Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Moon
Hi Kristine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kristine Markatos-Soriano, and I am Filipina-American singer-songwriter and Peace Educator based in Durham, NC. I have had many stages in my life that have led me here, and I’d love to share them with you.
I was born to parents who emigrated from the Philippines in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. My dad’s family settled in California, and my mom’s family built their lives in the northeastern USA. They met in Philadelphia, and after getting married and having my older brothers, I was born New Jersey. After my father got a job in a hospital in North Carolina as a surgeon, we moved down and my parents had my little sister in Winston-Salem. I spent my life, in a Filipino household, going out into a southeastern culture and visiting family in the northeastern and western regions of our country.
I grew up singing. For Filipinos, singing is just a way of life. It is how we have fun together, singing karoake at parties and family gatherings. Growing up in a multicultural way, the musical sensibilities in my voice reflect the diverse experiences I have had. As someone living in the south, some of my earliest influences include country stars like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Later on, R&B influences such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu deeply affected me. I also grew up during the Grunge era of rock, and so I allowed the raucous sounds of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Radiohead to engulf me. My other favorite bands from this time include REM and The Cranberries, two bands whose seeds continue to grow within me. The deepest influences which create my musical foundations are Enya from Ireland and Björk from Iceland. I will forever cherish them, their sounds and songs which awakened my vocal expressions. I have Norwegian heritage, and so I feel my Nordic roots guide my musical compass. Currently I love the creations of Nordic artists like Aurora, Olafur Arnalds, and JFDR. I love creating music flowing from my diverse background, and so I hope you will too!
In my early adulthood, my career took another path informed by my other passions – international studies, international development, early childhood education and policy. I spent time in the classroom as a Montessori primary teacher, a teacher in a public charter school, and training educators to develop family childcare programs in their homes. I taught different languages and studied in different countries, in Asia, South America and Africa. I cherish that stage in my life, and aim to continue doing such worldly work in my music work.
I would like to carve out an artist-advocate path, as I’d like to cultivate awareness and advocacy around important issues with my music platform. I currently am passionate about LGBTQIA+ rights, anti-racism, and ending climate change. I studied Peace Education in my M.A. degree in International Educational Development from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City. I got to work at UNICEF in their Early Childhood in Emergencies department, and these studies and experiences solidified my dedication to children’s rights worldwide. I specifically focus on Transgender Rights for youth. All of these issues work for a just and bright future for our children. I have three children, one of whom is a beautiful transgender child. I am a proud Mama Bear working through art and advocacy to cultivate the world our kids deserve – one where they are free to be themselves, to simply breathe, restfully.
I have 5 songs that I created with my music producer partner Kevin McNoldy of CPhonic Studios, and we just completed in June 2024 a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to produce 5-6 more songs to complete my first album of New Age electronic music. We also raised additional funds to create more Nordic sounding world music, and I am super excited about that. Stay tuned in spring of 2025 for all of this music!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up in an immigrant family, pursuing a career in music was not supported. I understand this as well, as looking at the prospects for artists in this country is few and far between…pretty slim. However, after becoming a mother and having the privilege to stay home with them and homeschool, my musical creativity began to surface to the top of my mind and heart.
Music came to me as a partner through hard times. After suffering with postpartum depressive mood issues, as well as supporting other women through life-threatening postpartum mental health problems, music would come to me so that I could process my emotions and create my call for a better future. Additionally, being a mother unearthed deep issues of trauma that I still had within my heart and soul. Music granted me the space to continue healing from this so that I could better serve my children, my whole family, and myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a New Age singer-songwriter. I am also a Montessori-trained Primary Teacher, and I love Maria Montessori’s work around Peace Education. This education involves curricula and pedagogy that seek to cultivate hearts and minds around ending structural violence in our society. I started a Peace Education interview series on my Kristine Moon Music Instagram account where I get to chat with different community leaders and professionals doing this kind of work. I am very proud of this part of my work – sharing with the world the great work these folks do to make the world a kinder, safer, and inclusive place. From helping at-risk youth seek higher education in the Ukraine to creating fantastic puppet shows with messages of environmental empowerment, I have interviewed incredibly inspiring humans. Please check it out! Also, let me know of other great Peace Educators I could interview! (Also, I’ll be the opening act for the 9/22 show at The Paperhand Puppet Show at The Forest Theater in Chapel Hill – come and enjoy!)
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I also sing at Viking Festivals! I sing covers of modern Nordic artists who interpret medieval Scandinavian Viking music with their bands (ie. Eivor, Wardruna, Jonna Jinton, Garmarna, etc. ). It is so much fun! Check me out at The Viking Experience in the Spring!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristinemoon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinemoonmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristineMoonMusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/KristineMoon11
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5VxjVBZO-te749gl-43NLw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kristinemoon
