Check out our interview with Dallas, Tx singer/songwriter Kyrsta Rodden who recently released her new song “Rock Bottom.”
Through her music, she tries to encourage empowerment and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Kyrsta is a very talented and is an emerging artist.
Follow Kyrsta @kyrstamusic
Hi Kyrsta, please tell us a little about you?
Hey there! Well I am a 16 year old singer songwriter from Dallas Texas. I have been singing intensely since the age of 13 and I have loved every second of it. Although I have a music career that I am super invested in, I am still a normal teenager just like everyone else!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Three words I would use to describe me are fun, unexpected, and outgoing!
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I have always been the kid that tried different things growing up. I did volleyball, basketball, cheer, soccer and more. You name it, I probably did it and my family supported me through it all. But singing has always has a place in my heart and I knew from the age of 6 that I wanted to be on stage in front of others. So at the age of 13, I finally convinced my mom to sign me up for a singing lesson and I just fell in love with it from the get-go. So as I started taking more classes I finally started performing on stage and then that’s where it grew into what it is today!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up watching performers on my iPad and watching women in TV shows get a crowd going. I knew the first moment I saw them on stage that I wanted to be up there and do what they do!
Do you play any instrument?
I play a little bit of piano here and there but I am definitely not a pro. I know enough piano to write a song!
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous all the time and the time I find myself the most nervous is when I am getting ready to release a song because I put all my time and energy into every project I do and I just hope that everyone can appreciate my art and my passion the same way that I appreciate it!
Tell us about your new single?
My new single Rock Bottom is a high energy country song. The song is about knowing someone who is in a low place and being that safety for them and letting them know that nothing is going to make you leave!
What’s the story behind this song?
I wanted to write a song that would send a strong message because I feel that those type of songs really stick with people and are the most memorable. There are many factors that came into making the song but I mainly wrote this song because of my mom. My mom had me at a time in her life where she was trying to find her fit and where she belonged. I had to go into her point of view and I had to go into what it was like to be in a situation like that.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Sadly, I did have some really cool things planned that I do not want to talk about because we are in the works of replanning them. I like to interact with my fans through social media wether it’s through my stories or in my comments!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
A project that I have always wanted to do is to go on a tour. I have always wanted to travel and see different places and get to see new people. I have always wanted to know what tour life was life and I have always wanted to be able to get my talent out there!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Somethings that are fun and rewarding about what I do is getting to interact with the people when I get off the stage. I have always been a people person so meeting new people for me is a really fun experience. Something that is not so rewarding is having to miss out on some fun things such as prom or football games or even just going to hang out with my friends. But it is all worth it and I wouldn’t trade it for a thing!
What’s next for Kyrsta Rodden in the last months of 2020?
I am currently working on a bunch of new projects and I am loving every second of it. I have so many release dates planned and some really cool performance opportunities in the works!
What is you favorite song? And why?
My favorite song would have to be “Blue Bird” by Miranda Lambert. This song is so different and so beautiful than what she usually does I love how personal it is to her!
Any loves other than music?
During quarantine I have really tried keeping myself busy and I picked up a love for cooking. I guess it’s the artist in me because I just love being able to make something from scratch and lay it out in front of others and have them enjoy it. I am also on my high school’s cheerleading team. My team is amazing and my coach is always willing to work with me and is so understanding when I have singing business to attend to!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Definitely someone I would love to meet is Miranda Lambert. I love her edginess, her style, and the way she presents herself. She can be that bad girl and that crazy ex girlfriend but she is also classy with everything she does!
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I have ever given was to myself. I always tell myself to just go for things because I tend to be an over-thinker and I overthink everything in my life from my relationships, to what I eat in a day. Sometimes you just need to let loose and go for what you want to do and to not let anyone stop you!
How’s a typical day in your life?
A typical day in my life is just like any other teenager. I wake up, go to school, come home, eat, and get ready for singing. I would say that it is definitely hard trying to juggle good grades and my career but it is so rewarding in the end!
Name one your strengths?
I think one of my strengths is my stage performance. When I am ons stage, don’t really have any fear. I know that when I am performing, that I would rather take a chance than play it safe!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
The perfect Sunday for me would have to be dressing all cute and going into the studio and recording some amazing songs for hours on end. I love being in the studio and I love the energy that it brings.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My go-to karaoke song would have to be “Don’t Stop Believing.” I love this song because it sends a strong message and this is the song that really got it started for me. This is the song that made me want to continue to make music for others and inspire them with it!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My own definition of happiness is to love what I am doing everyday that I am doing it. I don’t want to be in a career that I hate and that I am not passionate about. I want to be able to spread happiness through my own and I want to be able to inspire others!
Do you support any charities?
I proudly support St. Judes. I think what they do is great and they are making so many important differences people’s lives!
What is your favorite healthy food?
For some reason, I always was the kid that loved raw vegetables and I still do. My go to would definitely have to be carrots and mustard or ranch!
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is going to have to be fruity candy. Now don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate too but between the two, I have to choose the more sour and fruity flavored candy!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
A deal breaker on the first date for me would have to be if he chews/talks with his mouth open. For some reason, it drives me crazy and I can’t deal with it!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself on stage and performing in front of sold out arenas. I want to be making music and making it my lively hood so that I can provide for my family off of it!
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would say that I have a couple different fashion styles. Everyday me is very laid-back and chill but it’s also something you could wear to a low-key dinner. My stage style is very loud, lots of country statements and definitely boots all the time!
What do you think of Social Media?
I personally love Social Media. I think that it is a great way to get yourself some exposure and I think it is a great way to connect with fans. Being on the level that I am on, Social Media is crucial to building up a follow and getting someone to notice me. Somethings that people do not realize is that Social Media takes a lot of time and hard work to post those singing covers or to get the perfect angle for the perfect picture!
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @kyrstamusic and you can also find me on Facebook under Kyrsta Rodden!
Movie: Mean Girls!
Travel Destination: Hawaii!
Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys!
Photo Credit: Janel Wertz