Halfstack Highlights - Ep. 62: Brooklyn-Based Kiirstin Marilyn Sets Her Own Boundaries

Like most creatives, Kiirstin Marilyn has had her ups and downs.  It is how the Brooklyn-based songwriter/musician/actress responds to life’s obstacles that makes her special.  Kiirstin demonstrates the grit and persistence that a creative needs if she plans to succeed pursuing her dream.

Kiirstin was excited to be signed to a small independent record label for the release of her EP, Ghosts.  However, when the label wasn’t providing the type of marketing support for her EP that she thought it should, Kiirstin took it upon herself to put together a promotional tour that took her as far away as a music festival in Arizona.  She planned to end the first leg of the tour with a show at Brooklyn’s iconic music venue Knitting Factory.  Two days before the show was scheduled, Kiirstin was told her slot was “bumped” due to a misstep by the promoter.  She could have easily got upset and blamed someone else.  Instead, she rented a Brooklyn performance space and performed on impromptu “return to Brooklyn” show for her fans.  These are just a couple of examples of how this talented artist makes things happen to benefit her career.

Listen to the full episode below:

Just hit the play button for the full interview 
PODCAST: Play in new window | Download
Listen and subscribe via iTunes

Kiirstin continues to pursue her creative dreams.  She is working on new music.  She hasn’t decided if the new songs will be released as stand-alone projects or as part of an EP or full CD project. She is also working with several other artists, sharing her video/film expertise to help produce their music videos. 

 Kiirstin has been an animal rights advocate and activist for several years and this can be seen in her creative work.  Her music video for Please Don’t Kiss Me has a clear message about the current state of race relations in our country.  She spends a lot of her time and creative energy working on the “V for Veganism” platform with Producer/Cinematographer, Karolina Tyszkowska.  The main goal for V4V is to normalize veganism.  In an ongoing series of videos, Kiirstin explores the boroughs of New York to interview individuals who have already stopped consuming animal products and help the audience to understand how to embrace this increasingly popular lifestyle.

Kiirstin took some time between video/film projects to talk with Louis Vasseur for an episode of HalfStack Highlights.  During the interview, she talks about her creative journey, overcoming obstacles, and keeping a positive attitude as you pursue your creative dreams.  

To learn more about Kiirstin Marilyn and her music and film/video work, check out www.kiirstinmarilyn.com.