KRISTIN HOFFMANN: Divided Heart

Kristin Hoffmann

Divided Heart

© 2002 Kristin Hoffmann 2002 (676695009620)

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A soulful rock experience that explores the journey of the human heart through relationships, fears, love and life.

tracks

1 Mary
2 It's A Game
3 3 O'Clock In The Morning
4 Divided Heart
5 Temple
6 Never
7 Don't Tell Me About It
8 On Fire
9 Lay Down Your Light
10 New York City

notes

It's difficult to separate Kristin Hoffmann from her music. She began playing the piano at the age of 4, started writing shortly thereafter, and released an album while still in high school. (There were years of classical study in between, most notably at Julliard School of Music's pre-college, where Kristin studied both voice and piano.)

When she talks about her life, she talks about her music - she lives her songs. Yet she's far from one-dimensional - in her 23 years, she's lived a rich life, and her experiences are interwoven into her music. She's equal parts soulful and playful, joyful and lamenting, serious and flippant, a dichotomy that becomes apparent upon one's first listen - the accessibility and simple beauty of her music accompanies deeply intellectual and emotional themes.

Although she's chosen to express her music through the rock genre, her early training is always present: her grasp of musical theory, her technical ability, and the passion and dynamics of classical music shape the style in which she writes and performs. Kristin expanded from the classical realm when she began writing - she discovered herself as a songwriter and lyricist. Music gave her the vocabulary in which to express herself, and her classical training provided its foundation.

While she cites popular influences such as Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos, Kristin's music is simply her own - and likely, that singularity led her to the enviable position of signing with a major label at the age of 19. However, Kristin's first experience under a major recording contract led to a disappointing outcome. "I was signed at a very young age, in the midst of developing as a performing artist and a songwriter," she says. "My inexperience caused me to abdicate control over the creative process, and the results no longer represented me, but an unprincipled, collective direction."

Nearing the end of her first major label experience, Kristin embarked on an introspective journey to Thailand as an effort to recapture her musical soul and acquire an overall perspective on her life and ambitions. She spent time listening to her heart - sleeping on the beach, writing and drawing, meditating, and practicing yoga. In essence, she woke up her imagination. "I brought a guitar with me, and spent countless nights playing for groups of people for no other reason than to add something to my life and to theirs," she says. "For me, it was the true meaning of music - the opportunity to share strictly for the sake of sharing."

Through her study of eastern culture, she learned to let go of the familiar, to trust her instincts, and to relax and to be patient - to take the time to let thoughts, sensations, and new ideas come to her naturally. "Everything in me is enough," she says. "I was living in a place with no electricity, no computers, no cell phones - and I was happier than I'd ever been. I realized that true happiness comes only from within myself. I gained a sound understanding of the difference between music as an art, my art, and music as a business. I now know that no matter what happens in the music business, I will be fine - and I will enjoy music and thrive within it for the rest of my life."

Kristin returned to her home in New York rejuvenated and immediately began recording the songs for Divided Heart, which she'll release on her own in May 2002. Divided Heart is an aural catalogue of her life and her experiences. It features ten new full-length songs that explore a woman's journey through life, love, heartbreak, professional challenges and personal renewal. Kristin wrote or co-wrote and performed each of the songs on Divided Heart and collaborated on the production.

While each of the carefully chosen songs holds its own meaning for Kristin, she describes "Temple" as the song most representative of where she is right now. "'Temple' represents my ideal vision of a relationship between two people and with myself," Kristin says. "It's about being real - letting yourself be seen and loved in your true light. 'Temple' is about the things that can break down this realness - things like moving in the same circles over and over again without growing. It's about opening your eyes to the night-time hunters and moving beyond them."

"I know that for me, music, the beauty of deep, permanent melody, speaks directly to the soul," said Kristin. "Music allows people to connect to each other and that connection can encompass so much, relationships, healing, exploration, love, challenge, and openness. Connecting with people, sharing who I am, is what inspires me, and I feel as if I've been given a gift in being able to express myself through music."

reviews

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  • A wine colored voice, full of soulful fruit, oaky growls, and deep blue tannins.
    author: skeeterfitz

    A wine colored voice, full of soulful fruit, oaky growls, and deep blue tannins. The perfect compliment to any entree. Delectible as a main course.

