Krissy Adaluz Reveals a Hauntingly Beautiful Masterwork in "In The Medium"
- STAFF
- May 21
- 8 min read
By: Staff
An emotionally charged triumph: rich, raw, and unforgettable.
Every so often, a song doesn’t just play, it lingers. It fills the silence after it ends. It feels like stepping into someone else’s memories, even if the full story is never spoken aloud.
“In the Medium,” the latest release from Krissy Adaluz, is one of those rare tracks. Crafted over nearly a decade, it’s shadowy, cinematic, and emotionally unfiltered, built not to follow trends but to echo something deeper. Her voice, both exposed and commanding, cuts through like a spotlight in fog.
This is not just a debut, it’s an emotional reckoning.
We spoke with Krissy Adaluz about the years-long journey behind “In the Medium,” the emotions that shaped it, and what’s coming next for this fiercely original voice.
Hello Krissy Adaluz, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, is Krissy Adaluz your real name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose it for your artist persona?
A. Krissy Adaluz is my stage name. “Krissy” is a play on my real name, Kristen. “Adaluz” pays tribute to my late great-aunt, who passed away suddenly at just 33 years old. Although I never met her, her legacy of compassion and her unfulfilled longing for true freedom resonates deeply with me. By carrying her name, I hope to honor her through a life fully lived.
Q. After listening to “In the Medium”, we found it haunting yet stunningly beautiful. Your vocal presence is both raw and technically refined. Do you see this track as a natural evolution of your sound, or was it shaped by a specific personal or musical shift?
A. I had always prioritized the musical and technical aspects of my work over my vocals. My voice was simply another instrument in the mix. Over time, though, I’ve learned to shape and refine it as an extension of my artistry. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from some of my favorite female vocalists: Amy Lee of Evanescence, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, and Liesje Sadonius, the original singer of Hooverphonic.
Q. How did you land on “In the Medium” as the title? What meaning does that phrase hold for you?
A. From the start, I knew the purpose of the song even before the lyrics or music were complete. I wanted to express the place my mind would escape to during difficult times, especially in childhood. I named that place “The Medium.” I remember learning in high school physics that a medium is a substance through which waves or forces travel—like air for sound or water for ripples. That concept resonated with me. “The Medium” is the space where intense emotions could swirl and fester—an emotional conduit, of sorts.
Q. Your vocal delivery is captivating, intense, dynamic, and precise. When did you first realize your voice had that kind of power? Was there a defining moment that pushed you to record for the world to hear?
A. I began exploring the power of my voice when I started writing lyrics in 2014. At the time, I needed a way to express emotions I struggled to vocalize. Being a Soprano 1 in high school chorus helped me understand my vocal range and how to use it effectively. As I’ve grown more confident, especially now in my mid-20s, I’ve learned to trust and embrace my voice in my songs—allowing it to lead without resistance.
Q. With your music being so deeply personal, how do you find balance between creating for yourself and connecting with your listeners?
A. I’m completely comfortable being open about my sensitivity. I’ve never felt the need to hold back emotionally—music has always been a form of catharsis for me. If listeners are able to connect with their own experiences through my songs, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. I genuinely hope people enjoy the sound, but even more, I hope they feel the message.
Q. You wrote, produced, composed, and performed every part of this track. How did it feel to carry all of that creative responsibility? Was it more pressure or more freedom?
A. I’ve always gravitated toward leadership (Capricorn energy, maybe?). I feel most comfortable when I have creative control. Writing, producing, and composing the song made it feel like a true extension of myself. That said, mixing was a challenge—so I eventually let go of the reins a bit and brought in Alex Reverberi, a seasoned mixing and mastering engineer, to handle the technical finishing touches. Having written so many songs solo, I’m excited by the idea of collaborating with another artist in the future.
Q. This song channels raw, emotional energy. After performing it—whether in the studio or live—what do you feel? Is it cathartic, draining, or something else? How do you prep for that kind of emotional demand?
A. Because the song reflects moments from my childhood, performing it often brings me into a space where I’m channeling my younger self. The lyrics, especially in the first verse, are intentionally simple to mirror a child’s perspective. Sometimes, the song stirs up unpleasant memories, and I have to remind myself that I’m no longer trapped in that emotional chaos. Performing it at all is a testament to the strength I’ve built. It’s not an easy listen for me—but that’s what makes it powerful.
Q. Is there a song from your early years that you’d love to cover in the studio—something that still resonates with you as an artist today?
