Exclusive Interview with Crystal McGrath

Hi Crystal!! Great to have you here today!

How does the vibe of an audience affect your performance?

There is something beautiful about playing to an audience, watching the connection between music and the human emotions that I absolutely love being a witness to!! It can bring out a deeper emotion as the artist performing to an audience when you can see the reaction it creates! I love playing songwriter circles, to tell stories and play a song stripped down, acoustic to an attentive crowd is always something magical!

Do you get nervous before an online performance?

aha at first I would get nervous about the technology working properly!!! It’s a whole different experience playing to a computer or camera!!! But I love online performances as it is a great way to continue connecting and bringing music to not only one venue but to people around the whole entire world! It’s an amazing way to bring people together on a global level!!!

What is a musical piece of work that has made a profound impact on you?

There are so many, one that comes to mind right now is the song “I’m a woman” by Peggy Lee. It was a song I would sing on repeat on my karaoke machine growing up as a kid. I found it so empowering as a female to sing at the top of my lungs “I’m a woman w-o-m-a-n”. That was one of the first songs I remember singing and truly making it my own, and as an artist that is something that is important to me- always sing like you 🙂

What is a cause that is near and dear to your heart?

I’m a big believer in building strength in women to go after their dreams and believing in themselves. For me, I love to support organizations that are lifting women up to use their voices and to stand in their power.

What makes you feel powerful?

When I can see something that I have done has had a positive impact on someone! Whether that be through music, conversation, performing, social media or coaching!

Any encouraging words to those that look up to you?

Live a life of Love, and Don’t Quit– this is my favorite poem that my Grandpa passed a plaque of to my dad and then on to me, these are words that everyone can live by no matter what you do and where you are in life:

Don’t Quit
by
John Greenleaf Whittier (public domain)

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure comes about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.