Say hello to Laner Kiirstin Marilyn! Not just her stage name, it's also her first and middle name. Kiirstin's an alt-pop singer-songwriter, actor and activist based in NYC. Originally from the Jersey Shore, she's now officially lived in NYC longer, so we think that makes her a New Yorker! I just released a 6-song EP entitled, Kristoffer, which is a very personal project about the loss of her eldest brother. She's currently in production for Kristoffer: the Film which is a 4-part music video that utilizes 4 songs from the EP to tell one cohesive story. You can also catch her on TV shows like, Mr. Robot, Hightown, and now that the strike has ended, Dr. Death, Season 2. Lots more to learn about Kiirstin below!
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
Where to begin about how much I love working events for Mustard Lane? I love that it's always something different, and there are always new people to meet and new experiences to be had. But there's something about it being a Mustard Lane event that always makes it extra special. Every Laner is just a gem of a human being and such a pleasure to be around and work with. The work environment is always more than just pleasant, but dare I say, fun? And I think that's a testament to Kristal and the team she has created.
When you're not on the Lane...what are you doing?!
I'm all over the place. I could be in Staten Island working with my producer on the next music project, running around Manhattan filming a music video or a sketch, driving to the Catskills to clean/manage our Airbnb house - winter bookings available at catskillsairbnb.com ;) - attending a protest for animal/human rights or the environment, or doing a self-tape audition. But if I'm lucky, I'm just watching a movie eating some yummy vegan take-out.
Favorite restaurant or food?
Oooo this is a tough one. There are so many amazing vegan restaurants in NYC its hard to choose, but you cannot go wrong with Planta or Planta Queen. Amazing cuisine and atmosphere at both locations.
What is one of your goals for 2023?
For the rest of 2023 it's "make as much money as I can so I can pay back all the money I owe for the production of my EP, plus have money for the production of the film project." Other than that, I think I accomplished my big goal for 2023, which was to write, record, and release an EP so the world could know my brother Kristoffer.
Name a place you'd love to travel to. And why?!
I would love to travel to Madrid because that was the last vacation we had planned before our cat got sick and ultimately passed away. Hoping to reschedule for summer 2024!
What's your favorite way to spend a day off from the Lane?
What's that? ;) JK, I love spending time with my husband, going to see a show or a movie, or just going for a drive. I used to use days off to go see my nieces in Jersey, but I haven't had time for that in a while. Life just keeps getting busier and moving faster!
Do you prefer podcasts or books? Favorite one?
I have to say I do prefer podcasts. I don't have a favorite podcast, but I do tend to listen to true crime podcasts a lot, or NPR shows like the TED Radio Hour or Embedded. Also Serial Productions does some really great shows. Might I suggest Nice White Parents.
What's your hidden talent?!
I'm pretty sure I wear all my talents on my sleeve. Buttttt....I have better than 20/20 vision so I can read the tiniest line at the eye doctor. Does that count?!
Now that you're Laner of the Week, if you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?
My dream has always been to be making a living with my music and my art in general. The goal is to have the financial freedom because of my music (and my art) to continue to create more music and content...and maybe play some shows. ;)
What's an essential part of your daily, Laner routine?
Coffee.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
I had to learn that it's ok to walk away from things that are no longer good for your mental well-being - and in effect, your physical well-being - no matter how long or hard you've worked for it. Several years ago, I was killing myself to remain in a band that I knew a year prior was not good for my mental health. The day I finally left, I did not feel sadness, but rather relief. I left behind the opportunity for getting signed to a label, touring and releasing records, but I put my sanity above all of those things, and I think I'm a better person for it.
What is your favorite family/friend tradition?
Prosecco on my rooftop with friends, which is a tradition that will be ending soon... After fifteen years in our studio apartment, my husband and I are finally moving into a two-bedroom in Morningside Heights! End of an era! No rooftop access...we'll have to find a new place for Prosecco. ;)
What's a brand or event that you would love to represent or work should the chance ever arise?
I'd love to work with vegan brands, especially vegan eco-friendly brands. There are way too many to mention, but I would thrive representing a brand that jived completely with my ethics.
What inspires you most?
Oh wow...I'm inspired by so many things. I'm inspired by people who struggle to create the thing, but do it because they have to; and by my activist friends who are just trying to make this world better for everyone despite being completely misunderstood by society at large; and by nature that always finds a way despite humanity's best efforts to try and destroy it. I guess to sum it up, I'm inspired by adversity and the struggle to overcome it.
To learn more about Kiirstin, check out her instagram @KiirstinMarilyn
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