New Jersey’s Christina Ward has a knack for writing songs that inspire feelings of both nostalgia and renewal. A stirring blend of electronic infused psychedelic folk, the rising singer-songwriter has been making a name for herself since releasing a string of one-off singles in 2020. That was followed by a pair of well-received EPs, Rent and Humans, quickly fostering a dedicated fanbase in Jersey City’s active music scene.
Combining delay-drenched acoustic guitars, spaced-out synthesizers, hypnotic melodies and deeply personal lyricism, Ward’s music is like an introspective daydream.
Touching on themes of heartbreak, wisdom and redemption in the wake of a previous life, Ward’s debut LP, Calendar, is written, produced, and recorded all herself. Featuring 7 heartfelt new tracks, it’s her most intimate offering yet.
We had a chat with Christina all about how she got into music, Calander, her creative process and more. Read the Q&A below.
Hi Christina! How are you? Firstly, please tell us a bit about your background and how you got into music…
“I started writing music and busking when I was living in New Orleans as a teenager. It was really inspiring to play with the amazing musicians and street performers.”
What can you tell us about your new album, Calendar? Where/what/who did you draw inspiration from around the time of writing it?
“I started working on it last winter. It was a learning experience for sure. It’s a mix of past and present experiences, some good and some bad. Writing really helps me through the difficult times and helps me gain perspective. I’m lucky to have that.”
What’s your creative process like? What do you love most about it and what do you find challenging?
“It all starts with coffee. I’m most creative in the morning (I wake up pretty early). It’s almost like meditating. I come up with the music, then the melody. Sometimes the lyrics show up right away. Sometimes I sit with a song for a few days until they do. It’s challenging for me to write if I’m not in the right space mentally – being too sad or too happy or too stressed out.”
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
“This is a hard question to answer; maybe a sense of comfort or empowerment? Just hoping that it evokes something positive and listeners can connect with it in some way.”
Finally, what else is next for you? Any shows coming up? Any other exciting plans?
“Writing and recording! Have some shows coming up in the area and a few small tours planned!”
