One of dance music’s greats re-imagines a timeless classic from another legend.
As one of the most revered names in dance music, there’s very little Kristine W hasn’t achieved. Ranked the 8th Greatest Dance Artist of All Time by Billboard, Kristine W is set to light up dance floors once more with her fresh take on Sade’s classic, “Smooth Operator.”
Known for her electrifying performances and deep appreciation for the classics, Kristine W's latest release is the third single from her hotly anticipated forthcoming album. As she continues to show that true talent remains timeless, keep an eye out for this living legend as she lights dance floors on fire.
Hailing from Pasco, Washington, Kristine W has had a storied career that includes breaking records at the Las Vegas Hilton, where she performed more shows than any other artist, including Elvis.
Her first single, “Feel What You Want,” topped the Billboard charts in 1994, and she recently matched Mariah Carey’s record with 17 Billboard Dance Club Songs chart-toppers. Known for her captivating ability to blend soulful pop grooves with modern electronic sounds, you’re always in for a treat when she steps into the booth.
Kristine W's rendition of “Smooth Operator” is a tribute in multiple ways: first, to the timeless original, and second, to her early days in Vegas, where she would often perform medleys of icons like Donna Summer and Prince.
About “Smooth Operator,” she says, “I’ve been a fan of Sade since I put my first band together in college. It’s fitting that everything comes together on this release."
Kristine W's vision and reverence for the original, her connection to the song, and the electro-chill and jazz elements brought by producer Mark Matson. The result is a captivating rendition and a slew of remixes that give Kristine’s version a unique and modern edge while staying true to the essence of Sade’s work.
With a diverse remix package sure to fit seamlessly into any DJ’s setlist, Kristine W continues to show that she’s still at the top of her game.
Welcome to Buzz, Kristine W! We loved your rendition of “Smooth Operator,” and the remixes were all so good, too! We appreciate the work you’re doing to keep the classics alive. What was it like re-imagining such a legendary release?
It is a big gamble every time you take a classic and reimagine it for a new audience while trying to keep the original fans on board for it. Sade is beloved by her original fans but not really known to the under-20, 20-somethings, and even 30-somethings, I've learned . We have a lot to live up to, with expectations being high from the Sade fans. My kids and their friends lit up the first time I played some of the dance remixes, and it was also fun to see the dance floor wake up when Matt Consola tested his mix on a packed house at Chill nightclub in Palm Springs. Two different audiences, but both love what they hear. I was so thrilled. Wonderful reaction to the official music video.
What inspired you to take that first step to make music seriously, and what inspires you to make music now?
I've always taken my songwriting and music productions seriously, coming from a musical family. I realized early that with recorded music, you are leaving a legacy. What you put out there now, digitally and visually, will live forever, and there are no do-overs. It's almost impossible to recall a lemon once it's out there. It happens, but usually, only the major labels have the money for that.
Do you have any advice for any listeners who might be trying to follow in your footsteps?
Learn to be a great singer, take voice lessons, write songs, find people to write with …. they are out there. You need to work on being a great entertainer so your live shows can subsidize your recording projects. Do karaoke a lot if you have stage fright.
Put together a live band and get really good doing covers in the style of music you love to perform. It's a ton of work and very tough, but most things are. I sang at church, first at 8 years old and then at retirement homes. I sang with my mom at any event or show she asked me to, with my friends and family, and with anyone who would listen. I entered every talent show. I was relentless.
My Mom was so patient and believed in me, as did many others! Small town with supportive, loving people. A real blessing
What does music mean to you, and what’s your fondest music-related memory?
My brother Karl reminded me last night of when I qualified to compete in the State talent show held in Yakima that year. I wasn't old enough to drive, and my mom had me and my teenage band in the car, which kept heating, and we showed up late. they tried to disqualify me because of it, but the audience was a family who started booing and yelling . They let us on, and we brought the crowd to its feet with Last Dance, and the trophy was in the car as I limped home 60 miles in my mom's battered car, lol.
What’s next for Kristine W, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I have an exciting album packed with surprises. The songs and productions were created by some of the best and most brilliant creators of dance music. Icons and new faces. It's a musical celebration. While we are here, we must celebrate the people we love and the journey we are blessed to experience! I love you to my fans, who are part of my family! Thank you for cheering me on! Kisses from KW.
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