A singer-songwriter known for her passionate transparency & artistic reflections, Kris Angelis continues to share her musical artistry with the world through the brand new single “Win The Game”.
This latest single reflects on the healing that must be done to be your best self when you’re at your worst. The slow mix of tender piano and heart-aching cello, played by Dave Eggar (Coldplay, Beyoncé, Pearl Jam, Ray Lamontagne), launches a track that pulls at the heartstrings with every changing chord.
Kris has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the creative & emotional journey behind “Win The Game”. You can check out the full interview below.
Hey Kris, thanks so much for this interview. Can you start by telling the readers a little about yourself?
Kris: I grew up on a farm with horses and cows in Northern Florida, I’m an identical twin (my sister sings with me when she’s not busy being a movie star), I love handwritten letters but I don’t write them enough, I love reading, board games, hiking, camping, and I’m learning Spanish and Greek so I can visit the countries my family is from and be able to speak their language.
How would you describe your musical style at this current time to someone unfamiliar with your music?
Kris: I write and sing songs about heartache and hope with the storytelling and instrumentation of Folk, with some electric elements and pop influence. I fit into the Americana genre which encompasses the misfits who don’t fit all in one genre and are based in organic, authentic ways of crafting songs.
You are about to release the new single “Win The Game”, which, FYI, sounds incredible. How did the idea for this song come together & How would you compare the creative process behind this song to your earlier releases?
Kris: Thank you! The idea has been bouncing around in my head for a while – every time I was in a situation where there was conflict with someone I care about, and I didn’t feel like following some of the advice that is often thrown around of dismissing it or acting like you don’t care, this idea of winning that game of who cares less or who has more pride came up. That’s not really a game I want to win. I’d rather communicate and say what I really mean and really feel and see what happens. It might make a mess, I might not be successful, but at least I tried. That’s basically the chorus. I hope to and am still learning to do this with respect and love of myself and whoever else is involved and the stumbling along the way toward that is what the choruses are about. The bridge brings it home with the idea that our love and happiness comes from inside ourselves and empowers us to handle situations and make choices without breaking our own hearts. And that’s winning the game. In terms of the creative process, the introspection for a while and then finally sitting down with a guitar and writing it in a few hours is how I most often do it.
How did you first react when you heard the final version of “Win The Game”?
Kris: I’m in the studio the whole way as the tracks are being created so it wasn’t a surprise but I do remember the moment in the studio with my producer Billy Lefler after we had put most of the elements down and listening back. He was punching the air when the chorus came in and I felt that too! It’s just how I hoped it would be!
Did you always plan to release “Win The Game” as a single?
Kris: I didn’t have a set idea of what songs would be the singles when I came into the studio to record this record but as it was finished it just seemed like a strong choice. It’s an exciting track and a little different from stuff I’ve released before so I think/hope it will get some good attention.
What does this song personally mean to you?
Kris: I think I covered it in the question about how I wrote it. I don’t usually write songs that don’t have personal meaning to me so I guess I don’t separate the two. It’s an admission of vulnerability and an apology for things I wish I had said differently or more clearly, as well as a forgiving and empowering of myself. I think it might sound a little angry but it’s coming from a place of love…and that’s what the song is about.
If listeners could take a message away from this song, what would you like it to be?
Kris: To say what you feel, mean what you say, don’t be afraid to fight for what’s important to you with love for yourself and others and acknowledge when you mess up and clean it up!
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Kris: If you can find out how to generate love and happiness within yourself so that you can stand in your power – not being afraid to speak up and take risks – I think you’ll get a lot more of what you want in life and you’ll enjoy the process. That’s what I’m trying to do anyway.
“Win the Game” is from the album coming out Sept 9th called “Damn Shame Waste” It’s called that because of a lyric in one of the songs. It’s referring to relationships that didn’t work out (not that the relationship itself was a waste because they’re all learning experiences), the time I’ve spent not loving myself, worrying, and regretting, because missing out on opportunities for sharing joy and love is just a damn, shame waste. You can pre-order the album starting June 17th and get “Win the Game” right away on iTunes, Krisangelis.com, Bandcamp, and more!
You can check out “Win The Game” on Spotify below or via further platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 