• Artist Name: Kristen Kae
• Hometown: Kentucky

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I just released my debut single “Just Watch Me” which has been very exciting, so now I’m writing songs like crazy finding my next single. I’m also putting together an acoustic set list so I can get out there singing some live shows. Live shows are my favorite!

Besides my solo projects, I’m also in a female country group called The Highway Women.  Our next single “God Made Me Right” will be going on pre-order December 13th, which is super exciting. We have been working crazy hard writing new songs, recording new music, working on some new secret projects and rehearsing as we get ready to sing some live shows in the new year. I cannot wait for everyone to see all the cool things we’ve been working on!

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

Music has always been my greatest passion in life. Singing in particular though is just something I have loved since I was very little. It has always been the way I express my most true emotions and it’s been my way to get through hard times. Singing is my escape from all the harder things in life and it’s my time to just be in the moment and have fun.

I think in my heart I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do. Life has taken me on many other paths, but no matter what else I’ve tried, it’s always brought me back to pursuing my music. I always say, the life of a musician is less of a decision and more of a calling in life. The best thing I ever did was put my full self into my music career because it has launched me to where I am today, and where I am right now is truly a dream come true.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

One of two things. I’d either be in something involving performing arts, most likely in theatre. Broadway is still forever a dream of mine. I’d love to perform on Broadway, but also I love theatre tech, especially makeup and costume design as well. My other love is actually personal relations, especially social media marketing. I love promoting out artists I love and believe in. I’m probably one of the few artists that actually loves working on that stuff.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

I’m honestly a crazy workaholic so I don’t have a lot of downtime, but when I do it’s usually spent spending time with friends and family, including our family’s cute pup girls Pepper and Poppy. If I have downtime myself though, I’m definitely binge watching YouTube. I either love watching dance videos, because in another life I wish I was a great dancer, makeup influencer videos or just videos that make me laugh. My current favorites are Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

 Haha I really don’t know. I’m all about being that super independent woman, so I don’t really think about guys too much at the moment.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

 I honestly don’t have one. I’ve never really been into sports myself too much.

What is the last movie that you watched?

 I’m so crazy busy so I don’t watch movies a whole lot, but I think the last movie I watched in the theatre was the new The Lion King. I went to see it with my friends and I really enjoyed it! It was cool to see a live action version of a Disney classic I’ve always enjoyed.

What is the last album you listened to?

Runaway June’s debut album “Blue Roses” is so dang good! One of my favorite albums I’ve heard in awhile. There’s not one song on that album that I don’t love. They’ve got this awesome old country sound with a modern twist, mixed with these amazing tight harmonies. You also know the songs are really good because it’s three Nashville songwriters in one group. That is pretty awesome!

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

 Oh gosh… that’s such a hard choice, but I think I’d have to go with Kelly Clarkson’s album Breakaway. That was the first CD I ever owned and fully fell in love with when I was in 5th grade. I still know every word to every song on there like the back of my hand to this day.  I don’t think there’s a bad song on there. Kelly Clarkson has been my idol for the longest of anyone.

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Dolly Parton’s song “I Will Always Love You” Dolly Parton is truly one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time, especially in country music and also a big idol of mine. Country music is all about telling real stories with real emotion and heart, and all of that is wrapped up so perfectly in that beautiful song. Dolly wrote the song for her good friend Porter Wagoner at the time to show him how she felt, and that’s why the song is so real. That song is also very relatable, which is also something that country music is all about. I think we’ve all been in various situations and relationships in life where we knew it was best to leave something or someone, but that we still wish them the best with a lot of love.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I’ve actually never toured yet as a recording artist, but I am kind of a gypsy, so I’ve lived in a few different states and traveled a decent amount. I’d have to say my favorite city I’ve ever visited, besides my almost home at this point, Nashville, TN, is New York City. That is truly a city of dreams coming true. There is something very magical about standing in Time Square. It’s such an inspiring place. As one who still someday dreams of singing on Broadway, that city has always had a special place in my theatre-loving heart.

What is your favorite meal?

Either Italian, barbecue or any kind of southern cooking.  I grew up eating Italian. I actually ask for a good plate of lasagna every year on my birthday. The country girl in me though loves barbecue and southern cooking in general. I love pulled pork, mac and cheese and green beans. One of my favorite places to eat is Cracker Barrel. Their biscuits and apple butter are seriously the best!

Who is your dream duet partner?

 Reba McEntire or Kelly Clarkson for sure. They’re too of my biggest idols without a doubt so it’d be a total honor. It’s one of my dreams though to sing “Does He Love You” with Reba. That’s one of the best female duets ever written in my opinion and also one of my favorite Reba songs. Kelly’s voice is just spectacular, so I think us two powerhouses would have a lot of fun singing anything together.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, or Ashley McBryde would be my top picks. Those ladies are my biggest idols and it’d be such an honor.  Also all those ladies are so sweet, down to earth and just good honest folks, so I think we’d have too much fun.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To become one of the biggest names out there. I’ve always dreamed big since I was really young and I will always continue to do that. I want to make an impact with my life and my music. I want to make a difference in this world and bring positive change. I want to help people any way I can, like so many of my idols have done for me and so many. And most of all, I want to inspire people to chase their dreams, no matter what they are. I want to prove to people that your dreams can come true if you work hard and believe in yourself, no matter what anyone else says or what struggles life brings you. To me, living your dream is how you live your best life and how you find true happiness in life, and that is something I want for everyone.