In the next segment of Shifting the Spotlight, Your EDM would like to present Terzetto‘s own very talented Kristin Rose. While she has always been an avid lover of music, Kristin Rose has displayed her multifarious talents across the board as a former NFL cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles, a series regular on the ABC show What Would You Do, as well as a plethora of other acting, modeling, and dancing experiences. While studying theatre and dance for her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in New York City, Kristin Rose developed a new love: DJing. After discovering her passion for DJ/producing, Kristin Rose has since teamed up with Vinny Geo and Rone to each bring their own unique sound together to form the talented trio Terzetto.
How did you start in music? How old, what instrument? Formal training?
I trained as a classic ballet dancer for 14 years so growing up music was always a big part of my life. I also studied piano.
Who are your greatest musical influences?
I was blessed to always have music in my life. My dad used to quiz me on classic rock songs during our car rides to dance class and my brother is a musician and huge metal fan. I really love Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Van Halen, Pearl Jam and Iron Maiden.
When/Why/How did you start DJing/producing? Who got you into the music?
I transferred colleges and was living in Manhattan when I was 19. I was all about the club scene because I loved hearing what they played there (laughs.) Seeing Bob Sinclair at Marquee in 07 and hearing him drop “World Hold On” made me realize that I wanted pursue a career in DJing/producing.
What is your favorite track that YOU have produced?
R3VK, we haven’t released it yet because we’re still in the mastering process but when we do watch out!
Who is your role model? Who WAS your role model growing up?
My mom, Kim! She was and still is the most amazing woman I’ve ever come across. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better mom or friend.
Who is your inspiration/role model in EDM? Outside of the industry? Why?
My role models are the dj/producers who are also entrepreneurs. I don’t want to make music; I want to eventually build an empire.
Live performance or studio time?
Live performance! I’m a born performer; it’s in my blood.
If you could hire ANY vocal talent, from any era or genre, for a big name commercial release opportunity, who would it be, and what style of track?
Van Morrision, I’ve always loved his sound.
Think the term ‘Music Icon”, what name immediately pops in your head?
The Beatles.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?
I’m not sure, but I welcome challenges because they make you stronger and more confident.
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring female DJ/producers?
Work hard; respect yourself and your reputation. Be so good that no one can have one bad thing to say about you.
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring male DJ/producers?
Be open to working and collaborating together. The only true competition is within yourself.
EDM has really boomed in the United States, especially over the past 5 years. How do you feel about this rise in popularity? Do you think the bubble will burst, or that EDM is here to stay?
It’s here to stay. Certain genres will come and go. Sounds will change but the core EDM fans will always keep it alive in the US.
Hiking in the Rockies or sunning in Cabo?
BOTH! I’m adventurous and spontaneous.
Is the industry welcoming to female artists or have you ever felt as though, because you are a ‘girl’, you had to work harder to prove yourself as a DJ in order to be taken seriously? What obstacles did you have to overcome?
DJs are the new rock stars so both males and females have to work really hard to become successful in this field. This industry is definitely welcoming and open to female artists, females just have to be willing to work hard so when an opportunity arises they’re 100% ready. You may only get one big opportunity and it’s your job to make sure that regardless of the outcome you were completely prepared. I think that females have to work hard and be even better than males because people are more doubtful of what they can do. With that being said, when people in the industry and fans see you killing it it’s the best feeling because you proved anyone with doubts wrong.
Do you ever plan on settling down and starting a family? With the grueling lifestyle of a DJ, how would you make this work? I absolutely want a family at some point in my life.
That’s a great question, I have no idea (laughs) but I’m a firm believer that you can have a successful career and be a mother/wife. Ask me this question again in another 10 years and I’ll tell you how I made it work!
Do you think physicality and sexuality plays into the competition of arising female artists? How can this affect the successes of talented artists? Do you think it’s the same for males?
I don’t think so, this is a competitive field and your image is part of the business. So if you’re a sexy girl, great; work that into your image. If you’re a hipster, make that image work for you. Learn to promote yourself and use whatever image you are to work in your favor.
Best musical ever?
That’s a tie between Chicago and A Chorus Line. Chicago’s the first Broadway musical I ever saw and I’ve been in love with Fosse’s choreography every since. A Chorus Line because you get to see the passion and struggle of a professional dance career
Beer, wine, daquiri, bloody mary, whisky & coke, or water?
Ketel and club on nights when I’m off . Hot tea with almond milk and honey when I’m working.