Official Blog

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If you haven’t noticed, in addition to being a huge supporter of equality, I am also a singer-songwriter and musician. But, if you also haven’t noticed, I have no music available for listening. So, where’s my music?

I am not signed. I am not sponsored. Embarrassing as it is to say, I am currently not even comfortable financially. I am unable to set up a studio in my home, mostly due to the fact of not having the necessary equipment. I do, however, use my cousin’s home studio when he and I are able to do so. My entire EP is being engineered, produced, mixed and mastered (term used loosely) by yours truly, with the assistance of my cousin. I am very particular with the way my tracks sound. If my vocals do not sound 100% perfect to me, I will redo them, and likewise with instrumental tracks as well. Given these points, this has been slow in the works.

I am not lying about being a singer/songwriter and musician, nor am I intentionally stalling; I want to share my music. While being transgender primarily contributes to my dislike of the sound of my voice, I also realize there’s little I can do about it at the moment. My primary focus is achieving the maximum level of perfection possible from myself, as quickly as possible.

All the songs are completely written lyrically and musically (thus yes, original); it’s simply laying down tracks at this point. I try to write from a positive perspective as much as possible; however, not all turn out this way (which I’m perfectly fine with). The type of music I write is comparable to Contemporary Christian in terms of sound.

This EP will contain five songs, titled (in order): Someone, Dream, Rock the Universe, Lighthouse, and Forever With Me. Both “Someone” and “Dream” focus on pursuing one’s dreams; “Rock the Universe” is a song about starting a revolution that will reintroduce Jesus Christ to the world; “Lighthouse” is about overcoming an addiction, bettering one’s self, and the gratitude felt from having someone there every step of the way; and finally, “Forever With Me” is a sappy song pertaining to a past relationship, and is based on a true story (my story, surprisingly).

As far as a release date, it’s really too soon to say. I will, however, say that I want to get this finished before the end of this year. I have new material I am ready to work on, so, I need this project finished! Anyway, I hope this offers some insight as to what’s going on.

Thanks for reading.

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I’d like to just elaborate on something a bit, because I have been asked by a few people as to why I am so emotional over what happened yesterday, and really, toward all of these recent attacks, mass shootings, etc.

The question seems to be, “Did you know someone there?” — yes, but that is irrelevant; primarily because despite knowing that person was unharmed, my heart still weighs heavy. The other comment being, “You weren’t there. Why so sad?”

I am not upset at such questions and comments, but I think it’s important to look past ourselves and our own loved ones in such situations where we and our loved ones are not directly affected. Yes, I am okay. Yes, my family and friends are okay. But others family and friends are not. Regardless that I did not know any of the injured/dead, they are still people, and I feel for them.

The old saying “put yourself in my shoes”… that is my main thought. These people were running. They were enjoying their day. They were happy. And some, senseless and emotionless prick(s), decided that wasn’t allowed. How could one not feel emotion towards such an incident? These poor people; children, even more so. The mere thought brings tears to my eyes.

As I said, I am not trying to “scold” anyone. I just hope that I’ve brought some insight as to why, despite not directly being affected, I am still affected. Ignore who did it, and ignore why—just focus on that it happened, and the victims need support right now. The who matters only for justice; the why…despite what answer may be given, the person(s) responsible will attempt to justify this, making their reason worthless and meaningless.

Just take a second today and think about if you were there… just think.

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It’s been a while—a long while—since I’ve posted something, so I figured I’d give an update on my life!

Did I make a new year’s resolution? Well, no, not really. I was hoping, however, to really get active with my music this year. Unfortunately, this is not seeming to happen due still to my financial situation. But, I am not going to become pessimistic; it is, after all, still the start of this new year — I have faith things will turn around! I just ask that anyone wanting to hear my music please stay patient; I really do want to share it with ya!

As for my personal life… I’ve been enjoying time with my son, working at a job I hope to not be at much longer, catching up on TV shows and movies, and hanging out with friends. All in all, yes, I lead a very boring life lol… but I am blessed and, again, I have faith things will turn around for the better! Just gotta keep my chin up; what other choice have I got? ;)

If you wanna know anything else, just ask! Find me on Twitter at @CryssLeigh, send me an email at cryssleigh@ymail.com, or ask me here on Tumblr!

Thanks for reading.

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Despite my efforts to share who I am, I still feel as if I’m a mysterious person to everyone; this is supported by the number of questions I’ve been asked about who I am, what I do, why I do what I do, etc.  So, to fill that void of uncertainty, unknown, and confusion, I am writing this blog entry.

I’d like to first start with my music, as that’s what I primarily am attempting to become known for and share.  As I said in my last entry, I started playing the piano and singing at a young age.  I have always written my own songs, seldom ever performing covers; other than for a brief time of playing praise and worship songs for my local youth group and church service.  I’ve been told numerous times that I need to do covers in order to make it further, but plain and simple — I’ll take my chances unless I feel compelled otherwise.

Despite playing the piano, singing, and writing songs for as long as I have, I have not done much live performing, but I plan on getting active with more very soon.  As for recording… I used to record in a studio located in Longwood, Florida, however, due to conflicting visions of my music between my producer and I, we parted ways.  I began recording my music in my own home studio.  I bought all basic equipment needed to get a halfway decent sound, and learned as much as I could.  However, due to financial difficulties just a couple of years later, I was forced to sell the majority of my equipment.  Thankfully, I had previously recorded all the music tracks for six songs that I wanted to release; these are the songs I hope to share with everyone in early 2013.

