The Nashville Americana artist’s latest LP is out now via Normaltown Records
As warmer weather steadily arrives, with it comes the tunes of the summer all vying for top spots for hitting the repeat button. This time around, Nashville may have a secret weapon up its sleeve. With a tribute to the country stars of old, Kristina Murray gives listeners an updated stylization that simply delights. With the release of her album, Little Blue, fans can fully grasp on the Americana genre and enjoy. The range of emotions and attention to ideal instrumentation match well, giving this collection of tunes a solid ground to launch from.
Key track on the album is “You Got Me“, which from the onset captures the ears with twangy guitars. Listeners will perk up and then get swept up in her welcoming vocals. They are friendly, with emotional depth that beckons. With a folksy edge, this song blends into genres, offering an inclusive listening experience. Just listen to the instrumentals alone and relish that balance, especially those solos. Listeners will acknowledge the genuine appeal and add her to their rotation with ease. Kristina is a voice that will be heard often this season. Fans will beg for more, and she most likely will happily oblige.
Kristina had much to say on this body of work and what is to come.
You are already having one hell of a 2025. What has been your favorite moment and why?
Best moment so far was my album release party here in Nashville on release day May 9. My band – who are also my great friends – was cookin, the crowd was great, I had a brand new custom “nudie” suit and cowboy hat, and I just felt so happy to have the album officially be out in the world after a long two year grind!
My favorite track on the album is “You Got Me.” What was it like working with Rachael Moore and Misa Arriaga? Any memorable moments you’d like to share?
Thank you! I like that song a lot too, and so glad it kicks off the album. Rachael and Misa are both very different producers stylistically; Rachael is a “get in and get shit done” and go with what feels good instantly; I liked that take charge mentality because I really needed something like that at the time, after not being in the studio for a couple of years. Misa is much more of a slow burn, find the right textures and sonic layerings and simmer and develop on the songs type of producer; the way he records my vocals is my favorite way my vocals have ever been recorded. I’m not sure if it’s what he pulls out of me or my comfortability in his studio or the mics or what, but he’s got the magic that helps me get the vocal magic. It was so cool to work with both because both are incredible at what they do, both are dear friends, and both really cared about the songs they were working on for this record.
What are your hopes for the summer and beyond?
Hopes can be a hard thing to have in this business, and I’m slightly weary of voicing them in case they don’t come true! Ha-ha. Hopes for the summer and beyond are to just get touring all the time to get Little Blue to the people and put on a great show for folks; that’s what I love doing the most is performing and touring. I know I’ve got fans across the country and world, and there are places I haven’t been to in years and some I’ve never been to! I’d really like to get to Europe again within the year and make that an annual trip. I’m also hopeful that this record can help get me to a more sustainable place as an artist where I’m not necessarily having to supplement income with other jobs and can make studio recordings on a more regular cycle.
Is there something in the industry you would like to see improved and why?
I would like to see the algorithm be friendlier to smaller and independent and female artists; I would like for AI to stay out of music, period. I would like for touring to be more sustainable – a living wage guarantee for shows and lodging provided while touring. I would like for the demand of artists to put out and create more “content” instead of actual art to not be the standard anymore. I would like for the ageist microaggressions – and outright blatant ageism – perpetrated on women artists to go away. A lot of wishful thinkin’!
What piece of advice would you give a new musician entering the space that you wish you had known?
Lean into what makes you unique and original; trend chasing and “playing to the gallery”, as Bowie said, that is a dead end. Take care of and treat well the people that help make your music; they are imperative. Practice and study are two routines and rules you have to do no matter how good you get, and exercise your craft; songwriting is a muscle that can atrophy if not worked. Also! If you’re a woman, men don’t necessarily know any better than you so take their instruction and “advice” with a shot of tequila and grain of salt. It truly does not matter if you “look pretty” while you sing!
