krissy’s latest single, “Want To Want Me,” emerges as one of the empowering girls’ anthems of the summer -and not a minute late for the release of a certain film- . The song revolves around asserting self-worth and delivering a final ultimatum to someone, knowing that they’ll eventually regret missing out. It’s a powerful plea before gracefully walking away, confident in the knowledge of one’s value.
“Want To Want Me” stands as a delicate balance of emotions, where the desire to express oneself to a potential lover intertwines with a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence. With its infectious beats and empowering message, “Want To Want Me” is a testament to krissy’s artistry and her ability to connect with her audience on a personal and relatable level, as she continues to pave her way in the pop game.
In this talk with the artist, she talked about the emotions she wanted to convey with the song, her expectations with it, and her next steps, which include -of course- more music.
Hello krissy. First, we would like to know how and when did you start in music, and how do you think the path has been up to now?
To be honest, I’ve been singing forever. It’s one of my longest relationships. It’s a part of my identity. And it started with the standard route– singing in church, and performing in school. Fast forward 20-something years to the present, where now I finally feel like I’m finally stepping foot on my path. I’m owning my flaws, my strangeness, and finding a way to make pop music with it. The journey has been a slow one, but it’s also helping me build up my character.
You have just released ‘Want To Want Me’. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this single? What made you choose this particular theme for the song?
Lately, I haven’t been able to write about anything other than what I’m going through in relation/situation/or whatever-ships. I’m a late bloomer, in every way, and so I guess to quote Fiona Apple, “I’m such an incredibly, stupidly sensitive person that everything that happens to me, I experience it really intensely. I feel everything very deeply.” I get that. Life and dating, it’s all happening at once, and I’m learning a lot about myself through it. ‘Want To Want Me’ is me saying that I want to be chosen, but be careful. I’m naive, but I’m not stupid. I know my self-worth. I’m not one to gas myself up, but I wanted a song that kinda felt like I was doing all that while still allowing for vulnerability.
The song’s title suggests a desire for something or someone. Can you elaborate on the emotions and feelings you wanted to convey through the lyrics?
I think for me, I’m always afraid to speak up and say “Hey you’re dropping the ball here. You’re neglecting me”. I’m that way with any sort of relationship, whether it be platonic or romantic. I never want to be the nag, and I can’t express my frustrations. So, it’s fun to have a song that point blank says, I’m honest to a fault, I love deeply and I’m losing faith that you are the one for me. And I shouldn’t have to beg for your attention for you to get that.
“Want To Want Me” has a catchy and captivating tune. How did you approach the song’s composition to make it so nice in terms of rhythm?
Working with producer Nick Belvis. He was a godsend as he just understood the kind of groove and kick, I was looking for. Musicians like Robyn and Lorde always inspire me because their music is catchy. It makes you want to dance. But then you’ll listen to the lyrics, and realize that they get it. They’re flawed and their stories are messy, and they own it. I know I’m in my zone when I can do my little groovy walk like Travolta in Saturday Night Fever around the city. It has to have that kind of rhythm for me. You listen and you get it. Mute the words, but you still want to move to it. Want to Want Me is funky. The guitars and drums kick in, and you immediately kick in. You know the attitude immediately.
What can you tell us about the music video? What is the history behind it? What can you tell us about the production of it?
I really wanted to create something that felt very current, very DIY. When I brought the idea to my frequent collaborator and filmmaker, she immediately caught on and thought it would be cool to tell the story of four friends getting ready for a night out and capturing it on their phones for, you know, TikTok, or something. We’re tied to our phones. We’re social media obsessed, everyone knows that, but that’s not what this video is about. It’s about celebrating a moment. And since ‘Want to Want Me’ makes you want to dance, even if you don’t know how, I also wanted to have an easy-to-learn dance number in it. That’s where my choreographer, came in. She created a really sweet piece, that has been so fun to learn with our background dancers. The production was small, we shot in my brother’s apartment as well as an exterior scene on the streets of Chinatown. This entire process has been very female-oriented, from our director to our DP to my cousins as crew. I think ultimately that is what I am most proud of, Want To Want Me feels like our female anthem.
In today’s competitive music industry, some people say it’s crucial for artists to find their own sound. But at the same time, it is necessary to explore sounds and styles to diversify the art. What is your opinion about it? Team ‘Own sound’ or team ‘Let’s explore’?
I think both. There’s a world in which both are needed in order for self-discovery. There’s a reason artists imitate, borrow and steal. I’ll never be mad at sampling because it exposes this art in new ways and from a new POV. Each artist is so individual– the experience is never a carbon copy. For myself, traveling, meeting people, going out, and finding what I like or don’t like has inspired me, and inadvertently created my character. I feel very connected to exploring and learning all facets of art, and then developing my own interpretation of what and who I am.
How do you feel your music has progressed with “Want To Want Me” compared with the music you have been doing so far?
I’m definitely more personal and reflective. I’m more comfortable in my songwriting, and my style, and my vision. I’m also having fun, and creating what I like and want to perform. I just hope it all connects.
What role have the new music platforms and social networks played in the process of making your music known? Do you have a good relationship with them?
I’m shy, lol. I’m definitely on the shyer side, so these sorts of platforms have always helped me to express, and connect in ways I normally wouldn’t. I also like peeking over the fence at other artists, and seeing what they’re doing. It’s inspiring to watch their journey– watch them grow. When used correctly it can be a wonderful space.
What are your expectations or hopes regarding the audience’s reception to “Want To Want Me”?
I mean, I hope they like it. I hope it makes them feel good. She’s a bop, you know. She’s meant to be played when you’re feeling your best, or when you’re in need of a little reminder. I hope she makes friends.
With the single released, can we expect a full album or EP in the near future?
Ahh– my first EP is in the works, and I’m excited. The journey has been long, but not delayed. It took some time to know that, but I now know that. I needed to get here. It needed to happen in this moment. I finally have something to say.
krissy is a vibrant pop artist based in Manhattan, who exudes a unique blend of lyrically chill vibes and infectious beats that compel listeners to hit the dance floor.
Her musical journey began in a traditional Christian-Caribbean household, where she first discovered her passion for singing while performing in church. Growing up, her musical interests spanned a wide spectrum, immersing herself in the sounds of Elton John to Hannah Montana.
It wasn’t until her time at The New School in NYC that krissy wholeheartedly pursued a career in music.
Influenced by an eclectic mix of artists such as Lady Gaga, FKA Twigs, Cher, Madonna, Mark Ronson, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, Ludwig Goransson, and Donald Glover/Childish Gambino, krissy’s artistry embraces boldness while remaining down-to-earth.
As she continues to explore her artistic horizons, her music stands as an exhilarating fusion of sounds that speaks to the essence of her dynamic personality.
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