My Rituals: Krystie Steve

We sat down with the extremely talented and all-around epic human being, Krystie Steve (@krystiesteve) to discuss all things music, life, rituals, and of course her badass hairstyle. 

Photography and hair/makeup by @facesbyglow
Video by Emma Elias @emmatherese__ web: Emma Therese

Check out what Krystie had to say below...

 

So, Krystie, tell us how the magic begins, what’s the first thing you do when you wake up the morning of a gig? 

Well, my morning usually starts with a “crap… I’ve forgotten to send the set list”. I’m notorious for forgetting that everyone else in the band kinda needs to know the setlist order and can’t read my mind! Then, it’s all systems go! On gig day eve, I try to get a good sleep, as it requires a lot of energy, including working through all the nerves and adrenalin. I’ll have a hearty breakfast and make a few calls, make sure everyone is all G and start getting ready. Then my mental prep begins.

 

What’s your favourite music to listen to during these rituals? 

Without a doubt, before every gig, I usually put on a calm Spotify playlist to start the day and help with the nerves. ‘Sunday Morning’ by Filtr Nederland is one of my faves atm. Next; I’ll work my way through some R&B hits! Nothing gets you pumping like some old school bangers –amirite?!

 

Once you’re pumped and the adrenalin is flowing, how do you get in the zone before you go on stage? 

Right before I’m about to kick off a gig, I’ll go silly, basically, it gets really weird and loose backstage. My inner child comes out, the jokes start flowing, the laughter gets rolling and the warm-up really begins. Considering I am a performer… it’s quite odd, but I like to warm up in private, away from everyone backstage. I’ll get my stretching on, get my body warm and release those endorphins. 

 

What rituals do you follow to keep your short sexy slick locks in place on stage? 

I take pride in my hair – so I like to look after it and treat it well. Depending on my mood, my hairstyle will change for gigs! Most of the time, I love a good wet-look on stage. I almost never go without T&D’s Ponsonby Pomade, for the wet, sleek style, I’ll grab a decent scoop on two fingers and work it through, getting the perfect style and then slathering on a bunch of sticky hairspray. I use the pomade first because it helps protect my hair and calm my scalp from the chemicals in hairspray and it just leaves it feeling clean and healthy considering everything that goes on it. 

 

Important question… how do you celebrate after an epic gig? 

I thought you’d never ask haha! After a gig, or sometimes before (shhh, don’t tell my manager), I’ll celebrate with a cheeky champers or two before the party really begins.

 

So what’s your after-after-party ritual? How do you wipe away the blood, sweat, tears? 

The team and I usually grab a bite to eat and chat away for most of the night before heading to some local bar where the post-gig celebrations really begin. I am a firm believer in doing each show better than the last, so it’s important that I get feedback from the team and go through changes with them. 

 

Do you have a next-day ritual after a show where you reminisce on what you’ve achieved? 

I most certainly do…my next day post-gig ritual usually consists of (and most definitely in this order):