Women of Rock: Kristen Budde Reveals Her Top Female Musical Inspirations

Kristen Budde has captured hearts across the nation with her distinctive blend of Americana and Country music. Her latest single, “Regret,” released on April 11th, explores the weight of past decisions and reflects on the freedom of embracing the present while showcasing her unmistakable raw, honest, and deeply personal style. Kristen’s vocals have always been described as powerful yet vulnerable, and her music continues to explore themes of personal growth, healing, and the courage to start over.

The Tennessee-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist curates thoughtful melodies with lyrics that are woven together like a conversation with a close friend. Kristen’s music has been described as bringing life and light into a room, showcasing vocals that are equally powerful and gentle. She has a passion for creating cheerful connections through the power of music and wholeheartedly believes that music has the ability to heal. Her first single, “Come Sit Down at My Table,” released in 2022, delves into the human need to belong and be seen and heard, followed by her debut six-song EP, Begin Again, which was released in intervals throughout 2023.

Kristen is continually releasing new singles as she prepares to record her second album. Today, we are pleased to connect with the joyous Kristen Budde for our latest Women of Rock series to hear the top five female artists who have influenced her development into the raw and heartfelt artist that she is today.

“First, I have to say it is incredibly hard to name just five or six female inspirations. I have been inspired by so many women throughout my life, and there are so many women and female musicians who have shaped me and who I am as a person and artist. So, these are just the tip of the iceberg!”

1. Bonnie Raitt

“I always say if I could be like one artist, it would be Bonnie. I mean, she has it all. A completely unique raw, real and gritty voice, she’s an incredible songwriter, and she is an incredible guitarist. I first heard Bonnie when her album Luck of the Draw came out and absolutely loved it. Then, when I heard ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me,’ I was hooked for life.

“Although she didn’t write the song, I can’t imagine anyone else doing justice to that song the way Bonnie does. When I started performing and playing out more, I dug deeper into Bonnie’s catalogue and came to love ‘Angel from Montgomery,’ her cover of the blues song ‘Women Be Wise,’ and many others. Her song ‘Just Like That’ was so inspiring to me as a songwriter. It’s such a well-crafted song and the kind of writing I aspire to.

“The first time I saw Bonnie live, it was on another level, and I was completely blown away. She makes what she does look so effortless. I also admire and am inspired by the way she supports causes and social justice issues that are important to her.”

2. Shawn Colvin

“When I first heard Shawn Colvin in college, I immediately fell in love with her percussive style of guitar playing, her distinct voice and her songwriting. I was just discovering the world of songwriting, and her music made me want to start learning guitar and writing songs. She was very influential for me at that time and ultimately led to my dad helping me to purchase my first guitar so I could learn how to play.

“One of the first songs I learned to play on guitar was her cover of ‘Don’t You Think I Feel it Too’ from her Live 88’ album. Her cover of that song is still one of my favourites to play to this day. I have seen Shawn live a number of times, and every time I love her more and am amazed by how good she is with just her voice and guitar. She has also influenced the way I play guitar, and although I’m nowhere near the guitarist she is, I have learned to implement some of her percussive elements into my playing.”

3. Linda Ronstadt

“I remember listening to Linda Ronstadt growing up and have always loved her voice. She is such a rock star vocalist, and I love that she can sing old rock n’ roll, country, pop, and even traditional Spanish music. Her voice is so versatile. Her songs have emotional depth, and it’s conveyed so beautifully with her rich and powerful vocals.

“If I had to name an artist that I get compared to often or who is a major influence on my vocal style, she would be at the top of the list. I love that she paved the way for female artists and held her own as a young artist, and that she was able to enjoy a long and successful career. I’m also so inspired by her heart for collaboration. She has collaborated with some of the best of the best in multiple genres, and I think that is a really cool aspect of her as an artist and of her career. I am learning more and more that collaboration stretches me and makes me better, and I hope to keep doing it more as I develop as an artist.”

4. Christa Wells

“Christa Wells has been instrumental in my musical journey since meeting her in 2020 (online, of course, since it was in the thick of COVID). She and Nicole Witt started an artist community called Artist And to support and encourage other artists and songwriters, and I was introduced to the community and to both Christa and Nicole for the first time when I participated in an online songwriting retreat in August of 2020. I was quickly drawn to Christa and her warmth and very obvious gift for encouraging songwriters to pursue their gifts and reminding us of the importance of sharing that gift with the world. \

“Christa helped open my eyes to opportunities and ways to pursue music in a communal way, and I’m still learning so much from her. Through Artist.And, and her Patron community, she has connected so many wonderful and talented people, and her passion for bringing people together through art is something I hope to emulate and grow in.”

“I’m also inspired by Christa’s songwriting. It has depth and is so relatable. She inspires me to be a better writer, to pay attention and to listen. If not for Christa’s influence, support and encouragement, I’m not sure I would have had the courage and confidence to pursue my lifelong dream of recording my first project of original music. I am so grateful for her example, authenticity and am continually inspired by her.”

5. Nicole Witt

“Nicole is an incredible songwriter and artist in Nashville and has also been very inspiring and influential in my musical journey. I also met her through Artist.And, and she has taught me a lot about songwriting and the music industry. If I had to sum her up in two words, it would be fun and unstoppable. I have watched her persevere in her own career, and she just keeps at it no matter what. It’s so inspiring. She doesn’t let setbacks or excuses stop her or slow her down, but she lets her passion for music and sharing it with others drive her and use her time intentionally. Nicole’s mentorship, songwriting, and experience performing have shaped how I approach songwriting and performing, and it has changed me for the better!

“She has encouraged me, helped me re-work songs, and I was ecstatic to work with her on my newest single, ‘Regret,’ as well as my next single that will be released in June. She produced them both and also sang background vocals. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how they turned out and am so grateful for her guidance and leadership on these songs. Nicole has also opened my eyes to possibilities in music and how to make a living pursuing this gift. She’s got heart and grit, and I am so grateful my path crossed with hers and for her influence in my musical journey.”