Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristyn Leigh.
Hi Kristyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in the Twin Cities but grew up mostly in Wisconsin. In 2015, I moved to California to pursue my identity and a music career. I worked as a recording engineer in Bakersfield, and a studio operator in L.A. before moving back to the twin cities in 2020. When I returned, I decided to fully commit myself as an artist and in 2021 started working on songs and a live format as a solo – 1 woman rock act.
In 2022, I started playing live in the area, finishing almost 40 shows by the end of the year. I have met SO many amazing people and lifelong friends. The music community here is truly special. I also started recording these songs at a local studio in 2022, and once I had most of it tracked – I contacted my music hero Sylvia Massy (recording industry and rock legend) and her team and asked if she could mix the album.
To my surprise, she said YES. I haven’t stopped pinching myself. As of today, I have released 2 singles that will be featured on my upcoming album “Our Galaxy”, and my fanbase and positive feedback feel limitless. I’m just riding this wave, perusing my passion for my art and sharing it as much as I can and I honestly couldn’t be happier doing that here in Minnesota.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The difficulties that arose came mostly from my journey. Having to transition in California, while maintaining jobs and earning my role in music studios was no small task. As I continue to make progress in my transition, the challenges have shifted.
I surround myself with supportive people, but admit that as a woman in music, creating heavy-hitting rock music, there can be misconceptions and struggles that I continuously have to overcome. Cultural barriers and bias. Let alone as a member of the local LGBTQ+ community too. I find, that most people are good people – but there will always be folks who want to create barriers instead of bridges whether they realize it or not.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I describe my music as a “Midwest-coast rock project- a 1 woman wall of sound.” My music is a blend of shoegaze, hard rock, pop, and EDM – It’s somewhat of a high-wire act to see live. I juggle singing, playing guitar which also involves the tap dancing of hitting the right effects pedals at the right time, looping live over my backing tracks, and transitioning from song to song…
I’ve embraced myself as a 21st-century rock act without any backing band members. The most reliable drummer I’ve ever had! My guitar tone/playing and my songwriting is my specialty. Last year, I was honored to be featured in Dispatch Newsletter as one of their must-see live guitarist’s ins the Twin Cities.
How do you define success?
Accomplishing the small goals that lead to larger goals is how I define it. I’d already consider myself successful in my personal and professional life, but that doesn’t mean I stop striving for the next steps.
It’s a moving target, but as long as the goals are clearly defined and you can break them down into smaller goals, then success is whatever you want to make of it. Any additional success for me is essentially a cherry on top.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maytheband.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.a.y.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.a.y.mpls/
Image Credits
SCENEMN, Doc, & Wannabianca
