Grammy Award winner, singer-songwriter Cri$tyle is a renaissance woman. She’s a unique artist that has written songs for some heavyweights in the industry like Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Monica. Born and raised in Atlanta, she has become truly recognizable and, now, has a new single out called “Pinch Me.” We caught up with this true diva to hear the scoop on how it felt to win a Grammy, working with Rihanna on “Only Girl In the World” and her personal style. –tammie reed
Going from a songwriter to an artist means your image is now key. What would you consider your signature look?
Well, I don’t like to look too “made up” or too perfect, ya know. I consider myself the fly chick next door (lol). I don’t think you have to be on a stage to look like a star. I like to look naturally beautiful and, by nature, we’re a little messy sometimes, yet still beautiful.
When did you know that music would tickle your fancy?
I’ve been singing since the age of 3. My mother, father and sister sang. So, I knew that I would be singing, at least, until the day I stop breathing. I fell in love with songwriting later on during high school, and, now, it’s become natural to me. But I always knew I’d be in music. I like to think I made that decision shortly after my first breath.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I pull inspiration from any and everything — from music I grew up on to paintings on a wall to conversations I’ve had. I feel there’s a song for everything we go through in life. Life, itself, has its own soundtrack, and it’s up to me to conduct the music behind it.
How can new artists stay afloat? Any great tips?
As far as “staying afloat” as a new artist, I think the problem lies in the question itself. I try not to think of my career or my life as some kinda game where I have to “stay afloat,” as long as I’m living my dreams, using my talents and gifts to help others and staying focused on that. I win without even trying. Problem with most people [is] they focus on winning and forget why they entered the game in the first place. Just do what you love and you can’t lose!
Congrats on winning a Grammy! We know that’s a huge accomplishment! What’s something that you still would like to achieve?
Awww, thank you! I have so many goals (lol). I add to the list everyday, but I guess the most urgent of them, at this point, would be for me to put together a body of work that myself, my mom and God could be proud of and watch it go out into the world and touch and speak to people of all ages, races and genders. That’s my goal! Wish me luck!
Where did the inspiration for your single ‘Pinch Me’ come from?
I was watching Alice in wonderland,and alice was having nightmares,so her dad told her to pinch herself to wake up…so I thought about relationships and how some of them turn out to be beautiful nightmares..they appear to be everything we always dreamed of on the surface..but the nightmare truly begins once you allow yourself to fall into a deeper sleep and in essence, a deeper love… Then I thought,I’d rather wake up and deal with reality vs a temporary dream love…thus the birth of Pinch Me.
