Q&A with ethereal acoustic vocalist Cristina Soto

Nathalie Imbruglia, Alanis Morsiette, Cristina Soto
Nathalie Imbruglia, Alanis Morsiette, Cristina Soto

Image credit: Ainsley Joseph

Charming from the get-go with her inviting vocal tone, Cristina Soto’s latest album Wooden Renderings is an audible solace for sore ears and minds. Known for being active in the EDM and bass scene as a vocal collaborator, the singer now shares seven stripped-down versions of these electronic tracks on this new album. Cristina Soto showcases her vocal range against a folk acoustic backdrop, and she brings a light and ethereal mood to any work she releases or collaborates on. We can see why she is a favourite amongst the genre vine. We chat with the singer about her career below.

Stream/Download: Wooden Renderings

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?

I’m best known for my vocal work in EDM: trance, dubstep, electro, etc.

Which three albums have influenced you the most creatively?

Hmmm, I’d say The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Fiona Apple – Shadowboxer, and Imogen Heap – Ellipse.

Tell us about the key pieces of equipment that you use to define your sound?

Well, all I really need is a microphone in most cases, but for my acoustic work, the most defining pieces are the rhythmic guitars and violin.

Is there any “non-musical” ingredient that is essential to crafting your sound?

Lyrics are really important to me. Not to be clever, but to have a deeper meaning.

Studio work and music creation, or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

I love both performance and creation, but find I need less performance these days in order to be satisfied.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

My most memorable show was the 100th episode of Tritonal’s podcast ‘air up there’, in my hometown of Austin at Emo’s, with many of my friends in the crowd. So fun!

And which performance would you prefer to forget?

I wish I could redo some of my earlier shows where I didn’t know what the heck I was doing and how to sing EDM live.

Any new or emerging artists on your radar?

I am more of a throwback kinda gal, to be honest, but I do love hearing fresh sounds. Cloudchord is amazing for that chill lo-fi vibe, not that he is emerging, but I want more people to know about him!

If you could collaborate with, or perform alongside any artist, who would it be? And why?

I’d love to do a women in EDM day with the incredible talent we don’t celebrate often enough. CloZee, Megan Hamilton, Rezz, let’s go!

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

I am also a solution engineer for Salesforce 🙂 but I kind of want to own a breakfast restaurant one day.

Tell us about any upcoming shows or releases you have in the pipeline.

I’ve got some new singles this year in the bass and trance space! Excited to have new music out. I have two kids though, so no shows in the works.

Album track ‘Keeper’ features on FOLK_GROUND.fm

Follow Cristina Soto:

WebsiteFacebook / Twitter / Instagram /SoundCloud/ Spotify