We were lucky to catch up with Chrxstal Sarah recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chrxstal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

My happiness as an artist definitely fluctuates. I’m eternally grateful for being a vessel for music but, unfortunately, I have to deal with the physical, 3D aspect of wondering if I’ll be able to survive on this planet as an artist. I’ve been very blessed recently in regard to seeing that it’s possible for me to successfully make good income off of my art. But it’s still up and down and not steady or consistent. That worries me at times. It’s become a bit more worrisome over the last three years. I’ve definitely had moments where I’m like, “I don’t know if my nervous system can handle this kind of anxiety, maybe I need to just get a ‘real’ job!” But every time I throw a tantrum like that, the music pulls me back. I can’t fight it so, at this point, I just need to make it work.

Chrxstal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello hello! My name is Chrxstal Sarah. I’m a singer/songwriter/producer/medicine woman born in Inglewood, California. Los Angeles is my home and I’ve been here my whole life. I was blessed with the gift of song just like my mother, my grandmother, my great grandmother, and so on. I’ve taken immense pride in that even more so recently. I grew up singing in church and school choir, taking piano and guitar lessons, and learning how to write songs. I’ve been releasing music for several years now and my work has gotten me some pretty cool opportunities (e.g. Spotify editorial placements, sync placements in commercials and film, shows at iconic venues).

I’m most proud of my ability to wear all these different hats and somehow make it work. I’m my own manager, PR, graphic designer, booking agent, social media marketer, etc.). I’ve been very blessed to have support from my community and I’m so grateful for the people in the industry that I’ve met over the years. But being an independent artist is simply not easy and anyone will tell you that. Mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually, it’s difficult. One thing that keeps me going is my supporters. Having someone reach out to tell me how a song has impacted them always puts me at a loss for words. It’s how I know I’m on the right track.

Music and sound is so powerful, so healing. It’s why even beyond “Chrxstal Sarah” I received a certification in sound healing to hold space for others by way of sound baths and other forms of holistic healing. Music has set my heart free time and time again and if I can do that for even just one other person. I will. No questions asked.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

First and foremost, people can start placing more value on art and seeing it as a viable and commendable career path. I wish everything didn’t revolve around money in our society but, unfortunately so much does. Without the comfort of feeling like we can support ourselves as artists, the art suffers. People stop creating because they have to survive. They have to make a heartbreaking choice and we lose so much beauty because if it. No one should be forced to do that. Folks need to get paid, period. And I’m saying this not only to onlookers, but other artists and people in the industry as well. Stop expecting people to do things for free. Stop trying to pay people in “experience” or “exposure”. Yes, as an artist (especially if you’re just starting out) opportunities like that can be unavoidable, even helpful or rewarding at times, but at a certain point it just becomes manipulative and wrong. PAY. ARTISTS.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In general, I’ve struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. I’m a lot better in that I’ve been able to develop tools that aid me in taking care of myself. But it can still be extremely difficult. This is the story of a lot of artists and people in general and I’m just glad that no matter how many times I’ve wanted to give up on everything completely, especially being on the uncertain path that i’m on, I’ve never stopped fighting. I keep picking myself back up and I keep going. I keep going for the music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chrxstalsarah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrxstalcreates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrxstalcreates
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrxstalcreates
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chrxstalcreates?si=yEAUl_5wTOqr_kmO

Image Credits
Chandler White Brewery Studios