Kristen Haynes

A musical nomad, Kristen draws inspiration from American song, Brazilian samba, North African blues, and Macedonian Romani wedding music, to name just a few. As her rhythms and melodies celebrate cultural multiplicity, Kristen’s intimate and considered lyrics reach within, towards areas of unity and shared humanity. Weaving the strands together is Kristen’s nuanced and heartfelt voice, soaring over the sweet sung harmonies, exquisite guitar, and earthy rhythms of her outstanding band.

True to her multi-faceted musicality, Kristen received her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice from the Queensland Conservatorium, and then proceeded to perform with indie rock stars The Boat People, afro-funk outfit Kafka, underground neo-soul project The Work, and at venues including the Brisbane Powerhouse, QPAC, The Zoo, The Troubadour, Maggie Black’s, the Conservatorium Theatre, and GOMA. In 2003, Kristen performed for the Australian Premiere of Steve Reich’s “Music For 18 Musicians” with new-music innovator Vanessa Tomlinson. In 2007, she was the lyricist for the short film and Tropfest entry “$quid,” starring TV personality Josh Lawson (Thank God You’re Here, The Librarians). Kristen was recently featured on SBS radio’s Peace Song Tapestries, performing a cappella renditions of folk songs from around the world. She currently holds a residency at the Press Club's world music night, Calabash, and works extensively in the jazz/chamber pop sphere with wunderkind double bassist Adam Storey.