Interview With Kristi Jacques
Have you always been interested in music? What is your story and how did you start making music?
My love of music started at an early age. My father had a beautiful baritone voice, my sisters sang and played some guitar and piano. My brother was a musician, playing and singing in his own Christian band. He was my hero. I now own his guitars. I worked in a music store, took guitar lessons, studied with a vocal coach for years, then let it all slip away. I put the guitar away and didn’t pick it up again until 2020. Now I back at it, with more passion than I had before.
What are you working on now? Any future releases we can look forward to?
I released my debut album in September of 2022. I am finishing up the second album and have released a couple of the singles already. I also recorded 4 songs at Off The Row Studio in Franklin, TN outside of Nashville. Those songs will be released this summer on an EP. Of course, I’m constantly writing, trying to get better at everything.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry?
I just want to continue doing what I’m doing now. Of course, music can be an expensive career, so I’m hoping to earn enough to keep it up. I would love to get out and do some live performances eventually once my health improves and I find fellow musicians who want to play. Simple goals, nothing too grand. But if something bigger comes along, I will gladly up my game.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
My biggest challenge for me has been my health. I have a chronic lung issue that I’ve been dealing with since 2009. I’ve beaten it a couple of times, so I know it can be done. Like one of my songs says, I’m a work in progress.
How do you go about writing a song? Do you have a melody in your head and then write the other music for it or what’s Your typical songwriting process?
I guess I am more of a lyricist most of the time. I have lyrics pop into my head randomly. Sometimes they wake me up in the middle of the night and I have to write them down. I keep my phone nearby so I can jot them down in the notes. It could be a word, a phrase or an entire song. It just depends on the day, the mood. Some days I will sit down to intentionally write a song. I have some ideas as to the vibe or the sound, sometimes I have a melody in mind, especially for the chorus. I normally work with a co-writer to get a solid melody. I love working with different people because everyone has their own process and I learn from everyone I work with. I would like to expand my writing and work with more people as I continue.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s good and bad I guess. Artists certainly aren’t paid what they should. You have to have a crazy number of followers, subscribers, listeners, plays, views to get any return on investment. However, for me, it has been a blessing. I am not presently able to get out and perform live due to some health issues. But I can continue to write, record and do everything I need to from my home studio. I record vocals at home and send to my producer who lives on the other side of the country. He works his magic and poof, I have a song. I love that aspect of the new music business.
List some famous musicians currently on your playlist?
Alter Bridge, Dirty Honey, Cardinal Black, Todd Kerns, Mammoth WVH, The Darkness, Sevendust, Halestorm. Art of Dying, Heart, Bonnie Raitt. I have so many different artists on my playlist, from all different genres.
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
This time around, I was the Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit and a Diabetes Lifestyle Coach. I still care about helping people manage and improve their health, but it became more and more difficult to get people to care about their own health. Music is really what I was meant to do and I love every minute of it.
Would you have any advice for young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just go for it. Follow your dreams. Of course, you will have to do some other things on the side for financial reasons, but don’t let it take you away from dream or stop you from your goals. It’s been done by others, and it can be done again, if you are really passionate about it. Just do it.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
It would be the royalties first and foremost. Artists should be paid what they are worth. Period.
How do you feel about originality?
That’s an interesting question. I love writing and playing original songs. As far them being completely original, I don’t think they are. I believe it’s really hard to be completely original because we all have our influences and inspirations which can come across in a song. If you even just look at song titles, there are so many with the same name. The themes of love and loss, overcoming obstacles and more, are very common. The trick is to try and have your own sound. Your own brand. You can be original that way because there is only one you.
I hope that makes sense.
Is there anything else we should know about you? or Something that you would like to add?
I am just very grateful to be on this journey and finally being able to live my dream. I’m also grateful for all of the support I’ve gotten. It’s amazing. Some days I have to pinch myself.
Links to Where Your Music Can be Purchased
itunes.apple.com/album/id1672834004?ls=1&app=itunes