Kristine W: This Smooth Operator is Headlining Pride Under the Pines

This month, recording artist Kristine W headlines Pride Under the Pines in Idyllwild. No stranger to LGBTQ events, not only has she become a legend in the music business, being named the 8th Greatest Dance Artist of All Time by Billboard Magazine, but she has also become a fierce ally to our community, using her platform to entertain and as well as activate. This year has been another stellar period for the artist, appearing as a guest judge on Drag Race All Stars and releasing her take on Sade’s classic, “Smooth Operator.” She continues to prove over and over again why her star shines so bright.

Music has been a constant for Kristine, even from her early childhood. Raised in Pasco, Washington, her mother was a jazz singer and guitarist, and her grandmother was a classically trained violinist and pianist who first taught Kristine piano. She overcame her stage fright by cutting her teeth by singing at church and at retirement homes. Kristine first came into contact with house music when it was played at resorts that her mother would perform at, and she was hooked. What did her family teach her most about music?

They both taught me that music is so important to the fabric of our lives. It is to be shared to bring joy and hope to the world. It is also a portal into the past, present, and future. Music is and has been in the background as the soundtrack to human life from the beginning. The messages in the songs depict how people are feeling and had felt and what was happening in that time period. You can take people back in time by singing one song they loved 20 or 30 years ago. Never underestimate the Power Of Music… one of my album titles!

Kristine first became a success on the pageant circuit and even competed in Miss America.

I had entered and won many local talent shows and was racking up outstanding jazz vocalist trophies at the Jazz Festival Competitions. I remember Dot Schoeppach, the local Miss America, approaching me after a win and saying you could be our next Miss Tricities and potentially our Miss Washington. You can get a scholarship and be on a national stage with your singing. I changed from being a track star to fully focusing on learning about pageants and preparing for my first local pageant, and I won! Next thing I knew we were headed to the Miss Washington Pageant.

Little did she know that this would lead her to Vegas, and ultimately to her eight-year span performing at the Las Vegas Hilton. Her pageant winnings were earmarked for education, so she enrolled in the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Her lucrative Vegas career led to being recognized by the city as having performed more live shows at the Las Vegas Hilton than any other performer in its history, including Elvis Presley, and designated June 28 “Kristine W Day” in the state of Nevada.

I got my first Las Vegas gig by putting a band together and rehearsing at UNLV in a practice space that was really small but was free to students. We somehow crammed 4 of us into the room and set our sights on winning The Battle of the Bands at The Union Plaza. The top two bands would coheadline for two weeks and get paid. I brought the house down with a Gladys Knight and Donna Summer medley. Myself and an R&B band won.

In Vegas, she was discovered by a British label and recorded her first single “Feel What You Want” in just one day. Her debut song became her first #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, the first of 17 #1 hits. Not only was it an international success, but it also became an anthem within the LGBTQ community. Her musical success and her connection to the LGBTQ community were born from the same song. She has always been a leading ally, consistently taking part in the queer community.

I was raised and taught that God loves us all and we are all sinners. “Let he without sin throw the first stone.”  So many great passages in the Bible like the simplicity and beauty of “Love Thy Neighbour As Thy Self.”  If we could just make that happen, we could solve most of the problems we see around the world. It has always been important for me to convey to the community that they are loved unconditionally. I have watched many of my friends, gay and straight, struggle with that.

I think my gay audiences are very music-savvy. They know what they like, they know when you sing the wrong lyrics or hit a bad note. They appreciate the hard work that goes into being a great live performer. They expect more, so you give more.

Her new take on “Smooth Operator” is quintessential Kristine W. She pays homage to the original, but it is clearly her song in this take. “Smooth Operator” was a staple in Kristine’s early shows in Vegas, where she would perform medleys of Donna Summer, Prince, and Sade. As with all of her music, she has her finger on the pulse of what audiences will want to hear next. What was her creative process in making “Smooth Operator” and how does she keep ahead of trends?

I started by first recording a smooth jazz version that was much like the original with all the new production sounds. Mark Matson (Emotion) is so talented at Chill Productions. We had a great musical base to plan the selection of dance producers and the styles of house that fit the song. We have an outstanding lineup of producers and remixers. I’m so proud of their creations. There is such a cohesive energy and musicality to the original and you can tell a lot of love and time was put into making it.

I try to write great songs first and then deliberate about the productions. A great song lasts forever and can be reframed in any style, remixes are challenging, and you never know how they will be embraced.

Kristine wows at every Pride event she performs. Her energy and style are infectious and the queer community old and young can’t get enough. This performance at Pride Under the Pines will be no different.

My incredible dancers Jeffrey Debarathy and Curtis Goodman will be with me. Jeffrey will be putting together great costumes, and we are editing the show next week. I think we may have some of the Palms Springs Gay Mens Chorus perform with us if it all works out. I have heard it is a magical Pride and location so I’m excited. Pride is important every year because it’s important for the community to stay tight and support each other. It is a beautiful family reunion.

With her many accolades, career-high points, and a never-ending list of hits, what comes to mind when she looks back at her career?

I’m extremely proud of every accolade and accomplishment I’ve had because it was all so hard won. I have worked and failed and kept going in the worst of circumstances. Grateful and blessed for surviving it all.

She continues to thrill and shows no signs of stopping. A new album is on the way and her take on “Smooth Operator” is accompanied by five remixes that are heating up the dance floor. What does she want most from the legacy of her career?

I want to leave a legacy of music that is empowering and great medicine for the soul. It has been so important in my life and the lives of so many.

And her continuing message to the community this year?

Thank you for your love and support, you are woven into all my songs and shows!! My music family is loved and appreciated so much. Kisses, KW!

Check out KristineW.com for all things Kristine. “Smooth Operator” is out on all streaming platforms.