So, what do I write about?  Well, all different things.  I had previously noted in my last entry that the majority of my songs are inspirational, and that’s true; they have a contemporary sort of sound to them—nothing too crazy.  Aside from that, I write about the typical break up, getting together, life in general type songs, and mostly have a modern country sort of sound to them.  My favorite song that I’ve written thus far is called, “Drink It All Away,” and is far from inspirational.  Nonetheless and despite so, never have I put such emotion into lyrics, melody and music; it, however and unfortunately, will not be released with my other music.  But fear not, because I definitely want y’all to hear it, so I will release some rendition of it not too long after, if not even before.

I grew up on contemporary Christian, and country music.  My favorite artists of that time (and some to this day) were/are Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, and so many more.  I attended many country concerts, and many Christian concert events.  My entire life has revolved around music, and still does to this day.  There is no doubt in my mind that making and sharing music with the world is what I want to do.

Next up: where am I from?  I was born in Orlando, Florida (I’ve been told not to admit that, but I’m going for it anyway), which is where I still reside today.  I am not comfortable here; I’d like to move to somewhere a bit more promising such as New York, Nashville or California, but for now I’m content.

My personal life… I am 29 years of age, divorced, I have a son whom I love more than anything in this entire world named Kaden, and I have a cat named Daisy (Dai-Dai) that meows entirely too much.  I enjoy being around people, being at the beach (my second home), music (especially with steel drums; I melt at the sound of a steel drum, you don’t even know), traveling, going to theme parks (Disney is my third home), horseback riding, driving, shooting, hiking, occasionally drinking, and so much more.  Basic point — I like to be active; I cannot stand sitting around doing what I hear commonly referred to as “relaxing.”

Okay, I think that should cover the majority of details that make up my, um, totally interesting life… last but not least: my support for anti-bullying and the LGBT community.  It’s simple for me — be yourself.  For those who are against it, too bad.  We all have the right to live freely without having to explain ourselves or ask permission.  If you’re gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender or whatever else is out there in the totally unnecessary list of labels, I support you and I do not feel you owe anyone an explanation.  There is no application to fill out, no screening process, no audition; you start immediately—be YOU.

As for myself, as I said in my last entry, I am transgender.  I am open about it and I will talk about it, but I will not let it define me; I am so much more.  To me, it’s simply not a big deal, and I wish everyone would exhibit that same mentality; however, until it is so, I will continue to fight for equal rights.

How do I support equal rights?  I am involved with equal rights organizations, I talk with today’s youth to try and educate them (both LGBT and not), I donate when I’m able (both time and money), I participate in related events, and as said earlier, I write relatable songs.  My goal in supporting is not only to have those against equal rights to gain a sense of peace and understanding, but to also encourage and inspire those fighting for those rights to stand for who they are and not allow anyone to belittle them.  It’s not about special rights, it’s about equal rights — something I feel we are all entitled to.

I hope this entry has uncovered and answered many of the questions I’ve been asked.  If there’s anything else you’d like to know, I have no problem whatsoever addressing and answering, so ask!  I’d like to thank everyone who supports me in what I do and who I am.

Thanks for reading.

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My life is much like an untraveled winding road, sometimes full of bumps, sharp turns, uphill struggles, and road blocks. Now, now — this is not a post ranting about my life and how horrible it is; don’t worry yourself. I am very blessed in my life and despite the hardships, I see a great future ahead for me. As for this post in particular, I’d just like to take the time to write about myself for introductory purposes.

My name is Cryssa Leigh Martin, and I am a 28 year old singer-songwriter/pianist from Orlando, Florida. I have been writing music and songs since I was eight years old, and have never had any real vocal or piano lessons. I also engineer and produce my own work, and while it may not be the best out there from a production stand point, it gets the job done, and a whole lot cheaper.

My dream is the typical artists’ dream: to make it big—not for the money or the fame, but because I enjoy writing and performing so much that I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. Furthermore, I feel each of my songs has a special message to share that I feel others will be able to relate to. I am currently working on some new music that I hope to be able to share in early 2013. My songs tend to be pop/rock in genre, and inspirational in nature; though I do write songs that are not-so-inspirational in nature as well from time to time. I’m just getting my foot in the door, which I regret that I did not really give it all I had sooner, but, I truly believe in “better late than never.”

As you may know, I am also a huge advocate for civil rights and anti-bullying; as for civil rights, most specifically toward the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. Beyond the obvious reasons I feel one should support equal rights, this community in particular I hold close to home, as by default, I’m part of it due to being transgender. I won’t go into a long explanation, as I really don’t feel I owe it to anyone, and I’m not gonna let it define who I am; I don’t believe in labels. Beyond that, I support civil rights as a whole because I feel we all should have the freedom to live our lives how we want, so long as it is not hurting anyone else (directly or indirectly).

As for my personal interests… My (almost) four year old son means the world to me and is my everything (anyone who follows me on Instagram knows this lol). I’m laid back, total beach bum, love music with steel drums, enjoy photography, videography, acting, being outside, traveling, shooting guns, muscle cars, seeing movies (ironically not much of a fan of watching TV though), being around others, and much more. As for music and movies, I like a bit of everything really.

Okay, so there you have it — that’s me in a nutshell. If you’d like to ask me a sincere question or leave a sincere comment, you are more than welcome to either on here (if possible, dunno how Tumblr works in regards to that) or on Twitter (@CryssLeigh)!

Thanks for reading.