In light of Kristy Cox’s new release this month and her recent Golden Guitar accolade, I thought it would be good to catch up with her for an interview.
Kristy, first off, congratulations on your recent Golden Guitar awards. Many of us here in Australia are thrilled for your success.
Thanks so much :)
What age did you start singing in public?
I first stepped on stage at the age of 11. I was instantly hooked and have not stopped since.
Many musicians who are now fond of and perform under the bluegrass genre remember the first time they heard it and what it meant to them. Do you recall your bluegrass music moment?
My pop (dad’s dad) used to listen to a lot of old time country and bluegrass music, the first CD I ever bought was Emmylou Harris’s bluegrass album, I just loved it.. I think it was the harmonies and the lyrics that got me hooked. I just love a good lyric in a song.
One of the things that has been missing in Australia is a solid foundation of bluegrass music awareness and subsequent accolades through specific awards programs and festivals. The Australian Country Music industry is more recently starting to recognise bluegrass artists achievements through more specific awards. Do you see this as encouraging process for new Australian bluegrass musicians.
I certainly do, even the CMA in the USA do not have a bluegrass category. I think that the bluegrass scene is rapidly growing throughout Australia, it is exciting to be a part of it.
Here at AustralianBluegrass.com we first became aware of your music back in about 2014 with many country music nominations and several awards. Was it difficult making the transition to the USA to pursue and built on your career.
The short answer is Yes, but I think it is a hard thing for anyone to move overseas to pursue anything. You don’t know anyone, you are in a new world essentially both from a business and a lifestyle perspective. While I am starting to get some success here I still feel like a tiny fish in a huge ocean.
Do you have a favourite American bluegrass band/artist and why.
I have many, but the one I look up to the most is Rhonda Vincent, she really has paved the way for women in bluegrass, she sings like an angel and can pick. When I grow up I wanna be like her : )
Do you have a favourite Australian bluegrass band/artist and why?
I love all Aussie bluegrass music, I think my favourite would have to be Mustered Courage, they have such a great vibe on stage and their vocals are amazing.
Being a mother, singer, songwriter and performer is a heavy workload and no doubt a challenge. Your ongoing success shows how well you manage these significant roles. Do you have any advice for others?
Get a strong support network. I could not do any of what I do if it was not for my husband pushing me to succeed and telling me nothing is impossible.
What is the most challenging part of being an award winning musician, now and for the future.
CD sales declining and trying to wrap our heads around streaming, it really has cut our income by 3/4s and that makes it hard to keep going.
Do you have any advice for Australian musicians wanting break into the wider bluegrass music industry.
Jump! Just do it.. It is an amazing ride, that is not easy, but worth it.
Thanks for your time Kristy, good luck with the new album and we wish you all the very best for the future.
Thank you so much.
Kristy Cox’s new album No Headlights is due for release on 28th February.
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