Throughout the month of May, the GMA is celebrating all things roots music including Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and Country Gospel. We had the opportunity to sit down with roots artist Kristen Bearfield and hear about her history with this soul-centered genre of music.
About Kristen Bearfield
Music has led Kristen to perform in several different countries around the world, and on hallowed stages such as at The Grand Ole Opry at The Ryman, The Country Music Hall of Fame, a Gaither Homecoming Concert Series, MerleFest, the National Quartet Convention, and at the IBMA World of Bluegrass. When she is not touring or writing music, Kristen can be found serving on the International Bluegrass Music Association team based in Nashville, TN. She is also the host of the Singing News “Faith, Country and Bluegrass” column and series.
Tell us about your history with roots music.
I was raised in the Appalachian mountains, and grew up with the sounds of gospel, bluegrass and country music all around me. I sang my first solo in church at the age of three and never looked back. Singing was always just a part of me, like the air I breathed. My parents always encouraged me to follow the dream that God had placed in my heart, and to follow His lead.
Throughout my career I have worked with a variety of artists including Country & Gospel Music Hall of Fame Member Jimmy Fortune, The Zac Brown Band, Rosemary Siemens, Emily Ann Roberts and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. For the last eight years I’ve been touring full-time as a member of the band HighRoad.
What defines the roots genre?
The roots genre, to me, is defined by the sounds of the south, the Appalachian mountains, down home instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics all steeped in the warm message of the Gospel. Artists in Southern, Bluegrass, and Country Gospel all carry these elements throughout every song they write and sing.
Your music blends elements of bluegrass, country and gospel. How do you navigate the balance between honoring tradition and innovating in your sound?
It’s a delicate balance, for sure. I have a deep respect for the pioneers of bluegrass and gospel music, and I draw a lot of inspiration from their work. At the same time, I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries and bring something fresh to the table. I think the key is to stay true to yourself and your convictions while also being open to new ideas and influences. I always want to carry the sound of the mountains with me in everything I write and play, and most importantly carry the hope and peace of Christ.
How is roots music influencing culture today?
Over the last few years, it’s been so encouraging to see the roots music mixing in with mainstream releases and collaborations. I think of the hit song “There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. It’s crossed over into mainstream music, carrying acoustic sounds in the instrumentation and blending the worlds of Country Music and CCM.
For someone new to roots music, where is a good place to start?
A good place to start is always with the founders and work your way forward to present artists. Dig back into the “roots” of the genre to the early Southern Gospel and Bluegrass artists that paved the way and then did into radio stations of today like The Tree Radio, Singing News Radio, WSM, Enlighten and Bluegrass Junction that play the best of the best. There are many beautiful playlists on Spotify and Apple Music that show a wonderful representation as well. I might even encourage you to check out two festivals that happen in September that are completely focused on Roots Music; The National Quartet Convention for all things Southern Gospel, and IBMA World of Bluegrass.
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