Cristina Soto

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“She has piano hands”, the nurses had noted to her parents. For Cristina’s Spanish father who had played the classical guitar all his life, this was all the ammunition he needed to have his daughter continue the family’s musical lineage. At the age of six, while most kids are learning addition and subtraction, Cristina played piano and studied the mathematics of a classical piano sonata in music theory. Starting at the age of 13, she trained professionally in jazz, classical, musical theater, and gospel vocals. By age 16, Cristina had picked up the guitar while studying Theater at Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan and singing with a touring gospel choir. She continued her studies in Pittsburgh, PA at Carnegie Melon University combining her passion for singing and acting in Musical Theater.

Today, Cristina’s breadth in musical training allows her to move like a chameleon across genres, singing everything from folk, to funk, and more recently, electronic. In her new hometown, Austin Texas, she is currently the back-up vocalist for a local funk/soul group, Angel Ferrer. As the lead singer for Tritonal, Cristina’s ethereal vocals played an instrumental role in bringing the trio’s melodic, yet progressive trance to the forefront of the dance music scene. When she can manage to steal a free moment for herself, Cristina composes her own work that is lyrically rich with strong, heady vocals. True to her roots, she accompanies her own songs with an acoustic guitar that would make her father proud. With 26 years of experience behind her, Cristina Soto continues to grow as a versatile, multi-talented artist – a true renaissance woman.

Interview w/ J-ME:

1. First off at what age did you start your musical journey?

[CS] I started playing piano at 6 and vocal lessons at 13. Singing was always a part of my life but I don’t know if practicing in the shower or car counts

2. Who are some of the people that have musically inspired you the most?

[CS] Being a child of the 80s Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston were vocal influences, but as an adult, I look more to classics and indie icons. Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald are among the old-school inspirations… Imogen Heap and Ingrid Michaelson in the new school.

3. I read that you’ve recently made Austin your hometown, what do you think about it and how is it different from where you’ve lived before?

[CS] Austin just has a great energy about it. People are out all the time, the musical talent in this town is incredible, and I really can’t complain about the heat since I’m a big wimp during the winter

4. You’ve sung a lot of great vocals on tracks with one of the best Electronic Duo’s in the US; Tritonal, do you write any of the lyrics or music that you’ve done?

[CS] I write all the lyrics and melodies – though it is definitely a collaboration on the entire track when I work with Chad and Dave.

5. What’s it like to work with Chad and Dave ?

[CS] Great! We are honest, constructive, open and efficient… I couldn’t ask for much more.

6. How often do you sing?

[CS] I sing everyday! Performances are averaging around once or twice a month.

7. Is there any projects you’ve got in store this year for us to look forward to?

[CS] Definitely looking to do more live shows with Tritonal and you should see some new tracks soon…

8. Any chance we might be able to catch you singing live soon?

[CS] Working on it!

9. If you could work on a track right now with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

[CS] Tough Question! I would be honored to do a track with any of these guys:

Armin Van Buuren
Paul Van Dyk
Ferry Corsten
Above and Beyond

duh!

10. Name three of your favorite songs at the moment:

[CS]

1. Kings of Leon – Use Somebody
2. Lil Wayne & Pharrell – Yes
3. Ingrid Michaelson – Morning Lullabies

Thanks to Cristina for the interview!!! Be sure to stop by beatport to purchase her latest releases with Tritonal!

Peace, Love and Trance!
J-ME