Kristina Sarro, from San Antonio, Texas may be the next SoundCloud singer you’ve been searching for. Her voice is light and enchanting and the way she delivers the sound into her music is quite inspiring. Not only am I now a fan, but I also had the pleasure of talking to Kristina and getting to do an interview with her.
You can listen to her song “When You Call” here
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a 17-year-old, soon to be senior living in San Antonio, TX. I’ve always had a heart and passion for music—whether it’s playing it, writing it, singing it or listening to it. Music is the one thing I can see myself pursuing. I strongly believe that in order to be happy in life, you have to do what you love and music is that very thing for me.
How would you describe your sound? What kind of music do you sing?
I guess my sound is a little bit of folk and indie mixed together. I’m still young and haven’t really “found” my sound and style yet but I think that’s the excitement of constantly developing and progressing as an artist. As for cover music, it depends on the audience- if I’m at a coffee shop, I’ll play some John Mayer type stuff but if I’m posting a cover video online, I’ll play more current pop stuff you hear on the radio, just with a personal twist on it.
What got you into music?
Like I said, I’ve always loved music ever since I was little, but I think the first major point in my musical life so far was getting my first guitar at 11 years old. That, in a way, opened up the door to songwriting and is the reason I continue to pursue my musical passions now. I’m not the most skilled guitar player- I’m working on it though- but all I’ve ever needed is 3 or 4 chords to write a song!
Who/What inspires you the most?
If there is one artist who constantly inspires me, it is definitely John Mayer. I still remember the first time I listened to him. When I was 12, my dad and I took a road trip and he told me to play the “Continuum” album. I remember whining at him because I thought it was more of his old people music, but then the first track played and I was hooked. I’ve listened to that whole album more times than I can count. I’ve always admired John Mayer as a musician and songwriter and I hope to one day be half as good as him.
What makes you different than other upcoming artists? What makes you unique?
I write my own music and it’s not pop music that’s been written by 12 different people. It’s not music that’s been produced so much that it’s lost its authenticity. It’s not music that is made for the sole purpose of getting it played on the radio and having it well on the charts. My music is something that comes from my bedroom… literally. I’ll come up with a song in my room at 12 A.M. and record it on my music software at home. It’s not forced in any way- I only write songs when I truly want to say something or tell a story. It has to come to me. If I ever force myself to write a song, it almost never works out well.
Have you written any original songs? What are they about?
Since last summer, I’ve written 36 songs. Some of them are really good and some of them I question why I ever wrote them in the first place! It’s cool to see how much my writing has improved and changed over just a year. My music is about everything! I’ve written songs about wanting to get away from home and be independent. I’ve written songs about the joys of friendships. I’ve written songs about missing someone who’s passed away. Everything from absolutely sad to overwhelmingly happy! I’ve written a lot of songs about relationships even though I’ve never been in one! Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere at the most random times so that’s why I have so many lyrics written down on my phone and melodies recorded in my voice memos!
You obviously play guitar, do you play any other instruments? What other instruments do you wish you could play?
The guitar is my baby! It’s the only instrument I can play but I used to know piano. I actually took a lot of piano lessons when I was younger but fell out of it because it felt more like work than fun. I would love to learn again, though. I also think it would be super cool to learn the drums!
If you could open for any band(s), which band(s)?
I would love to open for The Fray! Not only are they one of my favorite bands but I think our sounds are similar enough that I think the audience would enjoy it.
What advice would you give to aspiring singers?
Go for it! The biggest mistake you could make is to not even try. I think it’s super important to act on your passions. If you love it, chase it. Don’t remind yourself of the possibilities of failure but of all the opportunities for success.
Do you want to tell readers anything else?
Hopefully, you’ll see my name on a tour bus!
You can listen to her music on her SoundCloud or check out her Twitter.
