Meet Gillian Krystal | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gillian Krystal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gillian, what matters most to you?
Sticking to what I believe in and staying true to what I envision when it comes to my artistry matters most to me. It can often be easy to fall into a hole of comparison and see how other artists accomplish milestones. There’s an important difference between learning from peers and comparing. It’s in the moments I feel the most joy from what I’m doing that I write down why, and that helps me in the doubtful moments where I need to find the “why” again.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited about the album I’m currently working on. It feels very true to who I have become so far as an independent artist. The song structures have some odd choices that aren’t necessarily “by the book” songwriting wise which does make me a little nervous but I know that I feel proud of what I’ve been creating and I’m very eager to share it with people.

I do not have a typical background in the music world, I was primarily involved with musical theatre throughout my life until I realized I didn’t have a calling to that as strongly as I did for songwriting and creating melodies through piano and guitar. I was working a full-time marketing job, then moved on to run a program full-time designed for adults with disabilities. That job inspired me deeply to write more, and I started creating my first EP ‘Torn’ when working that job.

I always loved the community in Nashville, and decided when I was finished with that EP, I would move and make music my sole focus. It was right before the tornado and COVID so it definitely has not been an easy transition, but day by day I’m finding what works for my voice and finding my place here. I think the biggest lesson that I am still learning every day is to stop getting in my own way. I believe we can all be guilty of that from time to time as artists, and it can be difficult to get through but I have found ways to do that in the joyful pockets.

I think my best advice or what I would want people to take away from knowing me or listening to my music is that every job, every person, and every place that has had a significant impact on my life is a part of my story. Without any of those pieces to my puzzle, I would not be who I am or have the same things to share with the world as I currently do through my music. There is never too late, there is never a question when it comes to something that provides you with an overwhelming feeling of joy and presence. My upcoming album represents the journey of those emotions and the fight to find my way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For Nashville (since that’s where I’m based) I have a bunch of suggestions!

Top dinner spots:
5th & Taylor
Hawkers
Mockingbird

Top lunch spots:
Germantown Cafe
Mas Tacos
Red Headed Stranger

Rooftops:
L27 Rooftop, The Westin
LA Jackson
The W

Top drinking destinations:
Attaboy (speakeasy cocktail bar)
Green Hour (absinthe bar)
Monday Night Brewery
Love & Exile (great wine, great food)

Top coffee:
Elegy (East or Germantown)
Surefire
Red Bicycle

For Fun:
Nashville Farmers Market, (get ice cream at Jenis, walk around Bicentennial on Saturday or Sunday)
Pins
Assembly Food Hall (shopping, eating, drinking)
Self-guided tour at The Ryman (any show at the Ryman)
Basement East shows for local amazing acts
Listening Room Cafe (get tix online)
Rudy’s Jazz Room
Skulls Rainbow Room
Shopping at A Shop of Small Things, Anaconda Vintage, Grimeys

Best Guitar Stores:
Fanny’s House of Music
Gruhn’s Guitars
Carter Vintage

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the process of creating the album I’ve been working on, certain moments have brought back many feelings about my journey so far in exploring being an independent artist and figuring out what that means to me. The first time I ever sang and felt confident about it was when I had my first role in a play in 5th grade. My music teacher at the time, Mrs.Stella Kruh, was the perfect balance of teaching with discipline and encouragement. She gave me the most confidence I had throughout that time in my life and helped me to believe in myself and dream.

When my confidence dwindles, I think back to her and how she would want me to believe in myself.

Website: https://gilliankrystal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilliankrystal/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gillian_krystal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilliankrystal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVBCsLsnDL3erCQwXW_ODwA

Image Credits
first 2: @neonleafmedia