Kristine Kabbes grew up roaming the farmland of Aurora, Indiana. At a very young age, Kristine’s parents encouraged her love of both music and a country lifestyle. Like many great singers, Kristine got her start singing hymns in the church choir.
Her success as a young child in the church choir prompted her to explore different artistic expressions such as local theatre groups, show choir and musical dramaturgy around the Greater Cincinnati area. By the time Kristine became a teenager, she was the desired performer of the National Anthem at air shows, festivals and other events in the Tri-State area.
Kristine attended Columbia College in Chicago where she studied Music Business and Vocal Performance and graduated with Honors. While at Columbia, she commissioned the band Strange on Display as session players for the recording of her solo album. Kristine was so impressed by the raw talent of the band that she invited them to be her exclusive backing band for live performances. In Strange on Display Kristine found mutual passion and support. She also found her now husband and bass player, Michael Dittmer.
When tragedy took the life of Kristine’s good friend and drummer, she and the band decided to take a short break to grieve and later came together and unified as The Skallywags. The rising popularity of the band led them to move to Nashville, Tennessee. They fell in love with Music City and have been based out of the city ever since. In 2020, they rebranded; transforming The Skallywags into the solo artist, Kristine Kabbes. While Kristine is recognized as a solo artist, she still utilizes The Skallywags as her backup band during live performances. Kristine keeps busy touring, writing and working on various recording projects. She has shared the stage with many artists including Carly Pearce, The Cadillac Three, Parmalee, Diamond Rio, Casey James, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Lorrie Morgan, Collin Raye and Bret Michaels.
When Kristine is not working she spends her time outdoors, hiking with her dog, and spending time with family and close friends. You will always find wine in her refrigerator, boots in her closet and music in her heart.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The thing I love the most about being an artist is the fact that I work for myself! And, it also happens to be the thing I dislike the most. It’s amazing to be able to plan my own schedule. I can work as hard or be as lazy as I want, but my success is determined by how much I put into the part of my job that is not the art. I am also the accountant, the marketing team, the band leader, and the business manager. It is very satisfying to see my music succeed, but at the same time, it feels like it’s either feast or famine in this industry.
Where was your last song recorded?
This new release was recorded at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin, TN. It’s a state of the art studio. We get such a warm sound in the live room. We’ve recorded there in the past and will in the future.
Do you have any other plans relating to this release? A video? Online Shows?
We are working on a music video for our single, “Beer Bottle Microphone” – looking to release it in July. It was very exciting shooting this particular music video because we used a green screen and AI technology to create our stage and audience. We also shot some fun scenes at one of my favorite bars in Nashville called Legends Corner. One of my favorite parts of a music video is figuring out my costumes. I love fashion, and I get to be a little more adventurous in videos because I don’t have to worry about the practicality of the clothes like I do on stage at live shows.
Stream on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/2Jj3Vj9bKTBrQTpYSBb8wn?si=a24bf75eda624dc9
Stream on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/beer-bottle-microphone/1687189310?i=1687189311
Who are your top two favorite artists of all time? Why those artists?
My top two favorite artists of all time are Linda Ronstadt and Michael Jackson. I know they are total two ends of the spectrum. Linda’s voice is everything to me. It’s powerful, and warm, yet can be so sweet. Something about her voice has always comforted me. Even though I’m not a pop artist, I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. My mom would play him all the time so his music brings back so many great memories, and so many of his songs are so fun.
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
If It wasn’t for my music career I would most likely be taking care of horses, or maybe I would be a farmer. I’ve always loved animals and want to have a few horses one day. I also love gardening and have a large variety of fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers in my backyard.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
My lucky number is 3 because I am the third sibling in my family. I don’t have any lucky charms, but I am very good at finding 4 leaf clovers. I see them all the time and usually give them to my friends and family.
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
If I were a flavor, I would be mint chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. I am refreshing like the mint, but I am comforting like a chocolate chip cookie.
What makes you nostalgic?
Christmas makes me so nostalgic. My parents always made Christmas so special for me and my siblings. Anytime I hear Amy Grant singing a Christmas song I am immediately transported to the early 2000s in my mom’s living room dancing to Christmas carols on a quilt dance floor in front of the Christmas tree.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
The ideal food cooked for me on a date would be baked Mac n cheese and a medium rare steak. I am a country girl. The Mac n cheese has to be creamy and the steak on the grill.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
If I could offer my younger self advice I would say to learn marketing and how to network better! Don’t be so shy on stage.
