INTERVIEW: Kristen Ford Didn't Pick This Fight, But She's Taking It On
In our interview, Kristen Ford tells us about her head-first dive into music with Ani DiFranco, full-circle moments, and how we need to fight as a queer community.
Kristen Ford has made a name for herself with her blistering rock and distinctive voice. Her music fully encompasses her Boston folk roots and her current LA rock milieu. Her album Pinto feels arena-ready and intimate at the same time. No doubt that's thanks to the influence of Ani DiFranco, whom Ford credits as her inspiration for jumping head-first into music. That moment would come full circle, when DiFranco caught one of her shows in 2022. DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records released Pinto, with all its sinuous grooves and Ford's unflinchingly personal lyrics.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“Mourning” from Post Malone. I adore Posty, he is such a dynamic performer and a master chameleon at whatever genre he attempts. His “indie rock” album Austin hits.
How do you manage having a good time at shows, but also trying to stay mentally and physically fit?
I love performing, I find the experience timeless, just in the moment, the stage is where I feel the most free and the most myself in so many ways. I think my mantra is just “easy does it” – sometimes everything isn’t gonna get done, because sleep becomes a priority and also I have made some amazing friendships over my years of touring so maintaining those connections is a priority. Also time flies when you’re having fun or engaged in a wonderful conversation, it’s just the weirdest most amazing line of work to be a touring musician.
Where are some places you’ve found joy within the country/Americana world?
I’m an artist who has been shaped by places I’ve been entrenched in the music scene. From early rock band days in Chicago, to the Americana scene of Boston, bands playing scrunched up on the TOAD stage making a huge ruckus with minimal instrumentation, or rocking out one microphone, or everyone in the band singing, Americana music feels like Boston. Country music, now that’s Nashville. Country music and country writers definitely have helped me level up as a songwriter when it comes to setting my intentions and crafting a song. It’s a muscle. I’ve had so many joyful experiences around live music. Next to the stage, at a live show is my happy place.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
I make music for everybody. I remember being really lonely as a kid, and I loved music from an early age, but I think the largely cis male, heterosexual take on mainstream music, was another element that made me feel lonely. I think that’s what turned me on so much about Ani DiFranco’s music, she was one of the first artists I listened to and really heard my queer experience spoken in plain English. I’m a woman who dates women! Hello!!!!!!
Now, with the Fascist Trump agenda dismantling our rights, scapegoating the trans community, with democracy and freedom as we know it under attack, I can’t be silent about my queer identity, especially when and where I have a platform. We didn’t pick this fight but we are fighting it together with love and community and not losing hope, not losing our ability to be playful and fun and weird and just follow our passions. I hope I can make music that is catchy enough to lure anyone in but with lyrics that give a fuck.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
Releasing Pinto is my wildest dream unfolding. Love to know what’s gonna happen next. Thank you for the interview!