  • Awesome only begins to describe Kristin's voice
    author: Rob Berger

    Kristin demonstrates that she is an artist that can touch your head, heart and soul with her voice on this mesmerizing collection of songs. It is very easy to feel the emotion and spirit of her Divided Heart. A must buy CD!

  • Great find!!!
    author: Charlie

    I love the sound. Kristin has a great voice that can be dark and soft or powerful and sweet. "On Fire" is just great - love the melody - and "3 o'clock in the morning" has a beautiful piano. I'm glad, I bought this record.

  • great cd.
    author: anna

    I think this is a great cd. I wish I had more to say about it -- it was definitely worth my money and time.

  • Fabulous!!
    author: Paula Cholewa

    I loved your performance in Montreal and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to hear you sing. Your Cd's are amazing. I hope to see you perform back in Montreal soon!

  • The CD every CD would love to be!!
    author: Scott

    This disc will change your life! Lifetimes of passion, energy, emotion and insight in 10 songs that you will listen to over and over and over again!! If you buy one collection of music that you will want to hear until your very last breath on this planet, Divided Heart is it! Kristin Hoffmann's voice and lyrics will inspire you and make you think, cry, fall in love and change the world!!! It just doesn't get any better...

  • you guys are nuts
    author: larry

    You are all either friends with her or are out of your mind. This CD is not very good at all. Lyrically it is alright, but so cliche and musically it really doesn't go anywhere. I saw her play maybe 7 years ago and she had passion that certianly doesn't come through on the record. She has a very good voice that doesn't really get to shine on this record either. It sounds contrived.

  • KJADJAS CAN'T SPEAK! AMAZING!
    author: Kristin

    haha OK! This girl is AMAZING! I can't even take it. This album is seriously one of the best things I have ever purchased. Every song just takes you on a ride. I can just lie on my bed and play the entire album over and over and take such a journey! Kristin Hoffman- I seriously love you and your work! I've never been so impressed. AMAZING!

  • 5 stars is not enough!
    author: Tanima

    As I write this review, I am listening to "Mary" from this CD. This song alone is destined to become a true classic - and believe me, there will be more to come from Kristin Hoffmann, who is the most talented singer and songwriter I have heard in years. She does it all: she writes both the words and music, plays the piano, arranges the music - but most importantly, she does all this with the most beautiful, expressive and soulful voice and heartful talent. She has her finger on the creative pulse of this extraordinary universe, and we are the lucky ones who benefit from the generous sharing of her gifts. Buy this CD and every one she has or will produce, and go see her sing in any venue you can - you will be happy you did.

  • Awesome!!!
    author: Val

    I bought this disc on a whim and am I glad I did. I great refreshing voice, creative lyrics and music that moves you! I highly reccomend this disc if you are into an earthy experience in music.

  • This album has staying power!
    author: Tucker

    The more I listen to it the better it gets! That's the sign of a REALLY GOOD album! The perfect balance of upbeat songs and beautiful ballads. Can't wait for the next one!

  • When Is Her Next Album Coming Out?!
    author: Deidre

    I heard "Mary" on a random Dawson's Creek episode like everyone else and did my research to find her album. Boy, did it pay off! This is the cd I WISH Sarah McLachlan had put out this year. Hoffman delivers incredible melodies, lyrics and -- that voice! I've got to get a copy for all my friends now. I'm especially addicted to the lushly beautiful, "Lay Down Your Light" and "Temple". Don't wait - grab this cd and hold on tight! It's a great ride. I just wish I lived near NYC so I could catch her show. I can't wait for Kristin's next album! I'll be first in line. Don't keep us waiting too long Kristin!

  • author: CD Baby

    Take the best of Tori Amos and Sara Mclachlan and you're headed down the road of this emotive, insightful folky pop with stellar production. Kristin gets down to the nitty gritty of good songwriting with a clear vision, no shortcuts and filling up every inch of musical space in the universe she carves out for herself. With an instrumental palette ranging from cello and piano to electronics, these songs live and breathe and deliver, a life of their own.

