7A Kristianna - Seven Series Highlight at AADL
Kristianna is a big believer in authenticity, whether in her music or life. During her performance of her song "Twisted" for The Seven Series at The Ann Arbor Library, you can slowly see her get lost in the soft and sensual tone while she performs. Pair that with the pink ambiance enveloping her, and you have a bewitching performance from the Ypsilanti Star.
The R&B singer was not always so comfortable performing. Saying she used to be overwhelmed with anxiety and not be able to eat before a performance. As time has gone by, she has gotten more comfortable being on stage and has taken strides in all different factors in her career. When reminiscing about her career so far, she can feel the growth herself, noting her improvement.
“Listening back now, I still love that album (“Too Late to Be Sorry”) that was my first (album)." Kristianna says, "I feel like I’ve grown vocally, and listening to things now, there are some things I would've changed if I could. Just the way I say some things, trying to perfect my craft. Make sure each time I do something, it’s better than the last.”
One aspect she continues to focus on is her vulnerability. The ability to be honest in her music and communicate her feelings has always been a special part of her music. Stating this openness in her communication is what makes her Kristianna.
“If you wanna be in your feelings, you can always count on me for that,” Kristianna said. Focused on getting to her groove post-pandemic, she hopes to have new music on the way. Before leaving, she wanted to emphasize the importance of the library to the Community.
“Library holds a wealth of knowledge. We have gotten so comfortable with technology and knowing the palm of our hands, but what happens if that goes out? Being able to know you have that resource, there are a lot of things you can take from coming to your local library and information you can find,” said Kristianna. “They also have things for the community, things to get further educated, and the kids. It’s important for the community and personal growth.”
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Aaron Hughes is a multimedia journalist with a passion for writing about race, culture and arts. He works in copyediting, data reporting, audience engagement, graphic design, photography, and video editing. Currently a student at Eastern Michigan University, Hughes is one of the leading journalists at the university, working as a managing editor for the school newspaper, The Eastern Echo.
As a reporter, Hughes focuses on race, culture, and news writing, taking topics from speaking to EMU alums to conversing with University officials. In his interview with Kristianna, Hughes highlights the singer’s decision to go with a pink aesthetic and her songwriting techniques. Following his interview, you can read Hughes’ article on Kristianna, where he details the
singer’s career and her usage of vulnerability in music.
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The Seven Series is a seven-episode performance and interview production for up-and-coming musicians and journalists.
The Seven Seires allows local artists around the area to showcase their talent and offer aspiring journalists an opportunity to sharpen their on-camera and writing skills by engaging in entertaining interviews with the featured musicians following their performances.
Sponsored by The Ann Arbor Observer and FedUp Ministries, the Seven Series showcases an abundance of local talent, The Seven Series will highlight local arts-based businesses and venue Leon Speakers as the primary venue for shooting locations.
The series is being powered by The Amplify Project, a 501c(3) nonprofit that identifies and mobilizes resources for independent Black musical artists in Washtenaw County. The initiative has supported Washtenaw County artists like Ki5, and London Beck, to release critically acclaimed projects.