Kristina Koller, a 2012 Yorktown High School graduate, has come a long way since she first began performing at the age of 8. She has since received regional recognition and hopes to release her second album this year.
The young artist released her debut album titled "Live at The Shrine" this past summer which she recorded with her band – The Kristina Koller Band – at The Shrine in Harlem.
"It’s definitely one of our favorite venues to perform at," Koller said. "The album definitely shows who I am as an artist and who we are as a band. It really shows that jazz can be a style of music that any age group can enjoy if you just give it some flavor."
Koller, who performed in a small production of 'Guy & Dolls' when she was 8 years old, started off in musical theater. By the time she was 16 years old, she had performed in about 40 musicals including lead roles in 'Cinderella,' 'Cat in the Hat,' 'Little Me,' 'Guy and Dolls' and 'Les Miserables.' While in high school, she began singing choir and became interested in singing classical art songs and opera.
But as she wanted to grow her musical craft, Koller started taking classical voice lessons.
"Classical wasn’t the route I wanted to go though," she said. "One of my many idols, Ingrid Michaelson inspired me to learn the ukulele and I started singing solo with my ukulele."
She performed at various open mics in Westchester and after she learned the ukulele, she wanted a new challenge and taught herself the guitar.
"Now, I’m singing jazz with a band and couldn’t be happier," Koller said.
Koller recently performed at the Peekskill Jazz and Blues Festival with the Gleason’s Trio and her band was voted "Best Emerging Artist of Hudson Valley."
The artist has performed at various venues including The Winery at St. George, 12 Grapes Restaurant, MTK Tavern in Westchester, as well as in New York City at The Apollo Theater, The Shrine, and Tinks Restaurant.
"I would love to be able to have a weekly gig at a restaurant, maybe even tour the US or Europe one day," Koller said of her dreams and career goals. "The possibilities are endless but I know if I work hard enough some day my goals will be accomplished."
For now she hopes to have her second album out this year and write more jazz music. She is also expanding and starting to branch out and play with different groups.
"It should be a lot of fun and I’m excited for my future," Koller said.
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For more information on Kristina Koller visit her website here.
Check out her band's website here and purchase her debut album here.
The young artist released her debut album titled "Live at The Shrine" this past summer which she recorded with her band – The Kristina Koller Band – at The Shrine in Harlem.
"It’s definitely one of our favorite venues to perform at," Koller said. "The album definitely shows who I am as an artist and who we are as a band. It really shows that jazz can be a style of music that any age group can enjoy if you just give it some flavor."
Koller, who performed in a small production of 'Guy & Dolls' when she was 8 years old, started off in musical theater. By the time she was 16 years old, she had performed in about 40 musicals including lead roles in 'Cinderella,' 'Cat in the Hat,' 'Little Me,' 'Guy and Dolls' and 'Les Miserables.' While in high school, she began singing choir and became interested in singing classical art songs and opera.
But as she wanted to grow her musical craft, Koller started taking classical voice lessons.
"Classical wasn’t the route I wanted to go though," she said. "One of my many idols, Ingrid Michaelson inspired me to learn the ukulele and I started singing solo with my ukulele."
She performed at various open mics in Westchester and after she learned the ukulele, she wanted a new challenge and taught herself the guitar.
"Now, I’m singing jazz with a band and couldn’t be happier," Koller said.
Koller recently performed at the Peekskill Jazz and Blues Festival with the Gleason’s Trio and her band was voted "Best Emerging Artist of Hudson Valley."
The artist has performed at various venues including The Winery at St. George, 12 Grapes Restaurant, MTK Tavern in Westchester, as well as in New York City at The Apollo Theater, The Shrine, and Tinks Restaurant.
"I would love to be able to have a weekly gig at a restaurant, maybe even tour the US or Europe one day," Koller said of her dreams and career goals. "The possibilities are endless but I know if I work hard enough some day my goals will be accomplished."
For now she hopes to have her second album out this year and write more jazz music. She is also expanding and starting to branch out and play with different groups.
"It should be a lot of fun and I’m excited for my future," Koller said.
___
For more information on Kristina Koller visit her website here.
Check out her band's website here and purchase her debut album here.
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