We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kris Crepeau. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kris below.

Alright, Kris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Back in 1998 I had finally figured out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I wanted to be a songwriter. So, I excitedly packed up everything I owned and moved to Nashville TN to pursue my dream. Things were going pretty well to start. I found myself an apartment, played out regularly and met some cool people.

About 6 months in I ended up really sick and in the hospital and just like that I had to give up on everything and move back home to Massachusetts. I was so depressed and embarassed that it was a long time before I picked up the guitar again. So, I started a family and put my music on the back burner for almost 20 years. I thought I’d never make it back to Nashville.

Then about 5 years ago I knew I had to give my dream another shot. Songwriting was just something that I had to do and I had to find a way. By now I was living in SC and writing every day and making connections online with other writers and artists in Nashville and around the country. Trying to do everything I could and not living in Nashville was tough but was making it work.

Fast forward to May of 2021 my family and I figured out a way for us to move to Nashville. Having this 2nd shot here to live my dream has been nothing short of amazing and I feel grateful and blessed to be back.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My lifelong love of the rock band KISS led me writing country music! Back in 1994 there was a KISS Tribute album and Garth Brooks did a version of Hard Luck Woman. Once I heard it I had to find out more about this guy. So, I became obsessed with Garth and all of 90’s country as a whole and never looked back.

I got into playing guitar to play all the cool KISS licks and solos and as I got into 90’s country it morphed into the songwriting aspect of playing and singing. I write everything from Rocking country, to traditional country, to pop country. Telling a good story that everyone can relate to in a unique way is what I’m here for.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

NSAI and SongTown have been an amazing source of learning, community, and growth for me as a songwriter. I joined NSAI when I first moved to Nashville back in 1998 and learned a lot from attending their workshops.

SongTown has taken things to the next level for me. Marty Dodson and Clay Mills have created a community for songwriters that I wish I had found years ago. I have met so many great writers that have become lifelong friends, learned about the craft through workshops, courses, and events, and have had opportunities to write with artists and hit writers that I otherwise would not have the chance to thanks to SongTown.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being a songwriter is connecting with people. Whether it’s collaborating with other artists and writers in the writing room or when someone hears you sing a song and they come up to you and say “man I’ve been there” or “I was having a rough day, and that one line made me laugh”. Music is such a universal language that can move people and bring people together in so many ways.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris_crepeau/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kriscrepeaumusic/

Image Credits
Capture Photography by Mick & Tiffany