Kristen’s refreshing blend of R&B entrances multitudes with it’s Island airiness, sweetly sensual vocals, uplifting vibes, and smoldering grooves.
“I grew up in front of the beach, and there is this feeling of floating that comes to me in my music,” says the 24 year-old performer, singer, songwriter, and recording artist. “Looking at the ocean clears my mind, and words just come to me honestly. This is my truth, and I strive to put these vibrations into my music—the universal language—.”
It all began in January 2015 when Kristen uploaded her debut single, “Wind Blows” onto SoundCloud and the spins rocketed to 70,000 within a few weeks. Previously, she had built a respectable profile locally as a young and promising musician, gifted as a songwriter, recording artist, performing artist, and backup vocalist. From there, exposure swept like wildfire—cover song videos notched millions of views, and she garnered prime exposure via P. Diddy and his music-oriented digital cable network, Revolt TV.
Kristen specifically known as Krisirie, artistry gracefully embraces R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and jazz—the music that heavily influenced her while growing up in Barbados. She counts influences as varied as Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, The Weekend, Sade, Ella Fitzgerald, and Drake. As early as age four, she was certain of her destiny in music, and by 16, she was accepted at the Barbados Community College where she graduated in 2014 with an Associates degree in music. Formally studying music profoundly shaped her as an artist. Outside of the rigors of the institute, Krisirie would post videos of her own stunning rendition of modern urban classics, and she would ply her craft working alongside diverse and distinguished artists.
Some highlights in her resume include legendary jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Joan Belgrave, modern reggae icon Willie Stewart from Third World and touring with modern jazz crossover pioneer Arturo Tappin & Band.
Krisirie writes with sage wisdom about relationships and empowerment, her lyrics are poetic and her messages are universal. Throughout it all, the ocean is the muse and ever an artful metaphor, with her pure aspiration simply being to inspire and impact positively.
Krisirie reflects on her journey and her life’s purpose: “This music journey has taught me you can go further than you think, and that to really connect with people you have to be honest, and live authentically.”
