Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Ritz.
Hi Krista, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Krista! I was born in Youngstown, Ohio and am the youngest of three siblings. I’m half Greek and part Italian so I’m sure you can imagine the size of my family! We are very loud, proud and always ready to eat! Family was always (and still is) the number one priority!
Although I’m very close with my loved ones, I always dreamed of moving to a larger city and pursuing music. I had major stage fright as a kid but as I got older, I became more confident in singing and performing in front of audiences. I joined singing groups in school, then eventually a cover band until later becoming a part of an original band where I was truly able to express myself creatively through writing and singing, and even learning some tunes on guitar.
In the meantime, I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and developed a passion for interviewing and writing stories as a Multimedia Journalist as well as participating in an anchor position for the university’s broadcast station. My Minor was in Creative Writing and, in taking courses in Poetry, Fiction Writing, even in Screenwriting, I found resources needed to help my growth in music writing as I developed new ways of storytelling and self expression.
Since then, I’ve written most of my band’s original music and continue writing and composing songs outside of a band setting in my solo work. I have a passion for traveling and plan to live in a neighboring city!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. Self confidence has always been a major struggle and it has been something that can affect every facet of life if you’re not careful. I have always been a chronic over thinker. In fact, I could probably win an award in overanalyzing and mind-spiraling. Mastering this art can create indecisiveness in the deepest parts of who we are and can make us feel incapable of getting the things we desperately want. Not having self-confidence will limit you, make you stuck. You feel undeserving even when you do achieve things you worked hard for and might even find it hard to say “thank you” when receiving a compliment. Maybe it’s a fear of rejection or failure or maybe someone doesn’t believe in your ability to succeed.
Unfortunately, we do fail at times, or life doesn’t fall into place as we thought it would. However, failure can build endurance and resilience. Through this, we dust ourselves off and find greater strength through every hardship. It’s how we move forward after falling down that means more than the setback itself. Yes, it’s certainly cliche, but true nonetheless. Looking at it this way has created a deeper sense of self assurance to know that no matter what anyone says or whatever life throws at me, I am confident that I will push to succeed through these challenges. I’m always reminding myself, “No more overthinking! You’re more capable than you realize. You got this!”. Believing in yourself, even if nobody else does, is truly key!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work as an Independent Provider for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Providing home care to others who are truly in need was something I never realized could be so fulfilling and something that would bring such joy. Though I found a passion in care taking, I never abandoned my music aspirations.
To those who have met me, I am best known for being the lead singer of my band, Madame Marlowe. We’re inspired by 1970’s rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and Heart, but with a fresh, modern twist. Our gritty sound is what I feel really sets us apart! The band has been a part of many great projects and festivals but I feel the most proud about getting into the studio and recording our songs, “Mine” and “Mother Mother”. We recorded these songs through a studio called “Ampreon Recorder” in Youngstown and through many months of writing and performing them, I still take such pride in knowing that we put much love and care into our final products. We have these songs that mean something to us for others to hear. To have this little connection of giving back our art to the world and knowing that there’s people out there that will truly enjoy it is an unbeatable feeling!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a pretty shy kid. I think it was a bit difficult for me to feel like I fit in with other people. My siblings were social butterflies. They were popular, always being invited to hangouts, trips, sleepovers, etc. In contrast, I sat in my room reading, watching movies or listening to music, preferring to be alone and feeling safer in my bubble. The kids around me always seemed to find their best friends in sports, after school groups etc. and while I had an interest in sports for a short time, playing for my Junior High and Freshman year volleyball team, I still found it challenging making a solid group of friends. I was awkward, unsure, uncomfortable. However, throughout my high school years, I managed to find a select few people in class or through other friend groups that I connected with through our interests in hiking, skateboarding, and playing video games! I felt close to them through school and was lucky to have that. Aside from friendships, I enjoyed spending time with my family. You’d never know I was an introvert when I was in a family setting and I always felt very blessed to have a close support system surrounding me, especially through my angsty teenage years! I’m grateful to have their love and support even now into adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/madamemarlowe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madamemarlowe
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@madamemarlowe
