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Kaleido’s front lady is showing us "the Way."

It’s been more than a decade since Linkin Park joined forces with Jay-Z to show the world that hard-hitting blend of rock and rap can attract all kinds of fans. Christina Chriss, the leader of Detroit-based rock band Kaleido, didn’t have to rely on any guest rappers: she did it all by herself. Her debut single “From The Way” showed a different, hip-hop-flavored side of Christina and we got to learn everything about her transition to the swag-filled side.  

Your hometown/homebase? Detroit, MI

What’s your story so far?

I grew up singing, playing guitar and violin and formed my band Kaleido about four years ago. We've toured all over the US and have shared stages with some big artists such as Aerosmith, Kid Rock, TwentyOnePilots and Sammy Hagar, to name a few. This last year I worked on some solo material as well. I'm getting ready to drop a new record with my band Kaleido this fall. 

Do you remember your favorite song when you were 13?

I think it was “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera, it really spoke to me at that age. I sang it at the Michigan State Fair that year and also in a talent show at my school! 

If your life was a rap/hip-hop song, what would it be?

“Till I Collapse” by Eminem.

Any role models? 

Eminem, Kid Rock, Madonna. All from Michigan, like me. Their music, and them as artists really influenced me growing up and becoming the artist that I am today. 

You have quite a big following in the rock world with Kaleido. How do you plan to get your fans on board with your solo project? Is it a tough task to pull off?

My music is a reflection of who I am. I love interacting with my fans and showing them the real me, and I believe that my true fans not only support my music, but me as a person as well. I don't make music with the mindset of getting people on board. I make the music that I make and it's awesome that it can touch people's lives and mean something to them. That's what it's all about for me. 

Given Detroit’s rich techno background, did you ever think about implementing electronic production into your sound?

I've done some electronic tracks in the past, including a song called “Up All Night” with DJ GODFATHER. I'm working on some new tracks right now as well actually with a couple artists in Detroit. Detroit's music and culture helped mold me into who I am so I feel that all of the influence comes out in the music I make, one way or another. 

How does your solo career affect your band’s work? 

Working is addictive to me. The more I work, the more I get done, the more I want to keep working, keep moving, keep growing. With every song I write I feel that I get better, as a songwriter, as an artist, as a person. My band is my team and my family. We do pretty much everything together because we share the same goals and ambitions. So the "solo music" is stylistically a bit different than the music we have released as Kaleido, but continues to further the goals that we all have in common: make really great songs, be the best we can be and positively impact the world. My band performs all the solo stuff with me too, so it's really a transition and blend of styles. All part of my plan. 

Tell me about your current single “From The Way”. What does being “from the way” mean exactly? 

"From The Way" is the grind, the hustle, the come up. It's funny, since releasing that record so many people have either asked, or assumed, what "the Way" is. That's the beauty of a song—it can mean something different to every listener. So when people ask, “Where you from?”, it's like "I'm from THE WAY." I've been out here hustling—doing my thing, working my way up from nothing. A city or region doesn't define a person, it's what they do in that city, how they're evolving. So "the Way" is wherever the hell you want it to be. It's your story, your journey. The lyrics "I see a dead body every single day"—no matter where you're at, that's every damn day when you turn on the news in today's world.  



What’s been the wildest gig you ever played?

There have been so many I've lost count. Every show I play is wild, that's what Kaleido and I are WILD! But okay, if I have to pick the wildest I would have to say when we opened for Kid Rock at The D Casino in Las Vegas. Kid Rock. Kaleido. The "Detroit" casino in Las Vegas. Need I say more?! 

What apps do you constantly use? Please say Tinder and give our readers some hope! 

Swipe left on this question! Haha, just kidding! I'm big on apps that help me find good food when I'm on tour in places I've never been before. Food is like, everything. Ok, seriously, I use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and (my favorite) Snapchat. I did have a Tinder for a hot second. I downloaded it for some inspiration when I was writing a song one day and then forgot about it. Next thing you know a bunch of my fans are hitting me up like "You're on Tinder?!" And I was like "No, not really" and I deleted it. But who knows, I might bring it down from the cloud again someday when I'm looking for ideas.  

What’s a perfect Friday night involve in your world? 

A sold out show.

5 fast fun facts about yourself. Go! 

  1. When I grow up I'm going to be a scientist.
  2. I love Star Wars.
  3. I used to breed and train German Shepherds when I was a kid.
  4.  I was president of the student council when I was in 6th grade. 
  5. I like to do hood rat things with my friends.

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