Born on December 8: Crystal Murray, rising soul star

Crystal Murray was born in Paris in 2001. Her first steps on earth were punctuated by music, in the midst of a jazz-loving family.

The young Franco-American singer grew up in Paris. She was raised by her mother, Valérie Malot, a producer with the 3D FAMILY company, and her father, David Murray, a highly regarded American saxophonist in the jazz world. I order to discover her father's work, go to the Brussels Jazz Festival in Flagey on January 9, 2025, where he will be opening with his new album “Francesca”. 

As for Crystal, she began her career in 2016 when she and her group of friends launched The Gucci Gang, a group that mixes Parisian art with fashion. Being a big fan of second-hand and vintage, she made her mark in the fashion world by breaking codes. They attended Gucci parties dressed in second-hand clothes on a budget. The least we can say is that it had an effect! 

In 2018, she launched her musical career with “After Ten”, a single inspired by the world of soul and R&B. Two years later, she released her first EP, “I Was Wrong”. The EP truly marked the start of a career that would only blossom in the years to come. On June 7, 2021, she revealed her track “Boss” in a format that all emerging artists dream of: Colors. In 2022, she releases her “Twisted Bases” EP, on which her Colors track is featured. In May 2024, she releases her brand-new album “Sad Lovers & Giants”, with producer Kyu Steed, best known for his collaborations with Amaarae and Booba.

Talking about the future, Crystal Murray declared in an interview with Les Inrocks that she hopes to have a career that will last a long time, that will be weird and “that people won't necessarily understand”. She hopes to experience multiple changes throughout her career, trying out lots of new things and constantly renewing herself. She also talked about how much she enjoys being young, and expressed her frustration with the coronavirus, a period during which everyone was forbidden to go out, and which consequently prevented many young people from partying and having fun. Fortunately, this period is now behind us, and young talents such as Crystal Murray have emerged even stronger, with a burning desire to express themselves and live. 

At the beginning of November, we had the chance to see Crystal Murray on stage at Le Botanique in Brussels, during the “Weekender Nights”, and we loved it! She's an artist who really stands out for the diversity of her musical offerings. She possesses a powerful energy and a charm that leaves no one indifferent. You can feel that the repertoire she offers is youthful art. She remains fresh and innovative, all the while respecting the heritage of the musical styles she explores. We can't wait to discover what else she has to offer, and in the meantime, we wish her a very happy birthday! 

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(Larisa Lungu - Tr.: MH Photo: @ Music Belgium Photos)
Photo: Crystal Murray on stage at the Botanique in Brussels (Belgium) in November 2024