Catch Of The Week: Kristen Merlin!
Meet: Kristen Merlin a singer/ songwriter from Hanson, MA now living in Nashville
For fans of NBC’s The Voice, Kristen Merlin’s voice, presence and performances are more memorable than some of the past winners. She certainly left an imprint, with her incredible energy, and beautifully strong vocals. Since her time on the Voice (2014), Kristen has moved to Nashville and been busy performing all over the country. She released her EP Boomerang – which hit # 2 on Billboards Heatseekers chart. She is set to release her next EP early January 2019.
Her journey started in Hanson, at home, where she grew up in a musical family. Her mother and sisters all sing, and Merlin says, “everyday life always had music playing in some form or fashion. I was always one to get involved in anything that had to do with music – chorus class, drama, church choir, a Capella groups, open mic nights, karaoke and of course the bar gigs.”
Kristen Croons
Kristen recently released a new single and doesn’t disappoint with heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals. Listen to “Don’t Call It A Comeback”
This video clearly shows why Kristen earned a top 5 spot on The Voice
A Moment with Merlin
- How old when you started; I can remember singing my first solo in 1st grade…as nervous as I was, it was a thrill I was determined to chase
- Instruments played: I’ve played the violin, saxophone, and acoustic guitar
- How would you describe your sound: My sound has a little bit of everything in it. I would say it is a crossover between country/pop/rock/singer-songwriter
- Who inspires you: I would say artist such as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and P!NK are ones I’m inspired by
- Awards/accolades : I’ve won Solo Acoustic Artist of the Year by Boston Nightlife Awards. In the college circuit, I was awarded 2018 Female Solo Artist of the Year, as well as 2018 Entertainer of the Year. I also placed 4th on NBC’s The Voice – Season 6
- Favorite country concert: My favorite country concert was Carrie Underwood’s CMA Songwriter Series. Something about the raw talents backed by only acoustic guitars that really blew me away
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: Speechless – Dan & Shay, She Got the Best of Me – Luke Combs, Drunk me – Mitchell Tenpenny & Friends Don’t – Maddie & Tae…just to name a few 😉
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: If I wasn’t a musician, I’d be doing anything animal related…one of my all-time favorite jobs to date was working at a Doggy Daycare
- Most proud moment: My most proud moment was my run on NBC’s The Voice. Making it all the way to the semi-finals was one of the most memorable experiences of my life
- Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: Some of the craziest moments have been meeting my fans and hearing their stories of how my music has touched their lives. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do. My mission is to move as many people with my music as possible. It makes my heart happy to hear of the moments that that has happened
- Other things you like to do: Aside from writing/playing/performing music, I absolutely love spending time with friends and family, getting in a good hang, playing games, going bowling, spending time outdoors and sometimes I like to hit the casino – if I’m feeling lucky!
- Frivolous fun facts: Pink is my least favorite color, Pickles are my favorite food, and I love goofy onesie PJ’s in the winter
Commune With Kristen
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
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