A. If we’re talking about one of my own early songs, it would be “Turquoise,” which I wrote in 2015. It never made it past the demo stage, but I hope to revisit it one day. As for a cover, I’d love to record “Scarborough Fair,” particularly in the style of Sarah Brightman. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I performed it live in high school in 2016, accompanied by my music and English teachers, and I still enjoy watching the recording from time to time.
Q. We learned a lot about you through this one song. But what's something surprising your fans might not expect?
A. Despite the weight of the song, I’m not actually a heavy person—I’m a total goofball. I laugh constantly at the most ridiculous jokes. I’m also a collector of physical music—CDs, vinyls, you name it. My music library is a bizarre blend of early 2000s reggaeton, 1960s folk, classical, 1970s disco, bubblegum pop, alternative rock, nu-metal, and grunge. So… there’s that, haha.
Q. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? What instrument or tool usually sparks the beginning of a track, and how does that shape the final sound?
A. Piano is always the foundation of my songwriting—even if it doesn’t appear in the final version. I first learned to play in 2005, during elementary school, then picked it up again after years spent on other string instruments. Piano allows me to create chord progressions, riffs, and vocal melodies with intention. The piano part after the bridge in “In the Medium” almost didn’t make the cut, but I decided to include it to reflect how I actually perform the song live. Lyrics and music don’t always come together at once, but for this song, they did—and the writing flowed effortlessly.
Q. The music industry can be intense. Have you ever doubted continuing? What helps you push through those moments of uncertainty?
A. As long as I retain creative and business control over my work, I’m content. Today’s tools make it much easier for artists to manage their own output. The key is staying true to myself and to the music. People turn to music for connection, and that only happens when it’s honest and human.
Q. The ambient synth in “In the Medium” nods to the PS2 startup sound—a deeply nostalgic detail. How do childhood memories shape the textures and choices in your music?
A. Childhood memories from the 2000s continue to influence me. The PS2 startup sound always gave me this rush of happiness—it meant it was Saturday morning, and I could dive into games like Midnight Club 2 or Rock Band. Even slipping in Miley Cyrus’s Breakout CD and hearing the opening guitar riff brought pure excitement. Those sounds etched themselves into my memory, and now I want to create music that leaves that same kind of lasting emotional imprint.
Q. What was it like working with a veteran like Alex Reverberi on mixing and mastering? How did his experience and perspective help bring your vision to life?
A. This was actually the first time I allowed someone else to touch any of my songs. But I trusted that Alex would know exactly how to elevate the track—especially the bass—and make the whole piece shine. And he absolutely delivered.
Q. You describe the song as a scar—no longer painful, but still a vivid reminder. How does that perspective inform the rest of your upcoming album Conflicted?
A. It sets the tone for an album written by a teenage girl working to understand her emotional scars. Throughout Conflicted, she wrestles with doubt, dreams, and the need for validation through her own inner voice. These themes appear in every track. Still, I’d like to believe that by the album’s end, a sense of resilience begins to shine through.
Q. What emotion tends to spark your creative process—sadness, tension, joy? What tends to get the first lyric or melody started?
A. Sadness is often the strongest catalyst for me. When I’m in a deeply emotional state—especially during bouts of moodiness or depression—it’s easier to translate those feelings into lyrics. That said, I’ve also written songs rooted in joy and nostalgia that I truly love. What matters most is that the emotion—whatever it is—is authentic and powerful enough to drive the process.
Q. Can you tell us about the concept behind the artwork for “In the Medium”? What emotion or idea do you hope viewers take away from it?
A. The song explores a space reminiscent of an emotional abyss—one filled with frustration, anxiety, and loneliness. Visually, I imagined it as a vortex, spinning endlessly. But that’s the illusion—it only appears inescapable. With enough willpower, that younger version of me could choose peace over chaos. That’s the message I hope people take away: you’re not trapped. You can move beyond it.
Q. We’re grateful for your openness in this interview. What’s coming next for you? Any new releases, collaborations, or projects fans should keep an eye on?
A. My next single, “Sunset at Midnight,” will be released on May 26, 2025, across all streaming platforms. It’s a love letter to my family’s homeland in the Caribbean—full of nostalgia and laid-back vibes. I’m really excited to share it!
We are so excited to share this interview with you. Krissy Adaluz isn’t just telling her story. She is building a world from it, one haunting and honest track at a time. If “In the Medium” is any indication, what comes next will not just be heard. It will be felt, and we encourage you to experience it.
“In The Medium” by Krissy Adaluz is a cinematic, soul-stirring revelation crafted with fearless precision.
Add "In The Medium" by Krissy Adaluz to your playlist, stream it now, and share it everywhere.
