When you think of a harpist, you probably don’t picture a high-voltage stage presence or genre-bending energy—but Kristy Kline is here to change that. A Cleveland-based electric harpist, singer-songwriter, and the creative force behind “Harp Rock,” Kristy blends alternative pop, rock, jazz, and more into a sound all her own. With a harp performance degree from Ohio University, a performance for the King of Jordan, and a thriving teaching and agency career, her path is as inspiring as her music. After a decade-long engagement at the Ritz-Carlton, where she connected with legendary artists like Robert Plant and Billy Joel, Kristy doubled down on her vision. With four released CDs, including the mesmerizing Egyptian Harp Dreams, she’s now crafting new music that fuses her signature electric harp with bold vocals and modern beats, pushing the boundaries of where harp and rock collide.
What’s a moment in your life that completely changed the way you approach music?
My musical journey has always been defined by the concert grand harp. For years, I found expression in its resonant strings, gracing locations with melodies. However, a significant shift occurred when I embraced the electric harp. The transition wasn’t always smooth, but the expanded sonic possibilities and portability opened up new avenues for creativity. This leap was made even more profound by my husband Mark’s unwavering encouragement to add another layer to my music: my voice. Singing, something I’d previously kept private, became an integral part of my performances. This unexpected evolution, from purely instrumental to electric harp and vocals, has breathed new life into my music and allowed me to connect with audiences in ways I never thought possible. It’s a testament to embracing change and the power of a supportive partner in pushing creative boundaries. I’m so grateful for all the musical influences in my life.
When you’re alone, what kind of music do you listen to that might surprise your fans?
Omiki, Ella Fitzgerald, Brazil 66, and Beautiful Day.
Was there ever a time you considered quitting music? What pulled you back in?
No. However, I believe an entire article could be written about this: The Digital Struggle: When Chasing Recognition Silences Your Music. The dream of sharing your music with the world can quickly turn into a digital nightmare. In today’s landscape, social media feels like an essential stepping stone to recognition, but the reality can be frustrating and disheartening. It’s easy to feel like throwing in the towel when algorithms shift, engagement dwindles, and the endless pursuit of likes and follows overshadows the very reason you create, the music itself.
For many artists, the fight for online visibility becomes a soul-crushing battle, leading to a feeling of wanting to give up on the whole endeavor.
Personally, I’ve felt this struggle intensely. My website, once a digital home for my creativity, was hacked not once, but twice, leaving me feeling violated and vulnerable. My Facebook page, painstakingly built to over 15,000 followers, was also compromised, erasing countless hours of effort. Similar issues plagued my presence on other platforms like Spotify and Instagram. These setbacks leave you questioning everything – has all this effort been worth it?
In the midst of this digital chaos, I discovered a renewed appreciation for platforms that prioritize the music itself. For me, that platform has been Reverbnation. It feels like a refuge from the relentless pressure of social media, offering a space where the focus is genuinely on connecting artists with listeners who are genuinely interested in discovering new sounds. The ease of use and the focus on music discovery are a welcome change from the often-superficial world of likes and fleeting attention.
While social media undoubtedly has its place, it’s crucial to remember that it shouldn’t be the sole measure of your success as an artist. Stepping back from the constant need for validation and rediscovering the joy of creating music is essential.
Sometimes, the most powerful connection with your audience happens when you’re not chasing likes, but simply sharing your heart and soul through your songs. Ultimately, the music should speak for itself, and finding platforms that prioritize that voice is the key to navigating the digital struggle and reigniting the passion that fuels your art.
What’s a lyric you’ve written that still gives you chills—and why?
The Bitter-Sweet Symphony of “Beautiful Days”: A Song of Love, Loss, and Reflection. The song “Beautiful Days” paints a vivid picture of love in its vibrant, blossoming stages, and then throws a stark spotlight on the chilling emptiness that can follow. It’s a journey through the highs of infatuation, the security of shared intimacy, and ultimately, the heartbreaking realization of a love lost.
The first half of the song is a celebration of pure, unadulterated affection. The imagery is light and uplifting: “You smiled at me across the table / Holding my hands / Now I’m able to fly.” This isn’t just love, it’s liberation. The lyrics convey a sense of being set free, of feeling empowered and capable of anything because of the presence of another. The touch is simple, holding hands, yet the impact is profound – the ability to “fly.” The “look in your eyes” transcends mere physical attraction; it “captured my heart” and “freed my soul.”
The language emphasizes the transformative power of love. It’s not just about romance; it’s about finding oneself through another. Lines like “You breathe your life straight into mine / You made me alive / You made me whole” are incredibly potent, highlighting the feeling of completeness that true love can bring. The repetition accentuates these feelings, emphasizing their weight and importance.
The chorus, with its “Beautiful days to remember / Limitless skies above / Got my head in the clouds,” perfectly encapsulates the dizzying, blissful feeling of being deeply in love. The phrase “nine-day wonder” is particularly interesting. While often used to describe something fleeting, here it seems ironic, foreshadowing the eventual downfall while simultaneously celebrating the initial intensity of the relationship.
The simple, heartfelt plea, “I just wanna be with you, my love,” resonates with the raw, fundamental desire for connection and intimacy.
The second verse deepens the intimacy, moving from the initial spark to a more established relationship. “You brought me flowers, I gave you something,” speaks to the reciprocal nature of their affection. The longing to “be at home with you again / Waiting for your love / Waiting for you” highlights the comfort and security they found in each other’s presence.
The lyrics then become more sensual, describing the “glorious body mov[ing] deep within mine / Touching the heart of me I’m floating on cloud nine.” This raw, honest portrayal of physical intimacy further solidifies the depth of their connection.
