Kristy Thirsk

Musical Discoveries: Please tell us a little bit about your background and how you were led to the Sleepthief project.

Kristy Thirsk: My musical background began when I was born and the preacher who dedicated me in my church said I would be a singer. This little bit of info haunted me until I was nineteen and joined the Rose Chronicles who ended up getting signed by Nettwerk Records after our third show and went on to produce a Juno Award-winning debut album. Unfortunately the band broke up before our second release.

During this time another act on Nettwerk called Delerium enlisted me to sing on some songs which ended up being singles and club hits in Canada and Europe and sold close to a half million records. The next release, of which I contributed vocals and writing to four songs, went on to sell close to two million records worldwide. Literally by minimal radio play and mostly club play and word of mouth. I continue to work with Delerium to this day.

As for Sleepthief, I am always looking to be creative and my friend Harland suggested I hook up with the Sleepthief project as she had contributed a track and thought I would be perfect for it as well.

Did you always know you wanted to be a musical artist?

Since I was five years old and I used to watch my Dad at his rehearsals for his Gospel group called the Royal Heirs. But, I was really really shy and never thought I would follow through on that dream. My mom had to go to kindergarten with me almost every day because I was so shy that I would not let go of her coat!

And what can you tell us about your musical and vocal training?

I haven't had much offical training. A little bit of piano when I was young and A few months of vocal lessons before touring with Rose Chronicles. My guitar playing is basically self taught. I really have no idea what chords I am actually playing half the time.

How would you characterise the song you did for the Sleepthief album?

I only did one song, but I think if I had to describe it it would be - pretty torture.

Did you share any of the writing duties?

Yes. I wrote the vocals and lyrics, mostly.

Please compare the with previous work you've done.

Sleepthief is very similar to Delerium--very open spaces and it's easy to create in that kind of musical canvas.

And how was the project put together?

I was just sent the music, like I get when I do Delerium, and just laid down some vocals and lyrics on my little home studio. Then I went and re did the vocals with Vic Levak at Hush Studios in Vancouver for the final recording.

What kind of music do you find yourself listening to all the time?

My musical choices vary so much. I always love the Cocteau Twins, but I love Fleetwood Mac, Aretha, Zero Seven, Massive Attack, The Killers, Postal Service, and so many of my friends are so talented I end up listening to their stuff a lot.

Do you have a career outside of music?

No, not really any career, though I am intersted in fashion a lot. I would love to design boots someday. I have some ideas--just need to get them to fruition.

What are your future plans as a musical artist?

I am hoping to continue to work with some producers I have hooked up with out of LA and I am just really open right now to whatever path God wants to lay out for me.

What has it been like working the team on the Sleeptheif project?

It's been really easy and fun.

How does it feel to share vocal work with some of the other artists on the album?

Of course I love to share an album with such talented gals. My friend Harland being one of them, it feels great. It's funny the K-H-K trio keeps showing up on similar or the same projects. Kristy--Harland--Kirsty. We are becoming the "ethereal electro girls" or something. I recently just chatted with Kirsty for the first time through myspace and we joked at how people contact her thinking she's me and vice versa!

Do you think "image" has a role in promoting your music these days?

Image is huge in the big pop market and I suppose to some degree in the underground. But ultimately talent is the cream that rises to the top through all that shit. As for as for me personally, I have no idea. I just do what I do and wear what I wear. Whatever feels like me. I don't "try" per say to fit into any particular image.

Has the internet brought you many new listeners, expanded your audience and improved your connection to the fans?

I think so to some degree, but I am really not that great of a judge. It's helped me to sell CDs when I would not otherwise have had them in stores in countries other than Canada. But it hasn't changed my life or anything, so maybe to a small degree. I find word of mouth is still the best way to get your work heard or seen if you are not in the marketting world of Beyonce or Brittney.

As far as connection with the fans, that has been really effective as far as the internet goes. It's a great way to get a personal connection with fans and I find that when I do respond to say an email or something, people are so appreciative and supportive, it really keeps me motivated. But, if it wasn't for the fans, well, they keep the music industry afloat. Let's just leave it at that.

More Kristy Thirsk:
Kristy Thirsk Digest
Rose Chronicles Dead and Gone to Heaven | Shiver | Happily Ever After
Delerium Semantic Spaces | Karma | Odyssey | Chimera
Original Soundtrack Kissed
Balligomingo Beneath The Surface
Kristy Thirsk BootLegs | Souvenir
Sleepthief The Dawnseeker

interview, review and HTML © R. W. Elliot 2006
images © Kharen Hill 2006
Last updated 23 April 2006