Kris Lakota

New York City, known for it’s glitz and glamour, is the last place on earth one would go on a search for good country music, but if you look close enough, you’ll find a twang that lures you into a more “homespun” place and time...

Kris Lakota is more than proud to be one of those voices heading the country movement that’s engulfing the city like a southern hurricane.

With the release of his freshman album “The Harbinger”, Kris proves that his style of country music is that of true troubadour storytelling, organically rooted and honest. It weeps with lonliness, yet is full of hope. It’s apologetic, but at the same time, defends the right to stand up for what he believes in. For those out there that claim country music is a tangled-up mess of sentiments, to the contrary, you won’t find any complications on this record. Kris has chosen to keep it straightforward. “Life is simple when you really look at it...even with all the obstacles it throws in front of us. My songs are just a reflection of this reality.”

Some people say Kris' songs fit within the definition of neo-traditional country, while others claim his sound belongs on a Texas alt-country / Americana radio station. To Kris, the most important thing is that critics and fans recognize the authenticity of his musical style. “I don’t write songs for a certain crowd or genre and I’m not trying to fit any molds. I just write and sing about real life...things that I’ve witnessed and experienced during my little time here on earth. I grew up in the South and its values and traditions are what keep me grounded... Living in New York City for ten years has really helped me understand who I am and where I come from.”

Kris now spends his time back and forth between New York and Arkansas, trying to bridge the gap between his audiences. “Believe it or not, I have a great following here in this yankee town! Nothing makes me happier than when a fan comes up to me after a show and tells me that they never liked country music until they listened to me. In my eyes, this is the biggest of compliments.” This just goes to show that country music isn’t defined by regions on a map, but by the emotions and memories that live inside the human heart.

“One of these days, I’m gonna conquer this big ol’ city..." he says. "Until then, I guess I’ll just keep on keepin’ on.”

“...I haven't been this excited about an artist since Marvin Gaye...great songwriter…already ahead of the game…” – Al Bell, Motown Records, Stax Records, Bellmark Records

"Many times I've caught myself singing Candy Ring while at work, or shopping... Really catchy." - Beth Beam, Creator/Editor of Rock the Metro

"...like John Mayer with a cool country vibe!" - James Ballew, Pure Sound Arkansas

"...I got a checkmark next to his name...could be the next big thang..." - Greg Thompson, Pure Sound Arkansas

"...performs his songs with a lot of heart, stirring conviction and emotion. Not to mention, he has an incredible stage presence and powerful voice that will draw you right in." - Randi Russo, singer/songwriter

"Indeed has a great sound...one of our favorites..." - Ken Weaver, Colt Records

"I love [this] band...I think [he] is very talented." - Maria Kenny, owner of Kenny's Castaways, New York City