Buckle up, country music fans! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the talented and dynamic Kirstie Kraus. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Kirstie made the bold move to Nashville in 2017 to chase her dreams of making it big in the music industry. And boy, has she delivered!
Before making waves as a solo recording artist and songwriter, Kirstie was a key member of the country-rock band Thirsty Jones. Her loyal fans, affectionately known as Thirsties, have been by her side every step of the way, cheering her on as she blazes a trail in the world of modern country music.
Kirstie’s music style is a unique blend of country with a splash of Blues, Pop, and Rock influences. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences across the United States, earning her the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in country music, including Thomas Rhett, Kip Moore, and Brothers Osborne.
In 2023, Kirstie’s star continued to rise with a standout performance at the C2C Festival at the iconic O2 Arena in London. Her duet single ‘Who Am I Gonna Love’ with Thomas Kavanagh garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her place as a rising star in the UK country music scene.
But Kirstie’s success didn’t happen overnight. In 2022, she released her debut album ‘Yes You Can’, featuring hit singles like ‘Bird’, ‘Thirsty’, and ‘Silver’. The album received critical praise and earned Kirstie multiple award nominations, including nods at the Best of Women of Country and Josie Music Awards.
With a passion for storytelling and a knack for crafting infectious melodies, Kirstie Kraus is a force to be reckoned with in the country music world. Her latest releases, ‘Beaches Be Crazy’ and ‘Dab a Dolly’, showcase her versatility and musical prowess, solidifying her status as a rising star in Nashville.
When she’s not in the studio, Kirstie can be found hosting Enter the Atmosphere, a Dolby Atmos YouTube Podcast, as well as making appearances on CountryLine, The Backstage Pass, and Live In The Living Room. With her infectious energy and undeniable talent, Kirstie Kraus is a name you’ll want to remember. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to make her mark on the country music scene.
What first got you into music?
I started singing up on picnic tables and taking requests at the age of two. I think the love of performing and being the center of attention started it! Then my kindergarten music teacher spoke to my mom when I was five.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as mostly very uplifting and encouraging to the listener. I like to take a bad situation and turn it into a positive. I also hope that when people hear my music, they are inspired to take action to make whatever it is going on in their life better. I also have been told I put out music that makes people want to get up and groove too!
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The thing I enjoy most about being an artist is getting to connect with people through music, travel because of music, and getting to talk to people. I am a very outgoing person, so I love the aspect that my job revolves around people!
When did you start writing music?
I started writing when I was 8 years old in my rugrats journal and through school poems and short stories. I began forming songs at the age of 12 and sat down with a mentor at the time. Then at the age of 15 I joined NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and was travelling back and forth from my home state to Nashville to do co-writing and work on my craft.
Do you enjoy recording and production?
I do get into the production and enjoy it! I spend hours in the studio and lose track of time! I typically play the role of the executive producer, where I help direct and drive the song. I speak to the players while they are recording their parts, and I am there typically when the editing process is happening. I have always been very involved with my recordings as it is my art, and it excites me! It is also important to me to see it through and put out a product close to how I saw it coming out in my mind!
Where was your last song recorded?
My last release ‘Dab a Dolly’ was recorded at Sound Stage Studios and BMG Studio A, both in the heart of music row by a grammy winning producer and Dolby Atmos mixer Jeff Huskins. The live band studio day was filled with players that have been on numerous #1 records. We also were using special DPA microphones on the drums and also recording vocals with the Heiserman Audio H251 mic that Dolly was interested in purchasing.
Speaking about the release, Kirstie says:
“We wrote it when we were on our first tour run together. I kept saying there’s a little dab a dolly for ya after I would cover a Dolly Parton song and Christie turned to me and said let’s just write that on Monday”.
Christie Huff adds:
“I am so excited to be part of an uplifting female anthem inspired by the Queen of country, Dolly Parton! Kirstie and I connected because we want to support each other and are both working hard as independent artists to make things happen for ourselves. This experience has really emphasized the importance of female friendships and girls supporting each other. It feels like a movement for women in music! A little dab a Dolly is good for everyone.”
‘Dab a Dolly’ is that one song that will be playing full-blast on the speakers as we head into the summer season. The two singer/songwriters have crafted something truly memorable and viral worthy.
Stream Dab a Dolly here https://ffm.to/dabadolly
Tell us about your most unusual talent or party trick.
I am able to tie a cherry stem with my tongue in less than 7 seconds. This is from my theatre days and drinking a lot of kiddie cocktails aka Shirley Temples
What do you think of garden gnomes?
I think garden gnomes are adorable, and they make me smile every time I see them. If I spent the afternoon going to a garden shop to look at garden gnomes, I would be very pleasantly happy.
How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida in the summer?
I would sell it like this…come and experience one of the main drinks the UK consumes pretty much all year round. This is no ordinary hot cocoa, this is Cadbury’s Hot Chocolate. I just went there and can attest it is all over and quite the craze! A real delicious treat and a special taste from Europe.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Ideal food would be a mean salmon with some sort of veggie and rice with a dessert!
If you could ask your future self-one question, what would it be?
I would ask my future self what was it like to play the opry?
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