Nashville-based singer-songwriter Crystal Leigh’s vocals exude a melodic warmth and heartfelt timbre – paying tribute to the musical influences of her life, from the classics of Linda Rondstadt and The Eagles, to modern icons, like Kacey Musgraves. Her notable sound is a delightful blend of light-hearted spirit and genuine intention, which parallels the journey she’s travelled so far. Her music carries the excitement for what’s to come and limitless possibilities of what tomorrow has in store. Motivated by optimism, thoughtfulness, and dedicated faith, her soulful melodies and lyrics are honest Americana.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Crystal Leigh about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born and raised in sunny Santa Barbara CA. You know, I personally don’t have an official genre or style for the music I write, and I’m honestly not too concerned about identifying one. I just write and create what comes out of me. I’ve heard people call what I do country, Americana, singer-songwriter, and I’m cool with it all.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Music has always been the soundtrack playing through my life, and I’ve wanted to pursue it as a career for almost all my life. I think a huge influence on this dream has been my parents. They both love music and exposed me to a wide variety of genres growing up. They have always been so encouraging and supportive, and recognized that it played a big part in my life.
Whenever this relationship with music becomes strained, remembering the foundational joy it brings me and others is what keeps me hanging on. It has also blessed me with so many adventures and people, and I believe fostering that gratefulness is really important in any relationship.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
In a lot of ways this release is not very different from the ones before! I’m still creating and releasing music that is simply me and what I have to say, not really concerned with where it might land or fit.
But on the other hand, it is different because I’m different. I’ve grown as a person and an artist and I think my music has followed suite!
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think for me the biggest challenge has been fighting discouragement. When there are so many talented people putting out so much great music it’s easy to feel like you’re just drowning in the all the noise. Why would anyone want to listen to me and my stuff?
But I think this challenge also offers a great opportunity for me to reflect on why I’m pursuing music in the first place. Am I doing it for the streams? For fame? If that’s my reason, then number-wise this doesn’t make sense to pursue. But if I’m doing music just because I like it, then this over saturated digital age doesn’t really matter, and it’s a cool tool to connect with more people than I would without it. This reflection has been really helpful for me to continually remember the real why behind what I’m doing.
What was the last song you listened to?
Bible Verses by Blake Shelton. Brett Sheroky is an incredible writer, and this song is pure country perfection. The kind of song that makes me wanna give up ad a writer but also write all the songs.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I really don’t have a preference to be honest.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m a Spotify girl only because it’s easy and my husband has premium and it’s easy to steal.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Probably Instagram or my website
Anything else before we sign off?
Just a big thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a little snippet of me and my life with you!
