 Curious about what goes on “backstage” at #WomenCrush Music? Volunteers are the heart and soul of #WCM, and our Chapter Leaders in particular have been making strides to build local communities that connect, educate, and inspire women in music. To show our thanks, and to give our readers some awesome insight, we are spotlighting a different Chapter Leader every month on The Crush!
For this month’s Chapter Leader spotlight, we’ve got the Bay Area’s rockstar Krystal Beasley, who is behind all of the rad events being held in San Francisco and San Jose! How has working with #WomenCrush Music impacted your life? I’ve met so many people in the industry in a short amount of time thanks to #WomenCrush. Artists, venue managers, promoters, artist managers and also people who enjoy coming out to shows and supporting women in the industry. It’s so lovely meeting like-minded individuals - I’m very grateful. What is one thing you want the #WCM community in your city to know about you? If you see me out at a show, #WCM or not, come say hi to me! I’m very chill and always down to meet new people. Especially music lovers! Let’s be friends. What other cool projects are you working on right now? I’m also working with the super talented and amazing human Blimes Brixton and her female-fronted label, Peach House Records. What has been your favorite part of being the face of #WCM in your city? I love meeting the audience members that come to our shows. I also love when I receive great feedback from the audience, the artists, and the venues. People approach me to thank me for throwing the event and I’m not sure why they are thanking me! I’m just happy to be a part of it all. The warm reception has been truly incredible and I’m excited to continue growing this #WCM chapter. What do you have planned for the future of your city? Big things! Definitely looking forward to more showcases in San Francisco and Oakland as well as workshops and networking events to help educate artists and industry folks. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve but I can’t give it all away, that’s no fun! How did you first get involved with the music industry? I’ve been going to shows non-stop for such a long time. A while ago, I got involved with Showbams and began writing show reviews and pieces on upcoming artists, local and international. Then I lived in Melbourne, Australia for a bit and did some booking and social media for a big hip-hop venue called The Laundry Bar and I’ve been in it ever since. Who is your favorite LOCAL woman artist? Why? Amy Dabalos. I have this thing for jazz music and every single time I see this woman perform I am blown away. She inspires me with every performance, every song, every new lyric. The last time I saw her, I took my dad and his friends and they thoroughly enjoyed it! My dad is old school when it comes to music. If he’s into it, that’s how you know it’s good! Who is your favorite touring woman artist? Why? I gotta give this one to Rihanna, Kehlani, and Cupcakke. I’ve actually only seen Kehlani perform live but they all tour a lot! And I have mad respect for that. Also K. Flay. I’ve seen her about 10 times. Never gets old. What is one song you wish you would have written (by a woman)? Dianne Warren is amazing. She wrote so many classics back in the day (and still does). I think I’d have to pick ‘Have You Ever’ sung by Brandy. I was obsessed with that song. That was such a good song that was so popular because so many people could relate. And the way she wrote about it was in this different style and it just made sense. It really worked. Even though it was such a sad song, it could make me happy because it was so beautiful and made me feel like other people go through what I go through. What’s your advice on people who want to get into the industry? Just do it. Get in it. Help out a musician friend, go to a bunch of shows, volunteer, get an internship, meet people, ask questions. You have to go out there and get in it. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” What upcoming #WCM event are you most excited for? I'm very excited for a #WomenCrush Music benefit concert on December 7th that will be held at the Independent and features a badass lineup of amazing local artists. I'm also excited for 2019 - you can expect East Bay events and #WCM residencies, so be sure to follow along to stay up to date! What #WCM city are you dying to visit? Why? Chicago! I’ve only been there once and they have an amazing music scene. I can't wait to go back and explore even more of that city and dance it up. And, of course, eat a Chicago dog. You can catch Krystal TONIGHT at the #WomenCrushSJ Women in Jazz Showcase at 8pm at Art Boutiki!
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