Meet Kristyn Harris | Western Singer, Songwriter & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristyn Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristyn, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Well, number one, I’m a born and raised Texan. I grew up knowing that I had roots that are connected to wide open spaces, the old west, ranching, and just general independence – simply because I knew I was a Texan. I guess my parents had some pride in that heritage that they passed on to me. I had an additional advantage, though, in that I was raised on a small family farm. It wasn’t a commercial operation, but we raised food for ourselves, and I was in charge of all the animal chores. Having something that required me to get up early each morning, being responsible for a lot of other living creatures, and learning to put them above things I wanted to do for myself (as simple as spending the night at a friend’s house – because the cow had to be milked early the next morning!), built not only a great foundation of responsibility into my character, but also gave me experiences that many don’t get to have and that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I was also homeschooled. This taught me self discipline, because it was up to me to get my work done, and I could choose to buckle down and do it and then have free time, or I could procrastinate. Running my own business as a musician now requires a lot of self discipline – and I’m thankful for the habits I developed early on. I don’t think I would have had time to pursue music the way I did if I had not had the flexibility of my homeschool schedule, either. I was able to travel and take advantage of opportunities early on that were likely crucial to moving me forward toward making it a career. I now can’t imagine having any other career. Lastly, I fell in love with that rural Texas culture that I grew up around, and most especially, the horses. That lifestyle and my horses have shaped the direction my music has taken and still provide me with a lot of joy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a touring singer, musician, and entertainer, and I specialize in the niche genre of Western Swing, cowboy songs (rooted in folk/Americana) and some classic country as well.  Western Swing has been named the Official Music of Texas, which is music that can be best described as a melting pot of country, jazz, and big band music. I love to play both the classics that have been around forever, as well as my own originals. I’ve released 3 solo albums, and tour both as a solo act and with various band size configurations, at festivals, private events and theaters all over the US – and even some internationally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m really not the best at being a tourist in my own area! But the first thing that comes to mind is food, because Texas has the best food. I would take them to Hutchins Barbeque in McKinney, to the Fort Worth Stockyards, out for Tex mex multiple times I’m sure (San Miguel Grill in McKinney and Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth are both top of the list!), and probably some Hard Eight BBQ too. The Dallas World Aquarium is a favorite spot and so is the Dallas Zoo.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much to an extraordinary lady named Devon Dawson – she was my inspiration for guitar playing, and eventually my mentor in guitar. She also taught me a LOT about stage presence – since I was a shy introvert! – and gave me opportunities I never would have had. I also want to give a bow to the nonprofit organization, The Cowtown Opry. It’s through this organization that I met Devon, and they provided me a learning and practice environment every single week to hone my skills of musicianship, singing, and performing. Thanks also to my dad, who traveled soooo many miles with me popping his buttons at each show, and now to my husband Aarom, who is the greatest supporter of what I do.
Oh, and while we’re at it, maybe my horse Velvet, who has inspired a few songs; and I really could go on and on with the people who have encouraged me in this journey. I have been so blessed!

Website: https://kristynharris.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristyn_harris/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristynmusic

Image Credits
Amber Talbert