Singer-songwriter and harpist Kristy Chmura recently unveiled her new single/music video, “Eye Of The Storm,” from her upcoming album, Inner Solstice, which shines a light on vulnerability, an artist’s greatest strength. “Eye Of The Storm” marks Chmura’s reentry into the sphere of bold creation.
The new single is a collaboration between Kristy Chmura, Depeche Mode drummer Christian Eigner, guitarist Damien Musto, and recording engineer/multi-instrumentalist Niko Stoessl.
Chmura’s longtime creative partner Damien Musto encouraged her to keep pushing forward with “Eye Of The Storm,” eventually suggesting they reach out to Christian Eigner, drummer for Depeche Mode (one of Chmura’s biggest influences) to see about recording drums for the song, and that sparked an ongoing collaborative creative relationship and, twelve songs later, a full length album was born.
The collaboration with Eigner was magical. Along with Eigner’s creative partner, Niko Stoessl, Eigner dared Chmura to transport her sound to a whole new level. Together, the quartet of masterful creative thinkers captured lightning in a bottle.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Kristy Chmura to explore the inspiration behind “The Eye OF The Storm” and the adventure of creating with Christian Eigner.
How would you describe your music?
My music has undergone several transformations throughout my artistic journey. I used to describe my style as adult contemporary, even alt/folk/rock. However, my upcoming release leans towards a blend of alternative and rock alternative, with a little dash of pop/rock.
Can you share the inspiration behind “Eye Of The Storm” and the creative process involved in bringing it to life?
‘Eye Of The Storm’ was born from heartbreak and confronts the raw vulnerability and confusion in the aftermath of getting hurt by someone you love. It’s about piecing together something new from the shattered fragments of a relationship. I initially created an acoustic demo with just vocals and harp for ‘Eye Of The Storm,’ but then the world turned upside down as the pandemic hit and my dad passed away suddenly, putting the song on hold. Music became a comforting escape during that time of grief.
I shared the demo with my longtime creative partner, Damien Musto, who recognized its potential and encouraged me to get back to the studio and finish recording it. Back in our studio, Damien and I recorded the harp and vocal track for ‘Eye of the Storm.’ I also started experimenting with my garage band app for synth part ideas because I was looking for a similar vibe to the last song I had written and recorded, ‘Soul’s Revolution,’ off my EP, ‘Where The Light Gets In;’ that song started expanding me artistically, opening me up to a more edgy alternative sound. I wanted to keep moving in that direction with ‘Eye Of The Storm.’
However, what really brought the song to life was when we took a chance and reached out to Christian Eigner, drummer for Depeche Mode, about recording the drums for ‘Eye Of The Storm.’ We were beyond thrilled when we heard back that he was available, he did so much more than play drums; he saw where the song could go and brought his creative partner, Niko Stoessl, on board for the recording. Together, the four of us built a powerful new sound, and that was just the beginning of a creative chemistry that continues to bring even more of my songs to life.
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
Julia Schnarr from Sunbeam Productions LLC directed the music video. We had a lot of fun collaborating on the vision, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. The video was filmed in three New Jersey locations in a single day: Lucky Penny Studios, Art Factory (Bold Media Films), and a beach along the Jersey coast.
What do you hope people will take away from your new music?
I hope people will take what they need from my new music; I love the connective power of music and how it can unite us on an emotional level.
“Eye Of The Storm” is from your upcoming album, Inner Solstice. What can you share about the album?
‘Inner Solstice’ comprises twelve songs that I’ve written over the past few years. The making of it was an exciting time for me as I got to collaborate with and record all twelve tracks with incredible artists, Christian Eigner, Niko Stoessl, and Damien Musto. On ‘Eye Of The Storm’ Christian arranged, played drums, keys, organs, and percussion. Niko also arranged, did programming, additional guitars, keys, engineering, and mixing at Christian’s studio. Damien engineered at Lucky Penny Studios, recording my vocal and harp tracks along with his guitar parts. Fred Kevorkian was our master engineer.
