Kristin Venae is an Australian actor, singer, songwriter, and model – she graduated from the Sydney Academy of Film and Television. She was a host of the documentary series ‘Topical Punch,’ and she’s due to appear in the upcoming Kyle Lovett feature film ‘Lickerish.’ Kristin also happens to be a triple threat performer with soulful and rhythmic vocal tonality. Starting her live performance tours and artist development as a member of various bands such as the Latin group ‘Ritmo De Tropical’, ‘Loose minds’, and The Magnificent Companeros;’ She launched her debut album ‘Black Widow’ last year – a nostalgic and refreshing blend of Pop/RNB/Rock & soul.
Her debut single ‘Still Here’ has been described as an ‘ode to love.’ Its first review described Venae as having ‘the same gripping and soulful vocal eminence as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Keep an eye out for her next single release, ‘I am Woman’. ‘Still Here’ and ‘Lullaby’ which are available now on all streaming platforms.
Model & Mode Magazine recently had a chat with Kristin to discuss her journey in the industry and here is what went down:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I always find this question difficult to answer because in the types of settings this question is asked, you always want to put your best foot forward and sum yourself up in a way that in a short time showcases who and what you are about. So to avoid self-deprivation or sounding Narcissistic. I’ll say I’m a Cancerian who loves to dance, loves music, literature, movies, tv, and long walks (laughs).
How did you get started in the industry?
I always sang in school; I was part of a Latin band as a teenager, then shot a commercial for Motorola and did a few catalogue print kind of stuff. Then this particular day, I was asked on the spare of the moment to replace an actor who pulled out of a project (the person was asked who they thought could do what was needed without prep, etc., and my name came up). I assumed the role and really fell in love with the creative part and the visual and conceptual aspects and then pursued that further. Even as a kid, I loved getting my picture taken, so later on, it just felt natural and fun to dress up and embody different versions of yourself.
How did you develop an interest in music, and what drove you to pursue that passion onto entertainment?
I think entertainment as a whole is all very similar in the creative approach. How the marketing works, you either are the brand, selling the brand, creating the brand or being the face of the brand—all feeding into the other. I’m very expressive and creative by nature, so I think that drove me here, plus my influences.
Can you tell us about your modelling experience?
I’ve only recently become more focused on pursuing these endeavours. From doing the catalogue stuff as a teen, my focus was music, and you’re in front of a camera for that – a lot for stills and cover art and promo posters. Then I did my first runway show and then another. It happened organically from there; I’m lucky to work so closely with my cousin Natasha Bentancort (BeautyCosmo), a super talented makeup artist and photographer. We work so closely together and with other photographers like Aleksandr Eremeev (Photoshootimage).
What inspires you to be creative? Anything and everything.
What do you like most about being an influencer?
The influence part that I love is when someone tells me that, for example, my song inspired them to do things, like going back to making music themselves, or to peruse a dream they had let slip into the background, or be more themselves. Those things touch my heart and make me happy that I can positively impact someone’s life.
In what way has social media changed your life?
I only recently went from a private account to a public one – you can follow me via @kristinvenae on Insta and Twitter – shameless plug (laughs). Social media is a lot of work. I see why agency staff are assigned tasks for it. I like not to let it change my life too much and just post what’s fun and interesting to me and, of course, as a promotional tool for my projects.
What are some of the difficulties of being in the industry?
Budget, self-promotion, and marketing. When you are independent, it’s hard because it doesn’t matter how amazing your product is; if no one knows about it or you have a limited reach, that affects its success.
How does your thought process differ when modelling versus singing?
I often approach projects from the perspective of themes, what is the direction, what is the content; if the song is light, then your demeanour should be light and happy; if the song is somber or dark, your aesthetic shifts, and the colour palate changes because it needs visual and lyrical support to evoke and emotion from the listener/watcher. Modelling is similar in this regard but driven by the product; a perfume campaign can be more seductive and more flirtatious, whereas clothing is more relatable and grounded. So to answer the question, I believe my thought process is the same.
What are your top tips when it comes to fashion?
When it comes to style, for me, confidence is vital. For me, how I define confidence is knowing that I don’t have to be the prettiest or the most talented or even the most interesting person in the room – but that I can still be secure in knowing what I have to offer, take fashion risks and style risks, it helps you develop your own unique sensibility and make getting dressed way more fun. I live by ‘better to be overdressed than underdressed,’ and I encourage others to really embrace who they are and what they like because we are now in a time where self-expression is such an art form.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
I’m always just inspired by what catches my eye, unconventional things, people who push boundaries and take creative risks, as well as other artists like Prince and Michael Jackson. I’m very driven career-wise by actor Pedro Pascal. I’m all about the small wins; they are what I believe builds the foundation for the bigger picture and help you achieve your goals. Do what you love for fun, and success will be a bonus.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I’m just happy to keep doing what I love. I have goals, and I’m working towards achieving them. My attitude is much more level-headed. If I get a project, I’m ecstatic; if I don’t, then that’s okay too. It’s all an opportunity to learn, cultivate, and grow within your craft. Don’t be afraid to go for what you want; you’re just asking the wrong person if you get a no.
Kristin Venae’s music is available on various streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Natasha Bentancort of BeautyCosmo
