A famous singer once said, "Music is like a flame in your soul that never goes out." Krista's dream sparked a flame when she was a child, and music became her first love.
She was born in Dallas, Texas where her family lived a familiar suburban middle class life. Her mom worked long hours for a law firm downtown, and her father became an ordained Assembly of God minister in 1975. Her childhood was full of typical moments, but her love and appreciation for music was far from typical. As a kid, Krista had a collection of 45 records by artists such as, Donna Summers, Barbara Streisand, and Olivia Newton-John, to name a few. "I often spent my allowance on music. I remember singing along with my records in front of the mirror, holding the brush like a microphone, and of course there was always the imaginary audience," said Krista.
The summer before her 12th birthday, she moved to a small town in South Texas. Krista said, moving from Dallas to a town with a "Population 2,000" sign posted near the one-stop light, chicken plant, and Dairy Queen was a major culture shock. It was also at this age that she made her solo debut at the Nixon Assembly of God church where her father pastored.
This period, in the eighties, was the beginning of the karaoke phenomenon, and Krista found herself singing every background track she could get her hands on.
Krista won her first talent contest at a district level Future Farmers of America contest, and within six months performed at the FFA State Convention. This appearance garnered an invitation to sing at the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. After singing several country and gospel songs during the convention, she caught the ear of the music director of the United States European Concert Tour who invited her to join the group the following summer as a feature vocalist. Krista had the opportunity to sing in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. She said during one specific performance in Germany, fans began to wave white flags while she sang "Break It to Me Gently." She later asked the translator what that meant, and he told her they were giving her the equivalent of a standing ovation.
While on break from college, Krista auditioned and was cast as the lead in the Sea World of Texas production, "Under the Sea." Krista sang, acted, and danced in the title role of Lindey. Also, while attending Texas A&M University, Krista was selected to participate in the Walt Disney World College Internship Program in Orlando, Florida. She worked in attractions for MGM Studios during the six month internship.
By the end of high school and college, Krista had performed in front of thousands of people, from Texas to Europe, and in venues ranging from stock show barns, to music halls and European outdoor amphitheaters. She performed on television, and had many newspaper articles documenting her travels and successes. Krista won numerous talent contests, and was encouraged to compete in the Miss America Scholarship Program. This proved to be a great way for her to earn scholarship money, and gain valuable experience performing all over the state. Krista held the titles of Miss Walnut Springs, Miss Fort Worth, Miss Houston, and Miss Hurst-Euless-Bedford. "The four years competing for Miss Texas taught me about hard work, commitment, and grace under pressure," said Krista. She credits her years as a title holder as positive and pivotal preparation for her future career in sales and music.
After college, Krista started her career in medical equipment sales. She now works for a pharmaceutical company. Krista continued singing on country opry shows, was active in the music ministry at her home church, and was a special guest singer at other churches and events. She also reunited with and married an old family friend and classmate, making their fathers who had been friends since childhood very happy.
Krista has written songs for years, and has compiled a notebook with a mixture of finished and unfinished songs. Krista said, "As a writer, you often write about your own pain, loss, love and inspiration, or what you witness other people going through. My life, with its ups and downs, is well represented on those pages."
After 9/11, and a period of great personal loss, beginning with the death of her best friend to cancer, Krista's writing changed forever. "I just think everyone has that moment when the light bulb goes off, and you realize what is truly important in life. Your life is never the same again, and the question becomes, what you are going to do with what you have learned. My realization came through painful events, but it was the beginning of something new in me. I felt like my dream was reborn, and my God given purpose reaffirmed. My writing began to reflect my stronger faith in God, and the incredible magnitude of His love for us," said Krista.
She believes this was the beginning of a new season of preparation and acceleration, as she began earnestly seeking God's will for her life. She wrote and recorded a new demo of original songs, read books, and attended seminars to better understand the music industry and the music ministry.
In March 2001, she attended a music conference in Houston, Texas where she pitched her two song demo to prospective music industry professionals. "I got positive feedback on the demo, and some took my promo kit, but the overall message was that they were not looking for Christian artists," said Krista. An A&R Consultant for the Toronto based Attack Group was one that took notice, and passed the demo to the President of the Attack Group, Mark S. Berry.
Krista's life changed with a phone call she received on her birthday in August 2003 from the multi-platinum producer. Krista said, "I couldn't figure out how my demo ended up in Canada. I started going through cards I had collected, and found the card from Attack Group. I had written a note on the card that said, 'will call if interested'. I couldn't believe I got a call almost two years after attending the conference," said Krista.
Krista's album, "By Way of Love," which was produced by Berry, will be released in both Canada and the U.S. The album features songs from top writers in the gospel, country, and pop industries, and Krista's songwriting is also featured on four tracks. Krista said, "The last eight months I have been blessed beyond measure, even through painful and difficult obstacles that have come my way. My heart is truly reflected in this album, each song represents the difficulties and triumphs I have faced on this journey to fulfill my dream. No matter what ultimately happens with the record, my prayers have been answered."
Krista said the predominant themes of the album are self-confidence, love and inspiration, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of dreaming big. "Each person has an important purpose, and to pursue dreams is a vital part of fulfilling that purpose. My hope is that people will be encouraged to press on, keep believing in their dreams, and not settle for less than the best God has for them."
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