Music
Press
"Crystal's unique talent as a singer/songwriter came through with flying colors. She is passionate about her material and performs it with gusto, holding her head back in a trademark move like she is exorcizing her demons with her song lyrics...
She takes the audience on a drugless trip into a world more hopeful than the one that waits just outside the venue...
Crystal's voice is distinctive and identifiable. This is an important quality that separates her from the legions of other female singer/songwriters struggling to make their mark...
Crystal has the talent, confidence and spunk to make a run for the big time with her artistic voice shing through with her music and vocal ability."
For the complete article go to http://www.entertainingu.com/pages/6-29-06/p22.htm - Rick Grant, Entertaining U, Jacksonville, Florida
"A lot of my music reflects who I am and what I've gone through," Stafford said.
The upcoming indie rock-style CD contains 10 original tracks. Perfectly Imperfect illustrates that everything is beautiful in its own way. Step Outside, which was inspired by a story in National Geographic Magazine, focuses on the need to pay attention to world issues. Stafford believes too often people "tend to stay inside their own little box."
Since devoting herself full time to music, Stafford has played many gigs in downtown Jacksonville with several well-known local musicians. Her band, the Crystal Stafford Project, includes Aerial Tribe's Jared May on bass and Patrick Evan on supporting vocals, Jeremy Kairalla from El Toro Loco on lead guitar and drummer Jon Farmer, formerly of Two Radio and co-producer of her album. "
For the complete article go to http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/062106/nes_22148823.shtml - Tamara McClaran, Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, Florida
While Stafford herself plays guitar and piano, her affinity for the bass is clear. In duos, she typically uses her guitar as a rhythm instrument, leaving the lead to be articulated by the bassist. That approach had astonishing effect in her Jear Let gigs, and continues so in duo with Thornton.
For Stafford, the music is just one part of an integral vision for helping to make the world -- and her city, in particular -- a better place. Activism remains a key part of her identity.
Stafford's late-summer New York stint included performances at Crash Mansion, Rockwood Music Hall and The Bitter End. She was also part of the 9/11 Memorial at Herald Square. Her year included gigs at Miami's Jazid and Purdy Lounge, in addition to more than 65 shows in northeast Florida with half a dozen collaborators.
Her sound has proven itself adaptable to all types of settings. The music is clear, coherent and played professionally; the listener is left free to focus on it, or not. Stafford's voice -- a crisp, bell-like contralto -- is like the first break of dawn over newly liberated peoples. It has been described by one listener, some time ago, as "bottled sunshine."
- Shelton Hull, Folio Weekly, Jacksonville, Florida
"I immediately connected with her ardent range and lyrical style. She expresses a cogent and simple musical message. I continue to love listening to her and seeing her smile every chance I am granted. She has it!"
-PC Synergy, Soul Support Recordings
"Your music makes sweet lovin to my eardrums!!"
-Oscar Barnett, Musician
"YOU, my dear, were off the charts. every person in the bar was enamored for a few hours last night with you and your beautiful voice and tunes."
-Jason Braddock, Musician
"You are a skilled performer, brilliant songwriter and beautiful human being." - from MySpace.com
CBGB, New York, NY
Crash Mansion, New York, NY
Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
The Bitter End, New York, NY
Herald Square, New York, NY
University of North Florida, Jax, FL
The Sidebar, Gainesville, FL
- Selected Venues Played
Sophie B Hawkins
Robert German
Josh Zuckerman
Keyth Lawrence
Andrew McKnight
Teddy Washington
The Glamazons
Aerial Tribe
Chroma
El Toro Loco
Sasparilla
Soulvine - Selected Past Collaborations
"Breathe," featuring Crystal Stafford, PC Synergy and members of the funk-rock band Aerial Tribe, has just been picked up by Miami-based Om Records. The song, made popular by Jacksonville, FL radio show Electo Lounge, will appear on an Om Records compilation in 2007. - Om Records
Discography
In Through the Wires :: June 2006
Breathe :: Om : Chilled :: January 2007
Her sophmore album not yet titled is due for release in September 2008.
Photos
Bio
Through her music Crystal Stafford enchants her audience with passion and conviction. A singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, she spreads a message of individual freedom, hope and the responsibility we all have to each other and to the world. Although she has worked with numerous bands and musicians, she is currently performing solo, although you'd never know it. Using looping stations and programmed sequences she adds energy and emotion to her organic sound, producing what she likes to call "Indie Electro Folk." Beginning September 15, 2008 she will be biking her way up and down the east coast with the Ginger Ninjas, a band known for their recent tour of 5,000 miles from Northern California through mexico on bicycles. The tour will be a low-impact, pedal generated music celebration. All equipment will be towed and even powered using pedal-generated electricity. The audience is often invited to get on stage and pedal the bikes to make the sound, taking crowd participation to a new level. This is a show you don't want to miss!
Website :: www.crystalstafford.com
Myspace :: myspace.com/crystalstaffordmusic
Links
