Ones2Watch Home

CRYSTAL, an up-and-coming alternative pop artist and producer from Wellington, now based in Auckland, is quickly making a name for herself in the Aotearoa music scene. With a unique blend of pop, electronic, and indie sounds, her introspective lyricism explores the complexities of growing up, the weight of expectations, and the quiet struggles of daily life. 

Since starting her music project in 2019, CRYSTAL has captivated audiences at major festivals like Cuba Dupa and Newtown Festival. With the release of her latest EP Dead Ends, CRYSTAL is establishing herself as one of Aotearoa's most exciting emerging talents.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Ones To Watch: Hi Crystal! Thank so much for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.

Crystal: My name is Crystal. I am an alternative pop artist and producer. When I was younger I kind of just followed that passion and now I'm in Oakland chasing my music dreams. 

When did you realise you wanted to pursue music?

It was actually when I was 14 and I was doing art at school, and then I had this sudden realisation that actually if I don't take music as a subject now, I may not ever have the chance to really pursue music. 

How would you describe your music to anyone?

I would say it's introspective, like a diary entry. I'm kind of inspired by a lot of different music, so I draw influence from indie electronics. Pop elements and just kind of incorporate it in all music.

Is your music different from when you started? 

Yeah, absolutely. I think as I've grown up, I've become more confident in who I am and what I want to say. I think that's really prevalent now.

Who has influenced your music career the most?

This is cliche, but definitely Lorde. She was a huge influence when I was younger and when I was 13 and I was just kind of getting into music myself. I think she inspired a lot of younger kids my age at that point. She was someone that we could all look up to to be like - you can be from New Zealand and make a career out of music worldwide. 

What does your song-writing process look like?

I am terrible with instruments. I start a lot of my songs on Ableton and I will just start making a beat or like a chord progression and then it will just build from there. If I'm working with other people in the studio, people just listen to some references and then start making something from there. 

Do you have any future goals?

Any goals for the future? I would love to play at a summer festival like R&V or Laneway festival. I guess creatively for me, I would love to not only like to work on my own stuff, but help songwrite or creative direct for other artists. 

Do you face any challenges when making music

Yeah, absolutely. I think just because I'm doing everything by myself, it's always working and finding time to actually make and create is really hard for me. Overcoming burnout all the time has been a big challenge for me, but I think my passion and love for music always pulls me over the line and makes me want to just keep trying. 

Do you have any advice for emerging musicians or artists like yourself?

That's actually a really good question. I would say don't give up on yourself and just remember why you chose to pursue music. Surround yourself with people who are also equally as passionate in their fields and uplift one another. I think it's so important to just support others around you and uplift the community.