Slow Down and Soak Up the Memories
By: Paul Seiple
Photo courtesy of Kristy Wilkins
Singer-songwriter Kristy Wilkins recently achieved a goal most musicians strive to hit. She signed to Goldship Records in Tennessee. She is creating songs for an upcoming album. While Wilkins is mainly known as a country artist, she once was a member of a Celtic band. “We traveled to Ireland and Scotland playing Celtic music and learning about the history of Ireland and Scotland. It’s a genre that I adore to sing,” she said.
While music is her main passion, Wilkins is also a sponsored competitive shooter. She added, “I love shooting competitively and recently won the High Overall Lady Open division in the Tarheel State Rimfire 2-Gun Challenge Championship.” Wilkins will compete in the World Championship in October.
Being outdoors and trying new things like surfing, skydiving, and rock climbing are her comfort zone. “I’m not good at any of them, but love to try. I do enjoy hiking with my dog, and kayaking,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins was introduced to music through her father and cousin. “I grew up watching my cousin play guitar, and my dad writes songs.” The drive to be a musician came at an early age for her. While watch Keith Urban perform at the County Music Awards, Wilkins had a “gut feeling that music was my path. I’ll never forget how he ran down the aisle singing his new song.” From that moment, Wilkins knew she wanted to make a career out of singing. She began performing at age 16.
Everything wasn’t smooth sailing. Obstacles led to Wilkins questioning her choice. There were a few times she backed away from her dream because the music business can be unpredictable. “I learned my lesson. I always miss it. I always come back to it. Music has been so good to me my entire life. It’s my gift and my calling. I am finally seeing and accepting that. God gave me this beautiful gift. I want to use it to help others,” Wilkins added.
A musician’s inspiration can come from many places. For Wilkins, it’s her parents. She continued, “Especially my mom. That woman keeps me going and has never missed a show, even if it’s out of state. I am extremely fortunate to have a great support system of friends as well.” She also finds inspiration in the words of other songwriters and “living life through adventures and sunsets. I’ve been really trying to slow down lately and soak up the memories.”
Wilkin’s creative spark fluctuates with her season. She uses her guitar like a co-author when writing songs. Presently, she is focused on clearing up mental clutter and prioritizing the important things in life—music, family, and her dog.
When asked about a pre-show ritual, Wilkins said, “It’s nothing crazy.” She likes to review her set and sip on hot blueberry tea with honey.
For aspiring musicians, Wilkins’s advice is to “practice and don’t give up.” Thinking back to the best advice she’s ever been giving, Wilkins remembered a conversation with country legend, Ricky Skaggs. “He quoted Matthew 6:33 to me and explained how the second he started applying this Bible verse to his life, things fell into place. It was a conversation that was much needed, and I will always hold on to.”
Whether it’s music, competitive shooting, or experiencing new adventures, Wilkins’s future is bright. She is ready to accept it with open arms. She plans to “tour with a band, making more music, and helping people along the way.”