Whether you ask Taste of Country, Today In Nashville, or any of the other journalists, bloggers, and country music lovers that she has spoken with, there’s one thing they can all agree on – Kristi Hoopes has the tried and true sound that country music needs right now.
With a knack for vivid songwriting and a voice aching with the vintage rasp of songstresses like Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt, Kristi is turning heads. Performing Trisha Yearwood's "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love" before 11.9 million viewers, Kristi turned the chairs of Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Jennifer Hudson on Season 13 of NBC's The Voice. Though the battle for this brilliant young artist was fierce, she was proud to take her place as the last member of Team Blake.
This is not the first time she has caught the attention of industry giants. In August 2016, her YouTube cover of "Different For Girls" was shared by country superstar Dierks Bentley and radio mogul Bob Kingsley, garnering over 750,000 views across Facebook and Instagram.
Born and raised beneath the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Kristi knew she was destined to make a name for herself in Music City after performing Loretta Lynn's version of "These Boots Are Made for Walking" in her 3rd grade talent show. With a notebook full of original songs, a bit of hippie chick sass, and years of experience behind her, she finally made her Nashville debut within the iconic walls of RCA Studio A after winning the Lyricord songwriting contest with "At Least It's Something" at age 16.
In the fall of 2018, Kristi decided it was time to make her debut EP and launched a successful Indiegogo campaign to fund it.
On August 21, 2020, Kristi shared her first release of original music since 2014 with "Don't Worry Mama," a heartfelt ease to her mother's worries as her not-so little girl strikes out on her own for the first time. The track was produced by Grammy winner Paul Worley (The Chicks, Lady A) and seasoned session guitarist Biff Watson (Don Williams, Crystal Gayle).
With Kristi's gentle vocal gliding over the melody like a nursery rhyme, the song speaks to her pursuing big city dreams while trying to hold onto the small town memories and morals her mother gave her. Her delicate southern tone paired with lush, twang-soaked strings - played by studio legends like Dan Dugmore and Byron House - harkens back to the classic 70s country sounds of greats like Olivia Newton-John and Emmylou Harris.
Kristi dedicates "Don't Worry Mama" to her mother Rose, who has supported her musical aspirations since she first started singing at age 10.
Kristi says, "I was at a crossroads between childhood and womanhood when I wrote this song with Biff Watson. Moving to Nashville to start building my new life came with so much excitement, but there was a great deal of homesickness too. I wanted to give my mom something that would remind her that I'd always be her kiddo, that I wouldn't forget all the things she taught me. I think it's only right that the first song to be released from my upcoming EP honors the woman who helped make me who I am."
Kristi is hopeful that "Don't Worry Mama" will serve as a means of comfort for listeners who are social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In this time of people being unable to see their families and loved ones, I think we all need to be reminded that no amount of distance can separate us from their love. The love we have for each other makes us as close as we've ever been."
"Don't Worry Mama" is now available on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.
With a knack for vivid songwriting and a voice aching with the vintage rasp of songstresses like Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt, Kristi is turning heads. Performing Trisha Yearwood's "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love" before 11.9 million viewers, Kristi turned the chairs of Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Jennifer Hudson on Season 13 of NBC's The Voice. Though the battle for this brilliant young artist was fierce, she was proud to take her place as the last member of Team Blake.
This is not the first time she has caught the attention of industry giants. In August 2016, her YouTube cover of "Different For Girls" was shared by country superstar Dierks Bentley and radio mogul Bob Kingsley, garnering over 750,000 views across Facebook and Instagram.
Born and raised beneath the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Kristi knew she was destined to make a name for herself in Music City after performing Loretta Lynn's version of "These Boots Are Made for Walking" in her 3rd grade talent show. With a notebook full of original songs, a bit of hippie chick sass, and years of experience behind her, she finally made her Nashville debut within the iconic walls of RCA Studio A after winning the Lyricord songwriting contest with "At Least It's Something" at age 16.
In the fall of 2018, Kristi decided it was time to make her debut EP and launched a successful Indiegogo campaign to fund it.
On August 21, 2020, Kristi shared her first release of original music since 2014 with "Don't Worry Mama," a heartfelt ease to her mother's worries as her not-so little girl strikes out on her own for the first time. The track was produced by Grammy winner Paul Worley (The Chicks, Lady A) and seasoned session guitarist Biff Watson (Don Williams, Crystal Gayle).
With Kristi's gentle vocal gliding over the melody like a nursery rhyme, the song speaks to her pursuing big city dreams while trying to hold onto the small town memories and morals her mother gave her. Her delicate southern tone paired with lush, twang-soaked strings - played by studio legends like Dan Dugmore and Byron House - harkens back to the classic 70s country sounds of greats like Olivia Newton-John and Emmylou Harris.
Kristi dedicates "Don't Worry Mama" to her mother Rose, who has supported her musical aspirations since she first started singing at age 10.
Kristi says, "I was at a crossroads between childhood and womanhood when I wrote this song with Biff Watson. Moving to Nashville to start building my new life came with so much excitement, but there was a great deal of homesickness too. I wanted to give my mom something that would remind her that I'd always be her kiddo, that I wouldn't forget all the things she taught me. I think it's only right that the first song to be released from my upcoming EP honors the woman who helped make me who I am."
Kristi is hopeful that "Don't Worry Mama" will serve as a means of comfort for listeners who are social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In this time of people being unable to see their families and loved ones, I think we all need to be reminded that no amount of distance can separate us from their love. The love we have for each other makes us as close as we've ever been."
"Don't Worry Mama" is now available on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.