Kristine Alicia

Artist Name: Kristine Alicia Birth Name: Kristine Alicia McCaw Birth Place and Date: Jamaica Official Bio Whoever thought Gospel music couldn't be infused with Reggae beats and a NeoSoul style hasn't heard Kristine Alicia. This Jamaican-born singer and songwriter has managed to integrate these diverse sounds with an energetic stage presence and a strong, sultry voice that resonates a unique style all her own. With powerful lyrics and an emotional delivery, this soulful songstress clearly has something to say and commands attention to her message with the gift of her voice. From her first public singing performance at the age of 9 in her hometown of Kingston, it was obvious that this rising star was meant to make her mark on the Christian music world. Almost from birth her talents were cultivated by her father, a classical musician and minister who taught her and her five younger siblings to sing and play the piano, and encouraged them to use their talents in church. What started out as a family pastime quickly became her passion, as participation in church and school choirs fueled her love for the stage. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Beauty. Love. Freedom. These elements shine forth in the diverse sounds of Jamaican-born artist Kristine Alicia. With her debut album already having earned several awards and an impressive list of collaborations under her belt, the Miami-based singer/songwriter is currently promoting several new singles that display her Caribbean flavor and roots. The exquisite blend of reggae rhythms, soulful melodies and pop fusion influences, accompanied by her strong, sultry voice and multi-talented abilities, allows Kristine Alicia to freely express herself in the universal language of music that crosses boundaries into many cultures. As she goes, she goes forth in power with poetic storytelling that relays the universal message of God’s love and freedom for today’s youth and young adults through the gospel. Her music is being released through JudahScribe Music, the independent label of which Kristine Alicia is the CEO. You may never know it as you talk with her, for this is where her humility resonates. That is beauty. The young entrepreneur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Oral Roberts University and Masters in Music Business from University of Miami, is on a mission… to bring her real life experiences and culturally-relevant messages via music to the listener, in hopes that they will meet the Creator that glows through all she is and does. Kristine’s energetic stage presence, unique style and emotional delivery are captivating audiences, whether the songstress is performing one of her high-energy jams over hard-hitting beats or one of her slower, neo-soul, roots-ish tracks. From the time of her first public singing performance at the age of 9 in her hometown of Kingston, it was obvious that Kristine was meant to make her mark on the music world. Her talents were cultivated by her father, a classical musician and minister, who taught all six of his children to sing and play the piano. What started as a family pastime quickly became Kristine’s passion, as her mother encouraged her to use the gift of her voice for the Lord’s purposes. During her teens, she competed in numerous festivals, winning at the local, state, and national levels, as she dreamed of one day becoming a communicator and promoter in the gospel music industry. While at college, Kristine refined her vocal abilities as part of the university’s gospel choir Souls A’ Fire. In 2004, she won the South Florida Gospel Network Talent Fest, which landed her in the recording studio with several producers and artists. Her 2008 debut studio album release Get Ready propelled Kristine Alicia into the forefront of the Caribbean gospel community. The project garnered an unprecedented eight nominations at the 2009 Marlin Awards, as Kristine took home both Artist of the Year and Female Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year. The music video for the title track received heavy rotation on MTV Tempo across the Caribbean region. Kristine has collaborated with artists of the likes of Monty G, Sherwin Gardner and Nigel Lewis, and has been featured on several of the popular Lion of Judah Riddim Compilations, alongside Mr. Lynx, Positive, Avalanchee and many others. She has performed in the USA, Canada, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Jamaica. Currently, Kristine Alicia is promoting three new singles, while she is hard at work on her sophomore album. “Philistine” is a dancehall-pop fusion track featuring Papa San, which has already won a 2010 Marlin Award for DJ Collaboration with Vocals of the Year. The upbeat “World Record” is a fusion of reggae, pop and Hip Hop, motivating the listener to walk in the freedom that God provides, allowing people to be unique in obedience to His call and not limited to the world’s expectations and traditions. “I Choose You” is a lovely, soulful ballad where Kristine promises to God that she will stay faithful in response to His unending love. Music videos are also being circulated for each of these songs. Whether on stage, in the streets or online, Kristine Alicia delivers a consistent message: Love God and love people. Her honest approach to music is refreshing and touches people in a way that peaks their interest in the beauty of Jesus Christ, who provides love and freedom to Kristine and anyone who looks to Him. Things look bright for Kristine Alicia. As she shines, her Creator shines. Having migrated with her family to the U. S. at the age of 13, Kristine Alicia has held on tightly to her Caribbean roots while growing in her faith and learning how to use her voice to express her beliefs. In her teens, she competed in numerous Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festivals in the duet category, winning at the local, state, and national levels with her distinctive vocal style. Her talent was further cultivated during her studies at Oral Roberts University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication and Music with the dream of someday becoming a communicator and promoter for the Christian music industry. It was there that she refined her vocal abilities as part of the university's gospel choir Soul of Fire and first developed a keen ear for harmony. Since returning to South Florida, Kristine diligently works at perfecting her craft, singing at local churches and musical events, and receiving accolades for her poignant and often improvisational performances. In 2004, she won the South Florida Gospel Network Talent Fest, propelled her into the recording studio where she has collaborated with local artists such as Avalanchee, Ordinary, Troy Anthony, and Monty G, as well as international artists Sherwin Gardner, Nigel Lewis, and producer DJ Frost of Lion of Judah Sounds. More notably, she has toured the U. S., Canada, and the Caribbean with international recording artist Papa San, serving as a back-up vocalist and appearing on his latest album 'Real and Personal'. It is her work as a promoter and distributor for Caribbean Gospel Records, Inc. and other independent artists, though, that has most influenced her to concentrate on the gospel reggae genre. Envisioning its potential in the Christian music industry, Kristine went on to earn a Master's Degree in Music Business at the University of Miami, arming her with the knowledge and skills that so perfectly compliment her natural talents. Now poised to take the industry by storm, Kristine is devoted to promoting gospel reggae music in the islands and improving the standards of Christian entertainment in the music industry. She continues to write songs she believes God has blessed her with and in turn uses them to bless others. With a humble heart, Kristine is optimistic about the future and her ability to make a difference in people's lives through her songs. Having never forgotten the early influences of reggae music from her homeland, she still remains true to her Caribbean heritage. Delivering songs with a positive message of hope and faith, Kristine Alicia is focused on her mission to touch lives and stir souls for God! Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.