Testimonial by Grimalkin Artist Krystal Brown

Grimalkin: If your musical/artistic journey was a movie tagline, what would it be?

Krystal: I am the tortoise as opposed to the hare. I have had a lot of setbacks and doors slammed in my face. But I will never give up and will always keep pushing forward to get my music out there.

Grimalkin: Briefly share your journey as an artist and how you came to know about Grimalkin:

Krystal: I have been making releasable music for about 5 years. I was searching online and sending my links and information to various companies. I reached out to Grimalkin after finding them during an internet search. I felt I would align with them as I am on the asexual spectrum which is not really understood and a lot of my music isn't about the typical love/sex scenarios. Grim reached back out to me and the rest was history.

Grimalkin: Has Grimalkin positively impacted your life and/or career? In what ways?

Krystal: Grimalkin has definitely positively impacted my life even though I have not been involved with them for that long. They believe in my music and are not just about squeezing all the money they can get out of indie artists. A lot of companies say they will help indie artists but, they are only willing to work with you as long as you are continually giving them large sums of money. Also, a lot "record labels" will only deal with you if you are under 21 because youth sells and will only deal with you if you fit society's ideal of the perfect body type or dress in a "mainstream" way. Grimalkin seems to be one of the few places looking for true individuality. Just having people like that behind you makes you want to go further as a musician.

Grimalkin: Grimalkin is making changes within and creating alternative systems to the music industry. Why do you feel it is important to work outside of the current systems?

Krystal: The music industry is not what it used to be. Gone are the days that people would spend 9.99 for an album. Now artists are getting paid less than 1 penny per stream and no one really buys albums anymore. Even artists signed to mainstream labels are feeling the pinch, but it really is hard for the indie artist to not starve to death, let alone make a comfortable income. The industry has changed for the worst. The people who actually make the music don't get what they should while these soul-less corporations pocket all the money. Something has got to give and Grimalkin wants to usher in a new era. I am here for it.

Krystal Brown (she/her) is a musician based in Norfolk, VA. She is an indie singer-songwriter making dance, ambient and experimental pop music. Grimalkin is currently helping her mix and master her new album with producer Savan DePaul.