However, the emotional core of the song shifts dramatically in the final verse. The music likely changes here, perhaps becoming more melancholic. The bright, celebratory tone is replaced with a chilling question: “Then how do we come to be here in the night / Next to each other / No touch and no life?” This stark contrast between the earlier verses and this moment of desolate separation is what makes the song truly emotionally impactful.
The final lines explore the complexities of loss and reflection. “Searching for answers reflecting on us, I said / ‘Did you ever stop to consider what our life’s become’ / As I turned back again to look at my lover & my best friend.”
The unanswered question hangs heavy in the air, leaving the listener to contemplate the reasons behind the relationship’s demise. The use of “lover & my best friend” highlights the profound loss, suggesting that the speaker has lost not just a romantic partner, but a fundamental part of their life.
“Beautiful Days” is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of love. It reminds us of the joy and liberation it can bring, but also the pain and emptiness that can follow when that love fades. It’s a bittersweet symphony of soaring heights and devastating falls, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of longing and a question that echoes in the silence: What happens when beautiful days turn to desolate nights?
How do you handle the pressure to constantly perform and stay relevant in such a fast-paced industry?
Practice, Practice, Practice. And improve each day.
What’s one song you wish you wrote, and what would you have done differently with it?
I wish I had written Stairway to Heaven performed on the harp with my vocals.
If your discography told a story, what would the plot be?
If my discography told a story, it would be a fantastical tale of transformation. It would follow a mystical harp, starting with gentle lullabies and ancient Egyptian dreams, then unexpectedly finding its voice in the raw energy of rock before venturing into the vibrant world of animal kingdoms.
Now, the narrative is evolving once more, transitioning into a contemporary pop landscape powered by electricity and a newfound voice, hinting at a future where ancient magic meets modern expression.
If My Discography Told a Story: A Musical Odyssey Imagine a book, not written in words, but composed of melodies and harmonies. Each chapter, a distinct album, reveals a new facet of a grand, evolving narrative. That’s the story my discography would tell. It wouldn’t be a straightforward plot with clearly defined good guys and bad guys, but rather a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and ultimately, a bold embrace of the future.
It begins with “Golden Harp Lullabies,” a serene and innocent prologue. Here, the tone is gentle, comforting, almost ethereal. Imagine a child’s birth, or a peaceful evening under a star-filled sky. The music whispers secrets of tranquility and safety, a promise of sweet dreams and gentle beginnings. This is the foundation upon which the rest of the story will be built.
Next, we are transported to the sands of time with “Egyptian Harp Dreams.” The atmosphere thickens, imbued with ancient mysteries and the weight of history. Here, the harp becomes a conduit for forgotten magic, weaving tales of pharaohs, gods, and the secrets buried beneath the pyramids. It’s a journey into the past, a dreamlike immersion in a rich and complex culture. Perhaps it speaks of uncovering hidden potential, of tapping into the power that lies dormant within.
Then comes the unexpected jolt, the rebellious chapter – “Harp Rock.” The delicate instrument, previously associated with gentleness and serenity, explodes with energy. This is a pivotal moment, a rebellion against expectations. The harp isn’t content to be confined to its traditional role; it wants to scream, to shout, to break free. It symbolizes a period of questioning, of pushing boundaries, and finding strength in unconventional expression.
The journey then leads to “Animal Nation,” a vibrant and whimsical exploration of the natural world. The harp’s voice becomes playful, mimicking the sounds of creatures great and small. Imagine a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, where the harp sings the songs of the jungle, the soaring melodies of birds, and the rumbling rhythms of the earth. This chapter represents a connection to the primal, a return to nature, and a celebration of diversity. It’s a reminder that we are all part of something larger than ourselves.
Finally, the narrative arrives at its current chapter: a venture into pop music, infused with the electrifying energy of the modern world and, for the first time, incorporating a vocal component. This is the culmination of the journey so far, a bold statement of evolution. The harp, now amplified and electric, blends its ancient magic with contemporary sounds. The addition of vocals signifies a newfound confidence, a willingness to share a personal message with the world.
It is a story of embracing change, of blending tradition with innovation, and of finding one’s voice in a world of infinite possibilities. The story is far from over, and this new chapter promises a dazzling journey into the future.
How do you know when a song is “finished”? Or is it never really done?
I finish it, then move on.
What’s one misconception people have about you as an artist?
People have recognized me as a harpist for so long- they don’t realize I SING too!
If you could create your dream collaboration—alive or not—who would it be and what would the song sound like?
As a singer and electric harpist, I’m constantly exploring the sonic landscapes of myth and imagination. Lately, I’ve been consumed by the legend of Atlantis, a subject that resonates deeply within my own music. I even have a song called “Atlantis” myself!
My ultimate dream collaboration would be to weave my own interpretation with the iconic Donovan song, “Atlantis.” Imagine the swirling echoes of my electric harp and vocals intertwining with Donovan’s evocative lyrics, creating a truly immersive and otherworldly experience.
The haunting melody of his original, combined with the ethereal textures of my vocals and harp, could transport listeners to the depths of the mythical city, a place of both beauty and tragic loss.
It’s a musical vision that excites and inspires me, a “Atlantis” brought to life through a fusion of styles and voices.
Tell our readers where they can follow you and find your music and music videos.
Kristy Kline is living proof that innovation, passion, and authenticity create a sound and a story that stands the test of time. Her journey from classical roots to carving out an entirely new genre reminds us that the music world still holds space for bold, fresh voices willing to take risks. As Kristy continues to push boundaries with her electric harp and genre-defying vision, we’re reminded that greatness often lives where tradition meets rebellion.
Want more artists who are breaking the mold? Stick around, we’ve got a lineup of stories, sounds, and spotlights that will inspire you!
