“Music has been my saving grace. It’s the one thing that has helped me through my darkest moments, giving me a way to express emotions that words alone can’t. No matter what life throws at me, as long as I have music, I know I can keep going.”
— Kristi Jacques
Music has the power to heal, transform, and inspire, and few artists embody this truth as deeply as Kristi Jacques. A singer-songwriter with a compelling story of resilience, Kristi has faced unimaginable challenges, including personal loss, chronic illness, and life-threatening health battles. But through it all, she found solace and strength in music. After stepping away from her passion for years, a life-changing moment in 2020 reignited her love for songwriting and performing, leading her to release two albums and a dozen singles in just a few short years. With a unique blend of country, pop, rock, and blues influences, Kristi’s music is not just about melodies—it’s about storytelling, connection, and perseverance.
In this exclusive interview, Kristi opens up about her journey, the obstacles she has overcome, and how music became her saving grace. She shares the inspiration behind her upcoming single Change, a song that reflects her unwavering determination to push forward despite life’s hardships. From her creative process to her dreams of performing live and co-writing with her biggest musical influence, Kristi’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, no matter the challenges. Join us as we dive into her inspiring path, her music, and her hopes for the future.
Thank you so much for joining us, Kristi! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely, and thank you again for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. I grew up in South Carolina, surrounded by music from an early age. My dad made sure country music played every morning before school, which, of course, made me want to explore other genres as I got older. But no matter what, music was always there, woven into the fabric of my life. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which was a life-altering challenge. But I never let it define me. I kept pushing forward, and today, I live in Myrtle Beach, where I spend my days doing what I love—writing, recording, playing guitar, and, of course, soaking up puppy snuggles. Life has thrown me some tough obstacles, but through it all, I’ve found joy, strength, and purpose in my music.
It’s so inspiring to see how you’ve overcome life’s obstacles and turned them into something positive. What inspired you to start making music?
Honestly, I let music slip away for way too long—decades, really. Then, when the world shut down in 2020, I had nowhere to go, nothing to do, and a whole lot of time to reflect. One night, I was scrolling through YouTube when I stumbled upon an incredible musician who reignited something deep inside me. It was like a wake-up call, reminding me of who I was and what I was meant to do. The very next day, I grabbed my brother’s old guitar, cleaned it up, restrung it, and started playing again. It felt like coming home. I found an amazing co-writer and teacher who helped me hone my skills, and from that moment on, I never looked back. By 2021, I was writing music seriously, and since then, I’ve released two albums and about a dozen singles. Music became my lifeline, and I can’t imagine ever letting it go again.
That’s amazing! What kind of music do you create?
My music is a fusion of all the sounds I love—there’s a little country, a little pop, and a little rock. I never like to box myself into one specific genre because I enjoy blending different styles and letting my emotions lead the way. Lately, I’ve been diving deep into blues, and I’m absolutely loving it! There’s something so raw and soulful about blues music that really resonates with me. I wouldn’t call myself the most proficient guitarist, but I’m constantly learning and improving. Luckily, I have an amazing producer and co-writer—my “magician”—who brings my vision to life. He fills in the gaps where I need help, and together, we create something really special.
That’s wonderful! You’ve also faced some significant personal challenges. Can you share some of the struggles you’ve overcome and how they’ve shaped your music?
In 2008, I suffered one of the most heartbreaking losses of my life—my daughter was stillborn at the very end of my pregnancy. It was devastating beyond words. To make things worse, I developed a serious infection that kept me in the hospital for three weeks. The doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong and even suggested experimental surgery, but something inside me told me to refuse. I insisted on being transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina, where they took me off all the medications, and almost immediately, my symptoms disappeared. But emotionally, I was shattered. That experience sent me into a downward spiral, and by 2009, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. I tried different treatments, even put it into remission a couple of times using holistic medicine, but nothing ever lasted. Then, in 2019, before COVID was widely recognized, I got incredibly sick. I was traveling constantly, around people from all over the world, and one day, I just crashed. I spent two weeks barely able to move, relying on an oxygen machine at home. Living alone, I honestly don’t even remember how I managed to take care of myself, but somehow, I pulled through. Through all of this, music became my therapy. On my worst days, when I felt like I was drowning in darkness, I’d pick up my guitar or start a songwriting session, and suddenly, I’d feel lighter. Music saved me in ways I can’t even explain.
That’s incredibly powerful. Do you feel that music is a form of healing?
Absolutely! Music is healing in every way. It’s my therapy, my escape, my way of processing everything I’ve been through. When I write and perform, I pour my emotions into my songs. Some people cry, some people scream, some people shut down—but I create. That’s how I deal with pain. And the best part? Music doesn’t just heal me—it reaches other people, too. I’ve had listeners tell me that my songs helped them through their own tough times, and that means everything to me. That’s why I keep going. That’s why I can’t stop.
That’s such a profound way to look at it. Let’s talk about your latest song! What can you tell us about your upcoming release?
My new song, Change, is coming out on the 21st, and I’m beyond excited! It’s all about resilience—about pushing forward no matter how many times life knocks you down. If you listen to my music, you’ll notice that’s a common theme in a lot of my songs. One of my previous singles, Never Give In, carries a similar message. Sometimes, I write these songs as a way to remind myself to keep going, and I hope they inspire others to do the same.
I love that! What inspired you to write Change?
Honestly, I don’t even remember! A lot of my lyrics come to me in the middle of the night, almost like they’re waiting for the right moment to be written. That’s exactly what happened with Change. The words just hit me all at once: “Keep going, never give up, the finish line is ahead.” It felt like something I needed to say, something I needed to share with the world.
That’s such a relatable and uplifting message. Where can people find your music?
My songs are available on all major streaming platforms—Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, and more. I also have music videos on YouTube, where I create visuals that complement the emotions behind my songs. I’m also working on growing my presence on TikTok, since it’s a great way to share music and connect with new audiences. It’s been a learning curve, but I love the challenge and the opportunity to reach more listeners.
That’s great! And how has music changed your life?
Music has given me purpose, direction, and a creative outlet that I didn’t realize I needed. Every day, I wake up excited to write new lyrics, play my guitar, or collaborate with my producer. It’s also helped me connect with an incredible community of musicians and listeners who relate to my music. It’s amazing how something so personal can turn into something that resonates with so many others.
What are your future goals in music?
I dream of performing live with friends, feeling that energy, and sharing music with an audience in a way that truly connects. Another huge goal is to co-write a song with the musician who originally inspired me to pick up my guitar again. He’s incredibly busy, but I believe in putting dreams out into the universe—you never know what can happen!
That’s a fantastic goal! Do you have any advice for others facing adversity?
Keep going. Life will always throw challenges your way, but I see them as speed bumps. They might slow you down, but they won’t stop you unless you let them. Even on the hardest days, remind yourself why you started, find something that keeps you motivated, and lean into what brings you joy.
I love that perspective. How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit my website, kristijacquesmusic.com, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. I’ll also be doing a live stream on the 21st to celebrate my new release—make sure to follow me and join in!
That’s amazing! Kristi, it has been such a pleasure speaking with you today. Your resilience, passion, and talent are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you so much for having me! I really appreciate it.
