“When I’m on stage, I feel extremely fearless and I wanted the music to reflect that.” ~Krystal Metcalfe, on the inspiration behind her forthcoming EP

Following her tour for the release of her first EP, In Real Life, Krystal Metcalfe met up with Lauren in Chicago to talk about her musical roots growing up in the church, current collaborations, her songwriting process, her favorite food spots in Houston and Chicago, and the weirdest thing she likes to bring on tour.

Krystal, a Chicagoan, by way of St. Louis, wears her life experiences, musicianship, and love for people on her chest and is always ready to set the nearest stage on fire. Her love for music runs deep into her roots and she uses those seeds to share real, purposeful, and meaningful music that will uplift your spirits and also move the crowd. 

Her musical style has been described as “the love child of Aretha Franklin and Chaka Kahn, infused with Rock n' Soul and Musical Theatre.” She has been recognized by The Chicago Tribune, as well as highlighted by Jet magazine in a new artist spotlight for her student loan anthem 'Sallie'.

Krystal's debut EP "In Real Life" also earned her performances on the historic JBTV, as well as Windy City Live. This summer she was featured at Mamby on the Beach following her spring tour with The Suffers (check out Lauren’s interview on Lauren Ignited with Kam Franklin.)

Following her spring/summer tours, Krystal’s second EP has been tracked and they are now working on the mix. She talks about their crazy idea to record 8 songs in one 7-hour day, which they did! She admits, though that they did have to go back and re-record some of the parts.

The new EP she describes as having a “strong rockin’ soul sound” that is quite different than “In Real Life.” It features songs that she has written in collaboration with her husband, and with multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter, Sam Trump (featured in another episode of Lauren Ignited.)

Krystal describes her songwriting process as “waiting for the song to be sent down from the heavens” and then it comes all at once. She says the theme of the new album came about at the beginning of the year when she was thinking about how much there is to be afraid of and how you can let yourself be ruled by your fears, or you can face them and evaluate them.

Krystal shares some of her favorite restaurants in Houston -- The Breakfast Klub (listen to Lauren’s interview with Chef Marcus Davis here) and Cyclone Anaya’s -- and in Chicago -- MacArthur’s Restaurant for southern comfort food, Batter and Berries for brunch, and Chicago q for baby back ribs.

Artists Krystal would love to collaborate with include Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr, Lenny Kravitz, and two wild cards -- Vampire Weekend and Lucius.

This interview was recorded the day of the great Aretha Franklin’s passing. Aretha was such an inspiration to Krystal, she tells a story of the time her band played her entire catalog in three long sets. Want to know Krystal’s favorite Aretha song? You’ll just have to listen to find out!

In the meantime, Krystal says, “Be kind, spread love, give hugs (to people that say you can hug them,) and check out the new project when it’s available.”

Krystal Metcalfe’s debut EP In Real Life is available on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal and more!  http://www.krystalmetcalfe.com

Follow Krystal:

Facebook: @krystalmetcalfemusic

Instagram: @krystalmetcalfe

Twitter: @krystlametcalfe

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