Kristen Grainger & True North

Kristen Grainger is the voice of contemporary folk string band Kristen Grainger & True North and the primary architect of the band’s songwriting. She was named by The Bluegrass Situation as one of the “Women Who Wrote Our 2020 Soundtrack,” alongside Dolly Parton and Brandi Carlile.

In 2020, Kristen also took first place in the USA Songwriting Competition in the folk category, second place overall, and her songs have won or been finalists at the nation’s most prestigious festival songwriting competitions such as Wildflower (TX), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (CO), Merlefest (NC), Kerrville Folk Festival (TX), Common Grounds on the Hill, and DC Bluegrass Union’s Hazel Dickens songwriting competition.

In recognition that women are underrepresented across all aspects of the music industry, Kristen co-founded She’s Speaking with two other songwriters, a project devoted to amplifying women’s voices and artistry so it can be heard by all people.

In addition to songwriting, recording, and performing, she has served as vice president of Willamette University and written speeches for two Oregon governors, three university presidents and an Oregon attorney general.

Website: https://www.truenorthband.com
Facebook: @truenorthbandpnw
Instagram: @truenorthpnw