You may recognize Kristen Merlin as the chick with the tomboy appearance on NBC’s The Voice, but if that is the only way you remember her, it won’t be for long. This girl has the hunger and desire to make her dream of becoming a well-known artist into a reality and will stop at nothing to get there. Join us tomorrow night on our Facebook page as we chat with Kristen about her experience on The Voice, her influences, and what the future may hold for her. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation and ask questions also.
Kristen is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from the small town of Hanson, Massachusetts. For as long as anyone can remember, this girl has been front and center, always singing her heart out. Dating back to her grade school days and her first solo, singing a Peter Pan song. From there, her love for music continued to blossom. In her junior year of High School, Kristen’s mother came home with an acoustic guitar for her. Within a few short months, she was a self-taught guitarist, and had begun to write songs of her own.
In 2003, she attended the University of New Haven in Connecticut. While in her studies for her B.A. in Music and Sound Recording, Kristen connected with several other musicians and continued to write her original tunes. In class, she was supposed to be on the recording/mixing side of things. However, she often found herself on the other side of the glass pouring her heart and soul out through the microphone.
When she wasn’t busy with her studies, she often participating in UNH’s open mic “Bean House” nights. It was there that Kristen let loose and performed her original music. Each time she took the stage, she captivated her audience. It was then that she realized how badly she wanted to make this her career.
After graduating in 2007, Kristen moved back to MA and enjoyed her nights off with friends at Karaoke bars everywhere. An old friend from a church youth choir group, invited Kristen to come play at an open mic night at J.P. Ryan’s Tavern in Abington, MA. After Kristen’s 3-song performance, the owner of the venue approached her and asked if she would wanted her own night there. She soon became part of a duo with her friend, Kristin Pimental, and they went by the name of Circling Straight.
After a year or so of performing as a Duo, Kristen broke away and began her career as a solo artist. In 2009, Boston Nightlife Awards named Kristen the South Shore’s Best Acoustic Solo Act. Kristen is currently the lead singer of the Kristen Merlin Band and they are taking over the New England music scene! Kristen is an enthusiastic performer unlike any other in the Boston area. Not only does she have the vocal ability that can grab the attention of everyone in the room, but her stage presence is a force to be reckoned with.
Kristen has several accomplishments of which she is proud…
• 2008 – Placed 2nd in Boston’s Pride Idol singing competition
• 2010 – Top 100 out of 7,000 for American Idol Open-Call audition
• 2011 – Top 150 out of 8,000 for The Voice Open-Call audition
• 2011 – Sang the National Anthem for Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park
• 2012 – Top 150 out of 8,000 for The Voice Open-Call audition
• 2012 – Sang with multi-platinum Country band – Sugarland at the Mandalay Bay Casino – Las Vegas, NV
Kristen is currently recording her first album, working closely with producers/engineers
Taylor Barefoot at
Taylor Barefoot Productions in Brighton, MA and
Sean McLaughlin at
37’ Productions in Rockland, MA. The album will consist of all original music with a full band experience that will blow your mind!
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