Crystal Murray
Crystal Murray’s romantic dreamscape induces a sense of nostalgia for those airy adolescent years - and with good reason. The artist behind the soulful music is a mere 18 years old herself. Nevertheless, she possesses a striking understanding of the world and her role in it. Despite the enchanting, glimmering quality of both her music and her digital appearance (she’s quite the model too) she doesn’t let herself be swayed by the shallow and fabricated side of social media. Crystal provided us with a candid glance into her world. Together, we discussed her early days of music creation, the emotions behind her sound and what it’s like to come of age in the era of Instagram.
At only 18 years old, you’re already quite an established artist. Could you guide us through your musical journey so far?
I started actually recording in the studio about 3 years ago. But, I was always writing and creating melodies in my head before that. Music is a legacy in my family, so it’s been in my blood as well as around me ever since I was a little girl. I wouldn’t call myself established yet - I’m still trying to find the sounds that fit me perfectly - but I’m getting there. I’ve been creating so much lately, so hopefully I’m getting there soon!
Your stories - your lyrics and the way you convey them - seem very personal. Are they?
Yes, they are. Maybe, a bit overplayed at times, but there’s always a truth to the stories, emotions and love. At some moments, writing can be a struggle to me. These are moments where I can't explain the emotions I’m feeling, because I don’t even understand them myself. I’m getting better though, I’m really evolving in drawing my emotions - I love it.
There’s a self-reflective maturity in your voice and words it utters. Yet, your music also possesses a dreamy romanticism that makes me nostalgic for those carefree days of adolescence. Is this a conscious choice or did it happen more innately?
It’s not a conscious choice, but I love that you say that so much. I think it fits me quite well.
I’m very young and started living an adult life very early but, at the same time, I missed some crucial steps that I needed to take when I was younger. Nothing was forced, I just felt like an older person. And now, still very young, I’m realising I grew too fast. Of course, I'm very happy about it because it got me where I am, and I’m doing something I love, but as you said I’m nostalgic in a way.
Both you and your music came of age in a time dominated by Instagram, how has that shaped your musical career?
I think it’s a part of my career; before music, I was a model, or rather in a role called “talent”, which is basically what you call an influencer these days. It got me a few followers who also followed me to my first steps in music. I think it shaped the image maybe?
And how has it shaped you personally? I can imagine it can be both liberating and restricting to be an artist, navigating social media at such a young age.
Being exposed to social media at such a young age actually made me realise so much about the world - what I believe in and where I wanted to go. When I was doing these fashion things, I realised that it wasn’t the real-life. Everything was very shallow, I missed some of realness in it. I noticed that people could use you, your words, your style and make it whatever they wanted it to be, either good or bad. Today, I still like and use social media; it’s been helping my career. Having a platform on which everyone can hear your voice is quite cool, but I do think some people are not using it responsibly and some brands are robotifying humans. I’m very happy to be a musician and to use social media to present a part of me - a real one.
I’d say your music defies genre; balancing jazz, soul, r&b and so much more. What are some of the styles and people who have influenced you?
I was definitely rocked by jazz and soul. As I said before, it's in my blood. The music in my family spans way back, to Afro American churches in Oakland, so it’s a spirituality in me. My influences range from John Coltrane and Minnie Riperton to Betty Davis. I’m a big Betty fan. From her energy in her music to the soul she gives and the blues she’s screaming. It’s exactly the energy I’m looking for, the one that Kelis or Macy Gray also have. But yeah, I’m a girl of my generation so I also listened to a lot of RnB, pop, hip-hop, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Bahamadia, OutKast. Now, I’m in this place where music is inspiration so I listen to a lot of jazz and funk like Ron Trent, Kokoroko, Serpentwithfeet, Solange… Music that takes you somewhere when you listen to it. I also listen twosome house and techno music, the main reason I go out is to dance to my favourite DJs.
What is the best place or context in which you’d like people to listen to your music?
I want my music to be something you can listen to every day, at every moment. If you want a sad song I’ve got “I Was Wrong” which I wrote at a very sad moment in my love life. If you feel like dancing, you can put on “Easy Like Before” or “Diamond Man” which I wrote in a moment of pure fun and joy. If you want to be taken away while looking at the sky, you can play “August Knows”. There are more emotions are to cooooome eheh!
Acknowledging the future is somewhat unclear for everyone at the moment - do you have an idea what your next steps will be?
I’m gonna be creating and releasing my music. I want to give all of my positive energy to the world, hoping the world will get better.
courtesy CRYSTAL MURRAY
interview MARJOLIJN OOSTERMEIJER
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