Kristine W: The Power Of Music

What hasn't already been said about the Queen of Clubland? Kristine W is an immensely talented performer who shines both on stage and off. We were introduced to her music when One More Try was on the radio back in 1996 and instantly wanted to know more about her and her music. Around the same time Kristine's Land Of The Living album was being released, we found ourselves in Las Vegas looking through a magazine and came across an ad for Kristine W performing nightly at the Las Vegas Hilton. Could this be the same Kristine W whose voice we recently fell in love with? Sure was, and from the opening number of her amazing stage show we knew she was unlike any other performer we have ever seen live. We were so mesmerized by her performance, even the Hilton's casino security guards asking if we were over 21 couldn't keep these underage fans away. Finally meeting Kristine the following year in Boston, we became aware of how special of a person she truly is. Throughout the years of getting to know her, we have shared experiences with her that we will cherish forever including dancing and choreographing with her at The Roxy in New York for New Year's Eve, performing in the middle of the ocean, and working on various projects. Now, 10 years later, as she prepares to release two new albums and a new single, we will be performing together in Boston on October 18th for Dena Cucci's Recovery Celebration. When we DJ that night, we will be sure to rock some of her hits like we always do and we will be dancing with her for a few of her top songs. Also, be on the lookout for a new mix we are doing for her which is something we are very excited about...never say never. In the music business, Kristine is a friend that we have had the longest and we want to share what she had to say when we recently interviewed her for our blog.

Perry Twins: You have inspired so many artists with your music. Are there any artists that have inspired you in your music or in life? Are there any songs in particular that have inspired you?

Kristine W: Donna Summer’s music has always inspired me from the first time I heard it. Diana Ross is a powerful, independent. glamorous woman and a big inspiration. Different artists in different genres have interested me including Al Jarreau along with Jamiroquai – both are very creative. Ashford and Simpson are amazing songwriters and their songs are totally inspiration. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – captures a lot of positive thoughts and emotions in a short time - 4 minutes.

PT: How has your successful bout with Leukemia changed your life? How did this experience impact your music?

KW: It makes you realize that you only have so much time and energy so you try to utilize both more effectively, whenever possible.The songs that I have written dur ing and since that time, you want to write songs that have a meaning – all of the words have some depth and different messages. Important to have messages of empowerment – make the music powerful when people can hear a song and feel empowered.

PT: What is the most important thing in your life?

KW: My children.

PT: You've just celebrated your 11th number one dance record. What do you think is the biggest factor in the longevity of your career?

KW: That I love what I do and hopefully that has been and will continue to be infectious.

PT: Looking back to your first #1 hit, Feel What You Want...what was the motivation behind writing that song?

KW: That song was a mixture of a lot of different emotions – questioning why I was working so hard in Las Vegas trying to make a name for myself and then my stepfather (who was one of my best friends) dies so the whole song questions everything – Trying to make sense of the world and how important it is to Feel What You Want It To Be – everyone has their own interpretation. Life is better when you feel your way through it rather than try to go with some sort of strategy. Some people become detached trying to climb whatever ladder they are trying to climb that they lose touch with their emotions and lose their spiritual side. Questions how you spend your time and who you spend it with and what you do with your life.

PT: You've had phenomenal success as a recording artist. Most would be envious. Have you accomplished what you set out to do? When all is said and done, what would you like your musical legacy to be?

KW: Yes – I felt like I was part of a wave of artists who tries to put intelligible messages in their music – messages that people can take something of value away with them when they come off the dance floor. I receive lots of letters from fans telling me how my music has inspired them and helped them through some hard times (from sickness to potential suicide) and that is wonderful. Some people think that a song with a positive message isn’t cool but that is not true. Dark messages do not make people’s lives better. I want to provide a ray of light and be uplifting.Music legacy – That I was a multi-dimensional artist – musician, singer, songwriter – that sings different styles of music – combine dance with jazz and other influences – I hope my diverse styles has helped to give dance music credibility that it doesn’t always get.I hope my music and career is inspiring to up and coming artists – I hope I inspire other artists to write and perform music with a message. For my time on earth, I tried to keep them all dancing.

PT: We hear the video for “The Boss” is unlike any of your previous videos...what is the concept behind it?

KW: “The Boss” is a tribute to Diana Ross and it is a tribute to female impersonators whom I have had fun with and whose showmanship I admire. It also allows you to see the madness of the performance aspect from shows from all over the world and from different walks of life. It shows what an eclectic fan base I have. It brings in a lot of different aspects – the live show, an impersonator that has been performing as Diana Ross for about 20 years and has dedicated his life to her and her music – and brings in more fans – especially younger ones to the music of Diana Ross. It is a homage to people like Diana Ross who inspire me and other performers.

PT: Sounds like fun! Well, you certainly have been a huge inspiration for us and we wish you tremendous success with both your new dance album, "The Power Of Music" and jazz album, "Straight Up With A Twist." We really respect an artist like you that enjoys the styles of music you produce and who embraces the genre.

www.krstinew.com