In an exclusive Q&A, Kristin Venae shares her journey through music, personal trials, and her upcoming projects, including her empowering single "Still Here" and the documentary that follows her battle with breast cancer.
© Kristin Venae © 2024
GHR: Hey Kristin, it is very great to have you here on Goathead! What inspired you to start writing music?
Kristin: For me, growing up, I was always creative in the literary and visual sense, writing poetry and drawing. Songwriting became a natural progression for me. Music was always playing and singing in my house, so thanks to my mom, I was inspired by the singer-songwriters of the 90s and 2000s, like Prince, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Draco Rosa, and Desmond Child. The talent and captivating storytelling of these artists had a huge impact on me.
GHR: Can you tell us more about your experience performing live at gigs and what was the most memorable experience you had?
Kristin:My first live gig, aside from school assemblies and school performances, was when I became a member of Ritmo de Tropical. We performed at clubs around Sydney, and it was exhilarating. I felt the rush of being a performer, and it confirmed that performing was in my blood.
GHR: How is your process of songwriting set around?
Kristin: When I was younger, it would always strike at an inopportune time, like at school or work, and I’d have to try to write things down on napkins or on paper from a till roll. As for writing, the whole song structure, base lyrics, and melody come to me in one sitting. If I don’t get the entire song out at once or it doesn’t flow that way, I rarely come back to the idea later.
GHR: What motivates you to create music and bring awareness to different situations through your songs?
Kristin:Music is powerful in the way that it can affect mood. For me, music is soothing because it helps give voice to feelings. Lyrical content shapes movements and awareness, especially in times of difficulty. I hope that my music, in some way, helps people. I hope "Still Here" inspires people, and that my journey of hardship and difficulty motivates others to keep going during their trials.
GHR: Could you share some insights into your next projects?
Kristin:My next single, Break the Chain, is a pop-rock anthem. It's very different from Still Here—it's about getting lost in infatuation, and it’s grittier and darker in sound and lyrics.
GHR: What are your hopes for the Music Video and Documentary?
Kristin:I hope the documentary brings awareness to the rise in breast cancer diagnoses in women under 40. I want others to see my journey and realize the importance of being vigilant in checking themselves, no matter their age—whether it's from 15 to 100. Cancer doesn't discriminate, and the idea of "I'm too young to worry" is false. If seeing the documentary saves even one woman's life, then it will have all been worth it.
GHR: Can you tell us more about the song Still Here and the inspiration behind it?
Kristin:Still Here is a composition that focuses on the importance and celebration of a longevity kind of love, something rarely touched upon in pop music ballads. The song was written by me, Kristin Venae, and composed along with Tim A. Newsom (from Trout Fishing in Quebec). It was arranged by Katcha Music and mixed and mastered by Sean Carey (Thirsty Merc, Church St Studios).
At the heart of this release is my personal story as an artist who overcame breast cancer. Still Here is a tribute to resilience and hope. The music video, directed by and starring renowned American actor Antonio Sabato Jr., features cinematography by Antoine Mikeo. The video amplifies the emotional core of the song with a stirring visual narrative.
GHR: Could you tell us more about the documentary?
Kristin:The documentary chronicles my journey, my battle with breast cancer, and the creative process behind this project. It's in collaboration with Citigraphica Media, and their expertise in footage and editing has helped deliver a compelling behind-the-scenes look at my story. It's not just about the song but the real-life challenges I faced and the message I want to share with the world.
GHR: Can you share a little about yourself beyond music?
Kristin:I’m an artist—singer, dancer, and producer. Music has always been my passion, but I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively in many areas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to share my journey with the world.
Don't Forget To Follow Kristin On Instagram and Listen To Her Music On All Streaming Platforms
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