Interview: Kristin Lee Ayers

Our inaugural Shinny interview and I find myself sitting in front of the familiar face of Kristin Lee Ayers – the 22 year old skilled soprano who hails from Qunicy, Illinois. People might recognize her by Krissy Lee on her Myspace music profile where you can check out her simple jazzed-infused folk tunes. Or the Youtube account misskrissy688 which has netted over 4,000 views – showcasing a gloomy/catchy ukulele ditty entitled “You’re Never There” and cover songs from artists like Tristan Prettyman and Bright Eyes. We caught up with the sparkling singer/songwriter after she got off work and discussed being afraid of the dark, loving music, and putting on concerts for plush toys.

Shinny: Hi! Thanks for doing this interview for The Shinny Blog. So let the folks at home know who you are and what’re up to.

Kristin Ayers: Well…I am a twenty two year old who just graduated from Lake Forest College with degrees in Music and Communications. My primary focus throughout college was vocal performance. Right now I am working full time as a marketing intern for the Ravinia Festival and that takes up most of my time. But I’ve always loved music – I could sing before I could read.

Shinny: To whom did you sing?

KA: My mom would read me bedtime stories and I would make up songs about the pictures. Then I would put on pop concerts for my stuffed animals in my basement.

Shinny: Was this a reoccurring thing?

KA: Haha yeah it was until I got a little older and got involved with music at school. It was good practice!

Shinny: Your music jumps between smoky, jazz club singer to down-to-earth folk. What artists have been influential to you?

KA: Well I loved the likes of Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin from an early age. And I then I got into artists like Sufjan Stevens and Tristan Prettyman down the road.

Shinny: What would you call your music?

KA: I would call it folk-ish music. I suck at this. It’s hard for me to label my own music. I think secretly, people don’t want to label their own music. Musicians do not like labels.

Shinny: Are you currently performing in or around Chicago? Any gigs or projects lined up?

KA: I am looking for gigs. Working full time makes it tough – I just need to get back to writing. I’ve been playing a lot, but not writing new things. I have a couple of things I am working on so keep checking in on my Myspace for updates.

Shinny: Share with us an interesting fact about you right now! Go!

KA: Ah! I’m terrified of the dark. Especially when I am alone.

Shinny: Name a couple of albums that anyone reading this blog should listen to.

KA: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings’ album, I learned the Hard Way, and Beach House Teen Dream. Other than that I’m not listening to new stuff right now. I’m stuck on The Dirty Projectors' Bitte Orca and old Black Keys.

Shinny: Name your favorite North Side Chicago hang out.

KA: I am a fan of the Heartland Café and the Red Line Tap. I played an open mic at the Red Line Tap and dug the scene and atmosphere. It was the first time I played there and people were really nice to me. I got a free beer out of the deal – anyone who plays gets a free beer. I would have played without the beer though, it was fun.

Shinny: Here’s the fun part of The Shinny Blog: you tell me who I should try to interview next.

KA: I do not remember her name, but the girl with dreads who runs the Red Line Tap open mic on Thursday evenings. She is an amazing musician and so is her husband. Good Luck!

And we're off!