The album represents a spiritual journey for me, similar to a hero’s quest. After confronting a dark period, I emerged with a renewed sense of self. The record represents this rebirth and the embracing of my true and authentic self.
Where, when, and how did you connect with Christian Eigner?
Our collaboration with Christian began a few years ago. During the time Damien and I were recording my vocal tracks and harp tracks for ‘Eye Of The Storm,’ we knew we needed to get drums tracked so we could really start building from there. We were hearing a Depeche Mode vibe, so Damien suggested we try reaching out to their drummer, Christian Eigner—we were psyched when we heard he was available to work on ‘Eye Of The Storm!’ One good thing about the pandemic was that it lent itself to recording music remotely, so it worked out perfectly to team up with Christian during that time. It’s thrilling working with someone I’ve admired for so long – being a big fan of Depeche Mode and seeing him perform live at all their concerts. Christian elevated the song beyond just drums, and I was blown away at its new level. ‘Eye Of The Storm’ sparked a true creative chemistry with Christian, and ignited our ongoing collaborative relationship with him and his creative partner, Niko Stoessl.
How did you get started in music? What’s the back story there?
I fell in love with music at a very young age. I started singing in my church choir around age five, and from then on, I felt a calling to create music. Music was always present in my home. My mom enjoyed listening to The Beatles, Queen, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and countless others on her record player. I also remember her always leaving the classical station on the radio during the day. We were always listening to all kinds of music all the time; I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have music in my life.
Can you tell us about the stringed instruments you play and how you got started?
I was inspired to learn the harp after seeing a future teacher perform with my choir. I fell in love with the instrument’s sound. When I asked my mom for harp lessons, she initially said, ‘No. Where are we going to find a harp?’ I asked again a few years later, and my persistence paid off. I started private lessons around age thirteen and later majored in music performance with my focus on the harp at The College of New Jersey, followed by graduate-level harp courses at Montclair State University. While I took a guitar class during my time as a music major, I remained focused on the harp.
What is your definition of tone and has your tone changed over time?
As a harpist, I define tone as the color of the sound produced by your fingers on the string. I’ve always striven for a clean, clear tone, leaning towards warmer qualities with my instrument. However, while working on my new album, I’ve come to appreciate different approaches. Adding reverbs and delays to harp tracks creates new textures and enhances the soundscape of my instrument.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Maybe touring or who you’ve played with—something that’s really stands out for you!
Creating ‘Inner Solstice’ has been the highlight of my career so far. Collaborating with incredibly talented artists like Christian and Niko has been a dream come true. Their guidance has helped me, and Damien grow as artists and expand our recording knowledge. Working with them is inspiring, it’s like having a gym buddy that holds you accountable to show up, do your best, and push yourself to grow past your comfort zone. Whenever we are working on a new song, the creative process always feels like a band working together; I love that. I’m so grateful that we have become friends through the music.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
That is a tough question to answer because I enjoy doing all of those things, with practicing being the least favorite. Ironically, it’s usually when I’m practicing and making mistakes that I come up with new song ideas… I think it depends on what mood I’m in, because I can honestly say I enjoy it all.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and start your music career all over, is there anything you’d do differently?
I tend to be a believer in thinking that everything happens for a reason and to trust the divine timing of things, so I don’t think there is anything I’d do differently, and that everything is unfolding exactly how it should.
Based on your own experiences and lessons learned, what guiding principles or words of wisdom would you share with aspiring artists looking to carve out their path in music?
Be true to yourself, embrace your unique personality and vision, but don’t let your ego stunt your growth. Never stop learning and keep practicing your craft. The number one person you need to prove yourself to is yourself. Be ready to work hard, knowing most of the work you do will not be seen by anyone. Practice staying grounded within yourself. When I find myself comparing myself to others, I lean on one of my favorite quotes by Henry Van Dyke: ‘Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.’
How do you define success?
My definition of success is not giving up.
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