Christine Bauer, a self-taught guitarist, and songwriter since her teens, has steadily built a dynamic career in country music, marked by multiple EPs, albums, and singles produced by industry talents like Grady Saxman and Paul Ray. With her music featured on platforms like Spotify's New Music Friday Country and Fresh Finds Country playlists, as well as national radio shows such as ABC Country's "Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole," Bauer continues to gain recognition for her authentic storytelling. In January 2024, she made her live TV debut on WSMV’s "Today in Nashville," showcasing her growing presence in the industry. Her latest single, "Crying At Night," adds to her collection of deeply personal tracks, while she and her band prepare for upcoming live performances and new releases. At the end of last month, we chatted with Christine about her latest release and Nashville journey.
SJ: Hi Christine! Thanks so much for talking with us today.Â
CB: Thank you so much, I'm honored to be a part of The MIC Mag and interviewed by you. What a great way to end 2024 and head into the New Year!
1. SJ: Can you start by telling us a little background about your journey and how you got into music?
CB:Â I always loved to sing along to songs as a kid and listened to all genres growing up. My grandpa played guitar also, so I think music just runs in my blood. Once I got a job as a teenager, I bought my first guitar and taught myself how to play. Sooner than later, I was writing songs and performing. By a miracle, I connected with Paul Ray in Australia, and he produced several of my first releases. We just released a cover of "Silent Night" together for Christmas which I absolutely love! Every connection I've had in music has been from one person leading me to the next. I take it as a sign and a blessing from the universe with each of these connections. Eventually, I met Sarah Harralson who I have written around 100 songs with and went out on tour with upon the release of our collaborative album West of Me. We just wrote another song this past week that I am so excited for! In more recent years, thanks to social media, I was able to connect with my amazing friend, Jordyn Elliott, and she led me to my connection with Grady Saxman and his team at Saxman Studios. Through this connection, in addition to releasing my own penned songs, I have also been able to release multiple songs by several Nashville songwriters I admire and look up to.
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2. SJ: You’ve been releasing music since 2013, and recently had your TV debut on WSMV’s "Today in Nashville!" How has your style and sound changed and evolved over the years? What has been your biggest challenge?
CB: I would say there has always been a bit of storytelling and telling of my own story in my songs. Over the years, more feeling and emotion have come into tune, bringing out even more vulnerability and power in my songs which I am so proud of. My biggest challenge early on was finding confidence, but I feel I am overcoming this more and more each day. Taking on songs I had not written this past year was life-changing for me and helped with this confidence in so many ways. Now, a newer challenge has been to not let other life events get in the way. I also rely more on inspiration hitting me these days instead of forcing it as I feel those are the better songs I write.
3. SJ: You just released your single "Crying At Night" last month. Can you tell us the story that inspired this track?Â
CB: This one is a personal song for me, as many of them are. I finished writing the song as I was putting the Christmas tree away last Winter. I had this melody in my head for months and as I took down a specific ornament that reminds me of someone, the rest was written. Hence, the song was released this year going into the holiday season. I hope this song brings comfort to anyone sorting through old memories of a love connection that was lost.Â
4. SJ: Grady Saxman has worked with many Nashville stars like Luke Combs and Jelly Roll. Was this your first time working with him as your producer? What was the experience like, and how, if at all, did it affect your typical songwriting and recording process?
CB: I have worked on multiple releases with Grady now, but each time in the studio is such an incredible experience. Each recording session has felt like another dream come true. The entire experience is magical for me as I hear the song come together in real-time while Grady and his team also make it fun and relaxed. I feel more comfortable recording vocals with each session and can't thank them enough for everything they do. It's also a fun experience because you never know who you are going to bump into and get to meet at the studio. I have never had the chance to record directly with Paul Ray as he lives in Australia, but I can imagine the experience would be the same!Â
5. SJ: What does the future of Christine Bauer’s music look like to you?
CB: This past year, my goal was momentum. 2025 will be a year of breakthroughs. I even have a word (goal) for 2026 already planned and it is in alignment with this theme. My fans and listeners can expect to hear more powerful, heartfelt, and relatable songs as we move into the future together. I'm also gearing up for live shows with my talented band. The future of Christine Bauer Music is bright, with crowds cheering and fans singing along in real-time. Â
SJ: What is one song you wish Christine Bauer wrote?
CB: There are so many! I would say one recently that I'm obsessed with is "Alaska" by Caitlyn Smith. I've also always loved "Slow Burn" by Kacey Musgraves.
SJ: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us!
CB: Thank you so much as well. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the season and wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Listen to "Crying At Night"Â below!
Credits
Vocals, Songwriting: Christine Bauer
Co-written: Ryan Sorestad
Production: Grady Saxman