Bomshel’s Kristy Osmunson fights like a girl and is proud of it!
Picture by Scot Wittcamp
Kristy Osmunson recently took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions in this exclusive interview with TheCountrySite.com’s Marloes Lucy Duizer. When we say busy, we mean really busy. Kristy’s a songwriter, singer, fiddle, guitar and mandolin player as well as a producer. Bomshel’s ‘Fight Like A Girl’ album was released two years ago, and the girls have had several top forty hits. We can expect new music from them soon. Their new album, which is produced by Kristy, is supposed to be released in the next few months. Read what else has been going on in Kristy’s life in this interview.
1. Bomshel isn’t just a name but a state of mind for you, isn’t it?
Absolutely. I always felt that if I was going to be on a stage, we have such an opportunity to stand for something. It’s about living your life with a purpose and being fearless!
2. Was there a specific moment that made you want to be a singer/songwriter?
Honestly, I’ve been doing it since I was 2, so not really. This is pretty much what I know! I would have made a terrible dentist.
3. You recently tweeted that you learned to play the fiddle by listening to Charlie Daniels’ music. Who else influences you musically?
I LOVE old country music. Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, but I love rock as well! Heart, Van Halen pretty much all 80′s hair bands. Garth Brooks was an entertainer I always looked at too.
4. The song ‘Fight like a girl’ was inspired by a friend going through cancer treatment. All the royalties from this song have gone to ‘Komen Breast Cancer Research’.
- Her story must have really gotten to you?
Absolutely. She was an amazing mother and wife and I was completely inspired by how she took a disease that makes so many of us a victim and did something so powerful because of it. She touched so many lives.
- This song also meant a lot for your career?
It meant a lot because I feel like I have gone through so many life changing things with so many different people. People have invited me into their most intimate and sometimes painful moments.
- Do you actively support any other causes?
Animal adoptions!!!
5. Bomshel’s ‘Fight like a girl’ album has been out for two years now. Are you working on the next album? YES!!!
- Can you tell us when it will be out?
I’m crossing my fingers for March.
- Have you girls been writing with other songwriters?
Yes Bob Regan, of course is my soulmate writer, he is SUCH a poet. Mark Irwin, Josh Kear and a bunch of others!
6. How does the songwriting process work for you?
It’s kind of like going to church for me. I always feel like if I can quiet my mind and really listen, then the song just spills out.
- Will you be producing it yourselves?
I produced it.
7. You’re an amazing fiddle player, guitar player, singer, songwriter and producer (did I leave anything out?) That’s an impressive list!
Thanks girl! I wouldn’t say amazing. More of a work in progress.
What makes you want to work on all aspects?
I have really bad ADD, so being an artist is the perfect career. When I want to dress up and make a video, I do,,, when I want to practice, I practice.
8. You play solo shows and together with Kelley Shepard as Bomshel . Do you have any other performances planned either solo or Bomshel?
I’m out here in Seattle as we speak getting ready for a northwest tour for a couple weeks, and then I’m heading back to put together a brand new show for Bomshel!
- So you’re out there by yourself?
I know. I tried to get Kel to come!!! I’m playing a bunch of private corporate shows out here in between our Bomshel shows. It’s really only a two week thing, then I’m down in south Alabama for the first of March!
9. What does playing solo give you that Bomshel doesn’t?
Honestly, I would MUCH rather play with Bomshel, but Kelley doesn’t like to be on the road quit as much as I do. But playing solo has been such a growing process for me. It’s really something I’ve had to push myself to do, and I still get so incredibly nervous being out here by myself! I would give my left arm to have a band with me all the time. I think music is such a sharing experience, and the magic for me is in the communion I have with fellow players, but,,, to this day, I have never met anyone who likes to play as much as I do. (I say that, meaning, I play whether it pays or not. I am my manager’s worst nightmare.)
10. Are you a born performer?
Ask my mom. She would probably say either a born performer or just an unapologetic noise maker.
11. What’s your favorite part of playing live?
The audience!!! An amazing audience is THE most addictive drug there is.
12. What’s your goal for 2012?
To continue to make music I am proud of, to play the best shows I am blessed to be asked to play and to organize my closet.
13. How has social media influenced your career?
Well, I wouldn’t have met you! It is incredible to have been able to develop the close relationships that I have on facebook, twitter, and myspace. I feel like I have family and friends in every city!
A few short questions:
- First concert you ever went to? Alison Krauss
- Song that makes you cry? David Nail, ‘Songs for Sale’
- What’s your ‘get-this-party-started’ song? HallaluYa’ll:) duh!!
- Favorite restaurant I can’t remember the name! But it was a little tiny place in Kimomoto Japan, and I had a 24 course dinner. I know.
- Will you be at CMA fest this upcoming summer? Yes Ma’am!!!
Watch the video for ‘Fight Like A Girl’ below:
Facebook.com/pages/Bomshel/9040375902
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