Today’s song is “River of Light” by Kristina Stykos. The Vermont based artist is a not only a talented singer-songwriter but also produces, records, radio hosts, and podcasts.
Kristina solidified her launch as an audio engineer in 2008, earning a certificate in studio production from the Berklee School of Music. As of 2019, she holds producer credits for upwards of 30 albums created at her hill-top recording loft, Pepperbox Studio: a solar, wind and generator-powered, fully off-grid facility. She is also founder-owner of a small, Americana label, Thunder Ridge Records.
Kristina was awarded “Best Songwriter of 2013” by Vermont’s Times Argus newspaper, for her 5th solo album, Wyoming Territory. The album was supported in its development by the Ucross Foundation & Brush Creek artist residencies of Wyoming. Her first self-produced release, In the Earth’s Fading Light, was awarded “Best Vermont Album of the Year” by the same paper in 2005.
Her recent albums include three collaborative projects: The Detangler (2018) with Ariel Zevon, daughter of Warren Zevon; Beautiful Blood (2013) with singer-songwriter Steve Mayone of Brooklyn NY, and Raven (2011), with Grammy-nominated pianist Philip Aaberg of Montana.
This is the title track off Kristina’s newest solo album River of Light. The album features Jackson Browne guitarist Val McCallum, along with other notable friends & session players.
Her experienced and raspy vocals pair nicely with the folk and Americana riffs. The song has a sweet sadness but the beautiful melodic rock gives it an upbeat spirit.
Listen below and for more information on Kristina Stykos check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.