Jenn Cristy's new sound and distribution deal

Jenn Cristy released four songs Nov. 25, 2008 at the iTunes Store and other download outlets. (Credit: Photo provided by Jenn Cristy)

Jenn Cristy, a former star swimmer at Indiana University and backing vocalist in John Mellencamp's
band, has a new sound and a new distribution deal. She released four songs Nov. 25 at the iTunes
Store and other download outlets.

Cristy says she's excited to have worldwide access to listeners after signing with Gracie
Productions. The company, which features Indianapolis-based singer-songwriter Sally Anthony on its
roster, is affiliated with major-label corporation EMI.

Keyboard specialist Cristy released her debut album, "Becoming," in 2005 and its follow-up, "Jenn
Cristy," in 2006.

Cristy says the online tracks "Butterfly Wings," "Mr. Beautiful Brown Eyes," "Collide" and "Shelter
Me" are a preview to an album she plans to title "Hotel Confessions."

The compositions are the most energetic and accessible to date from Cristy, who appeared on
Mellencamp's 2001 album, "Cuttin' Heads."

"I'm trying to be a lot more aware of what people want to hear," she says. "I'm not changing
necessarily what I'm doing musically, but I'm trying to figure out those little things that make
people start to sing along."

Devoted fans frequently gather to catch Cristy shows at Players Pub in Bloomington, where she lives,
and at Locals Only in Indianapolis.

Her storytelling has become more direct, and she says listeners are responding.

"I know there are a lot of random lyrics I don't throw in anymore," she says. "I take my time and
say, 'OK, I'm going to put something smart here and not just some filler.'."

Cristy, who's happily married and a mother offstage, skewers no-good significant others in the
lyrics of "Butterfly Wings" and "Mr. Beautiful Brown Eyes."

"He doesn't take anything personally," she says of husband Ben Strawn. "I write love songs and I
write man-hating songs, still."

Jenn Cristy

Showtime: Dec. 6, Ragazzi Arte Cafe, Bloomington. Call (812) 323-9005.

Hear her: www.myspace.com/jenncristy