Exclusive Interview with Concert Pianist Kristin Center
By Sandra Graves | March, 2012

Concert pianist and singer-songwriter Kristin Center combines different genres to create music that speaks to the soul. She’s been performing since she was 6 years old, but her introduction to music began before she was born. It was at age 5 when Kristin would compose melodies with her mom by her side. Growing up, Kristin was surrounded by musical influences such as Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, James Brown and Bob Marley; it was inevitable that she would pursue music as a career. Kristin’s YouTube videos have attracted a growing fan base from around the world. This year she moved to Los Angeles to bring her music to a bigger audience. Kristin takes a break from her busy schedule to talk about what inspires her when she’s creating music, and what she’s been up to since her move to LA.

You connected with the piano at a young age. What drew you to the piano and who were your musical influences back then?

Kristin: I was so intrigued by the piano, both physically and aurally. We had an old upright with beautiful carvings and worn, chipped ivory keys. It really felt like I was communicating with something much bigger than my imagination. I was two so I really didn't have any strong musical influences at the time.

You are a songwriter and pianist who likes to connect classical music and popular music. What inspired you to bring these two musical genres together?

Kristin: This wasn't so much a planned thing as it was a natural happening, at least creatively. However, I was always disappointed by the snooty-classical and teenage-pop stereotypes that clustered around each genre. As I feel strongly about opening people's minds, I thought this would be a great way to perhaps bring some down-to-earth reality to each side.

“What's Your Name” is a beautiful song. What’s the meaning and inspiration behind it?

Kristin: I think sometimes we all lose sight of things. When you've been around someone for a while, or even if you only see them on occasion, your perception of them changes to the point where you don't remember even some of the most basic things about them. I've had some long relationships, both intimate and platonic, and I've watched many of the people evolve into people I don't even recognize; this could be either positive or negative.

What other creative outlets do you use to express yourself besides music?

Kristin: I wish there was a way to turn it off! I absolutely love anything that has to do with food, so I cook as much as I can with completely out-of-the-box combinations. Like taking classic ravioli for instance, and using a completely unusual sauce. Similar to my music creations.

You have your own YouTube channel and use it to promote your music and connect with your fans. Has YouTube proven to be the best social networking channel for you?

Kristin: Yeah, YouTube has been pretty good, but just like any social networking it takes a while to kick it off unless you just shoot for getting attention by doing "viral" type videos. I still consider the YouTube channel in its primitive stage. YouTube has really been more of a creative benefit for me, helping me use the limited resources that I can to visually represent a song.

You recently moved from Dallas to Los Angeles. How was the music scene in Dallas compared to LA?

Kristin: I found that in Dallas there really wasn't enough places to play where people expected music. For someone looking to build an audience live, I believe performing at venues is one of the ways that you can follow the path that others have cut. LA definitely has a lot more opportunity for a wider range of music, although it was really difficult to break into the scene at first.

A lot of people move to LA because it’s the hot spot of the entertainment industry. How are you feeling about the move? Do you get homesick and how do you handle being away from family and friends back home?

Kristin: You know, I never get homesick. There are things that I miss about every place I've spent a lot of time...Seattle, Athens, Europe. At some point I think you have to look at yourself from a distance and define your perfect day, including all the background details like location. I've thought long and hard about this, and once one finally makes a decision, I really don't think you look back too much.

What advice do you have for others who want to make the big move to LA to pursue a music career?

Kristin: If you think YOU will benefit from what you've thoroughly researched as the LA scene, then go for it. As far as moving some place because it's the "hot spot," I say if you believe in yourself you can make it anywhere -- just choose where you in particular will thrive.

Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from one of your performances?

Kristin: I was about to go on stage for a final performance in classical piano. Right before I walked on the stage in front of an intensely critical audience waiting for me to make a mistake, one of my teachers looked at me and said, "forget everything I ever told you and just go play."

Are you working on any new projects? Any tour dates coming up?

Kristin: My brain never stops planning new projects, even if they're totally unrelated to music. Currently, LA is the newest project and it is the biggest focus point because I am here and I want to make the best of it. Of course the little projects are recordings and reinstating old ideas but you can see about those later as they come up on the website.

Check out Kristin Center’s official website for a tour schedule and the latest news. 

*Kristin Center Photo
Credit: Kristin Center Music 2011
Copyright: Kristin Center Music 2011 

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