  • Really amazing musician / song-writer!!!
    author: Chip Wetzel

    Much like others, my wife first heard "Mary" on Dawson's Creek, surfed to find out the artist, and we both fell in love - really an amazing CD, great depth and texture. A must have!

  • touching cd
    author: clara

    this cd touches your guts and then your heart, then you just can't stop playing it. i saw kristin performing in nyc and i'm happy to be able to hear her other songs, equally beautiful. kristin hoffmann's voice is breathtaking and suits her piano perfectly.

  • author: Nikki

    I first heard the song Mary on an episode of Dawsons Creek and I fell in love with her voice. It took me ages to find anything else by her though as I didnt know her name! but it was definetly worth it.

  • author: Heather

    Total inspiration! Kristin's powerfuL voice combined with her deep lyrics and beautiful melodies make you feel at such ease. Amazing album.

  • Totally Blown Away
    author: Peter C. Krieger

    I have this CD, and it is going into very frequent rotation on my stereo. This lady has talent, and it shows on the CD. I saw her in NYC, in the Village, and she did several songs from the CD. I hope that she one day runs out of room to store her Grammy Awards.

  • I'm in love with this album
    author: David Schloss

    I really loved this album. Stumbled on it at CD Baby while shopping for other music. I've become addicted to CD Baby recently, and this was a great fix.

  • This is a classy release.
    author: Amy - Collected Sounds.com

    She is part blues, part folk, part rock and all heart. She has a soulful emotional style that is immediately appealing. She's also been compared to Tori Amos but I have to say I don't see that. She's not nearly as wacky. Kristin is much more straightforward. I would say maybe Chantal Kreviazuk before I'd agree with the Amos comparison. (please see above link for full review)

  • Oustanding CD--It's hard to put it away
    author: Toni

    This is one of those CDs that comes along once in a while that just grabs you on first play and keeps you there. It's hard to believe someone so young writes music this mature. The composition is great, her voice is great, the whole CD is great. I can't stop listening!

  • It hasn't left my CD player yet!!!
    author: Julie

    I have had this CD for over a week now and no matter how hard I try (or don't) it hasn't left my player. Not only is this on of the best albums I have ever heard, but after playing it a million times I still want to hear more! I haven't been this excited about an artist in a really, really long time!

  • Good thing come in small packages
    author: Kid Yid

    Kristin is only 5'OO''; barely weighs lOO lbs.; sings very quietly and unassuming, yet you've feel like you've been hit by a Mack truck doing 8O mph. Divided Heart will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. So strap yourself in and keep your hands in the car.

  • author: Dina

    excellent! i saw her perform this music live and it was very powerful ... truly a work of art ... such a strong, vibrant voice for someone so young ... her life experiences really reflect in her music - VERY talented!

  • Why are you wasting time reading this? Just buy the CD.
    author: Ross Horowitz

    What’s that? You already bought it? You just wanted to see what other people thought? I had the most amazing luck discovering Kristin. She was on after another band I went to see. Got the CD. Brought it home and listened to it. Downloaded it into my computer at work so I could listen to it there. Listening to it right now. Great, isn’t it? She’s great on stage too. She gets started and she’s one with the keyboard. There are lots of great comparisons out there, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and they’re all great artists, and Kristin is definitely in the same category with those outstanding women, but the sound is her own. Combine the classical training, the lyrics, her vocals, the keyboards and the cello, yes, the cello, and the sum is greater than the parts. An intensity, a vibration, a vision, a sexuality, a fire shines through, live or on CD, that communicates in a way no mere words can on their own. What? You haven’t bought the CD? What are you waiting for?

  • Insightful folky pop with stellar production
    author: Tamara D. Turner

    Take the best of Tori Amos and Sara Mclachlan and you're headed down the road of this emotive, insightful folky pop with stellar production. Kristin gets down to the nitty gritty of good songwriting with a clear vision, no shortcuts and filling up every inch of musical space in the universe she carves out for herself. With an instrumental palette ranging from cello and piano to electronics, these songs live and breathe and deliver, a life of their own.

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