ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Kristian Blanchard

Meet Kristian, a dynamic artist whose music blends influences from The Smiths, The Cure, and The Police. She’s played unforgettable shows across Ohio, New Orleans, and Minnesota, even opening for Crystal Waters. Always evolving, Kristian's music is raw, emotional, and for everyone—because it’s meant to be theirs.

What’s the story of how you fell in love with music? Was there a moment you knew alt rock was your thing?

I fell in love with music at a young age because both my father and mother listened to music constantly. Although they had completely different tastes in music. My father listened to classical music, while my mother was a Beach Boys, Abba, and John Denver fan. When I was able to start picking my own music, I found The Smiths, The Cure, and the Psychedelic Furs. I fell in love with how different it was. The sounds the instruments made fascinated me.

Your lyrics are bold and raw—what makes you go all-in on emotional honesty when writing songs?

Music is my safe place. It is where I feel completely comfortable expressing myself and my emotions without any apologies.

Alt rock has some iconic legends—who are the artists you’d fangirl over or totally credit as inspirations?

That changes on a daily basis. Lately, I have been diving into early Police music and Sting. That could change tomorrow. I give credit to so many bands that I have listened to since the beginning until now. My emotions also dictate the playlist for the day.

What’s your secret recipe for writing songs? Is it all about late-night inspiration, or do you have a specific vibe to get the creativity flowing?

I don't have a "secret recipe," to be honest. I literally just go up to my studio and pick up my guitar. Once that happens, everything just seems to fall into place with where I am taking the music. I can literally hear in my head all of the rest of the instruments I am going to add onto the song.

Your music mixes grit and heart so effortlessly—how do you find that perfect balance of edge and emotion?

My mind goes into a different state when I am recording music. I am not focused on anything but writing the music for all of the instruments that I play. The lyrics always come from whatever I am feeling in that exact moment in time. The vocals are always the last thing that I record. So whatever I am feeling in that exact moment gets recorded, and I have found no reason to question anything or ever change the lyrics or music. Maybe that's where the grit and emotions come from.

Are there certain stories or themes that always sneak their way into your music? Any that surprise even you?

No, I don't feel that I have any stories or themes that always sneak into my music. I literally write what is happening in life at that moment!

You’ve been called magnetic on stage—what’s your secret to connecting with a crowd and leaving them wanting more?

I try to involve the crowd that is present with me and also share a little bit of background for certain songs. I also enjoy playing my music for people, so I try to give them my entire energy.

What’s the most unforgettable performance or venue you’ve played? Any “pinch me, this is real” moments?

I have played at many amazing venues from Ohio to New Orleans and Minnesota. All have been memorable. I must say opening up for Crystal Waters in St. Paul, Minnesota was amazing, also recording at Paisley Park with Prince's bass player and others. Although playing in the streets of the French Quarter was a pinch-me moment, being asked to play in front of a woman's art gallery because it was bringing in business are moments I will never forget.

How do you keep it real with your fans? Whether it’s onstage, online, or somewhere in between, how do you stay connected?

I stay honest with my music and my brand. I always have time to speak with anyone who listens to my music, whether they enjoy it or not. I try to keep myself as accessible as possible.

Your sound pushes boundaries in the best way—what drives you to keep experimenting and evolving?

I try to evolve in all parts of my life, not just music. I do enjoy pushing the boundaries of my own sound and seeing what I can layer or come up with that challenges my musical abilities.

If we peeked at your playlists, who’d we find that might totally shock us? Any guilty pleasures or unexpected influences?

My playlist is all over the place. I enjoy music completely. On any given day, you could find Psychedelic Furs, Pink Floyd, The Sex Pistols, Joy Division, John Denver, Taj Mahal, Madonna, Three Six Mafia, and Olivia Rodrigo. I just never know.

Dream big—what’s next on your bucket list for your music career? Tours, collabs, or maybe even world domination?

I honestly just want to be able to keep making music that hopefully reaches people.

If you could team up with any artist, living or not, who would you choose and why would they be the perfect match for your style?

I would love to play with Colin Hay. That would be incredible. Honestly, I will play with anyone whose energy matches mine.

What’s something quirky or unexpected about you that fans might not guess? (Bonus points if it makes us laugh!)

I speak to my four-legged children and answer back with their own specific voices and dialogue that I have given them. We've really gotten into it a couple of times lol.

If your music could leave one message or feeling with listeners, what would it be? What do you hope sticks with them after the final note?

That my music is theirs—to interpret, use, sing alone, and pull out whatever meaning it strikes in them. Also, hopefully, it will stand the test of time.