at first, but getting on stage, gaining experience, and pushing through that fear helped me grow immensely. I also took singing lessons along the way, which strengthened not only my voice but my confidence as a performer. There were personal challenges too—heartbreak and vulnerability are never easy, but they became some of my greatest sources of inspiration and growth as an artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in strength and lived experience. I specialize in writing songs that blend blues, country, and folk influences, with an emphasis on honest lyrics and emotional depth. I’m known for drawing from real-life experiences—heartbreak, resilience, and human connection—and turning them into songs that feel raw and relatable. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio and Television and spent several years working in radio, which shaped my understanding of storytelling, sound, and creativity. I later moved into graphic and web design development and have also worked in technical support roles, reflecting both my creative and problem-solving sides. Creativity has always been central to who I am—I’m a self-taught painter who enjoys creating pet portraits and a songwriter and I play guitar.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my persistence. Many of my goals have taken a long time to achieve, but I’ve stayed committed and worked hard through every phase of the journey. What sets me apart is that blend of musical heritage, creative versatility, and determination—I continue to show up, grow, and create across multiple disciplines, always staying true to my voice.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice would be simple: just do it. Don’t be afraid, be confident, and stay true to yourself. Everyone has something to say, and it took me time to realize that my voice and my perspective mattered. I learned to see my music as my own piece of art—each song is a story I’m telling in my own unique way. The best thing you can do is get out there and gain experience. Go to songwriter nights, perform as much as you can, meet other creatives, and build real connections. Just as important, take the time to learn the business side of music and understand how the industry works. Growth comes from showing up, creating fearlessly, and trusting your passion. It’s really important to me to be a role model for the younger generation, to show them that they can be strong, resilient, and follow their dreams, and to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges they face.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kristysmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koalakrissongs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081748519773
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0F41PedI3vMqIhFsM6h9w
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SYwN9xolqEyy4Z0GVY3Xu?si=d9IXTH2yToqQO2322ri6uQ
