Kristina Kentigian is a Portland-based singer-songwriter of the R&B, hip-hop and soul persuasion. She released her debut record, “The Beginning Again,” in July. You can find it on iTunes and at Bull Moose Music stores in Scarborough, Portland and Windham. GO caught up with Kentigian to learn about her beginnings, her influences and whom she’d love to collaborate with, among other things.
How old where you when you started singing?
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I enjoyed singing from a young age, doing talent shows, etc., but I really didn’t get that involved in making music until I was probably 17 years old. I never took music or chorus classes in high school. I knew I could sing decently, but never really felt I had much talent until I began singing with some local emcee friends in high school.
Do you play any instruments?
I unfortunately do not. I always wanted to take up guitar, but have lacked the time and real effort to learn it proficiently. It is a goal I still hope to pursue.
When did you start writing songs and what does your process look like?
I slowly started writing songs by my junior year in high school with my friend DJ Newscreen. I later joined a hip-hop soul group called Ill Natural along with Newscreen, and together we wrote over three albums worth of material. I’ve been writing ever since.
Who are your influences?
My influences are eclectic, but mainly Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Sia, Cee Lo Green, James Morrison, Etta James, and a lot of ’90s and early 2000s R&B.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world – dead or alive – who would it be?
For years I would always say Stevie Wonder. While Stevie is still one of my most favorite artists, I would have to honestly say James Morrison. I think sonically we could create something amazing.
Staff Writer Aimsel Ponti can be contacted at 791-6455 or at:
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