Meet Kristen T.
Kristen T. Clark is a 27 year old energetic artist and leader. Her roots as a performer, musician, songwriter, and producer set her up for success in the world of pro audio.
Getting Started as a Musician
After a childhood filled with country music and a love of rock and metal developing through her teens, Kristen's music can exhibit a range of styles. Raw meets heavy and powerful begins to characterize her unique alt rock sound. Kristen performed across Ontario, Canada and even made a couple of trips to Nashville. A career start at a young age fostered extensive experience as a performing artist. As she matured in skill and as a person, she took an interest in lead guitar, songwriting, and audio production. Through excitement to learn and grow her career in music, she turned to music industry workshops. Things began improving swiftly for Kristen after winning a scholarship to attend SongStudio (Rik Emmett, Blair Packham). This launched her involvement with the ‘real’ music industry. She joined the Songwriter's Association of Canada (SAC) and The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), started attending co-writes and events such as demo critiquing, showcases, and more. Kristen landed a FACTOR grant, some national airplay, endorsements with Carparelli Guitars and Road Rage Pro Gear, and got to know the basics of ‘how things work’ in the music industry.
Learning and Specializing in Audio
Interestingly, producer Rob Wells went to the same high school as Kristen, and returned to do a songwriting workshop at the school. Seeing Kristen’s obvious interest, he advised her to apply to Harris Institute. Within two weeks after finishing high school, Kristen moved to Toronto and started the Audio Production Program. She graduated with honours and achieved the Fred Sherratt Award! Presented by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), this award recognizes the outstanding achievement, talent, and leadership of graduating music program students.
Passing on Knowledge, Skills, and Empowerment
After college, Kristen moved home to Peterborough, Ontario and reunited with the founders of RC4G* Peterborough (Rock Camp for Girls* summer camp) that she had attended at age 12. Kristen joined their steering committee as a volunteer. She then had the opportunity to attend the GRCA (Girls Rock Camp Alliance) conference in New Jersey. A camp for camp leaders from across the globe, the conference held workshops on how to run a successful camp and social empowerment through music. After a few years of involvement with RC4G*, Kristen took on larger and more numerous responsibilities including the positions of co-coordinator, guitar instructor, band mentor, workshop leader (songwriting, tech, stage presence), lunchtime performer, and leading other activities. She was also involved with year-round activities such as fundraisers and events.
Embracing the Supporting Role
Along the way, Kristen embraced a supportive role playing lead guitar/ back up vocals for several acts. These vary from country artist Kirk Bates, goth-pop singer Scarlett Grace, power-pop band Blue Opaline, and prog metal group Astral Bell. She also works as a freelance session musician and producer. She enjoys the flexibility of recording her own music, producing other projects, and collaborating over the internet through her home studio.
Enter the Pro Audio Realm
Things changed for Kristen when she moved to Toronto and began working at Long & McQuade's flagship Bloor location in the Pro Audio department. She took on the affirmation that "Things Are Possible!" and developed a solutions centred mindset revolving around the voice of the customer. Her positive attitude and strong initiative meet the knowledge and skillset to honestly identify with the practical needs of musicians, sound & post studios, broadcast facilities, educational institutions, event production teams alike. She was honoured to speak at an Audio Engineering Society (AES) Toronto section meeting; Perspectives on the Home Studio Landscape. Kristen's sales success and team influence was recognized with a promotion to Assistant Manager of the Pro Audio department.
Management (but for real this time)
Motivated by growth, Kristen delved into leadership styles and collaborative intelligence. Her goal was to make work a positive place to express ideas and ask questions, to leverage individuals' strengths, and to share excitement about audio tech developments with staff and customers. She enjoyed training processes and continuous improvement. Kristen took an interest in inventory management and was key in realizing team sale preparation activities (and finding or making you the absolute best deal). She managed corporate and key accounts, department purchasing, and longer projects such as moving team operations through a renovation & merchandising the new walls and displays.
Another Level
under construction
Up Next
On Kristen’s horizon is a long awaited solo album and social media overhaul. She has been weaving a strategy for success to one day soon present the fabric of her ambitions. This is no overnight success story. This is decades of progression. Check back soon for new and exciting progress!
