Multi-instrumentalist shares her love of music
Her love for the clarinet was actually inspired by her interest in computer games.
Kirstin Walters is multi-talented saxophonist and clarinet player. The 27-year-old Weltevreden Park resident has always had a love for music and started playing the piano when she was nine. “I swapped over to the clarinet when I was 11 and then the saxophone when I was 19,” she began.
“I always had a deep love for music. My mom would often blast music in the lounge when I was younger, and my sister and I would run out of our rooms dancing and singing along. Our house always had music playing. I remember watching Titanic when I was about six years old and would cry whenever I heard the theme song because it was so beautiful to me. It still triggers me today.”
Her love for the clarinet was actually inspired by her interest in computer games. Kirstin used to play Peter and the Wolf’ where every character had a specific music instrument linked to it. “I loved the theme of the cat, which was played on the clarinet and I decided that’s the instrument I wanted to learn.” It wasn’t long before she developed a love for jazz music and cue; another love for a musical instrument, this time the saxophone.
“I mean who doesn’t love the sax?” she quipped. “I swapped over to the saxophone in my first year of studying music. It is quite similar to the clarinet so learning how to play the sax wasn’t too bad. However, since I was classically trained on the clarinet I really struggle to change over to playing jazz. You rely on your ear much more, the rhythms are different and you often have to improvise on the spot,” she revealed.
Kirstin admits that she is naturally shy and performing has been a mental challenge because she is not a fan of the spotlight. During her first year, she joined an indie folk band called Jerry & the Bandits and this pushed her out of her shell and allowed her confidence to grow. “For six years we toured all over South Africa, playing at some of the biggest festivals in the country. We also play at weddings, birthdays and other public events. This band gave the shy me the confidence to step on stage and play with passion.”
That was not all the band did though – the multi instrumentalist also met her current boyfriend in the band. “He was the guitarist at the time. Unfortunately the band split two years ago as everyone headed their separate ways, but our music still lives on through online streaming platforms.”
Since The Bandits disbanded, Kirstin started a DJ Sax duo called Equilibrium which fuses electronic dance music with the saxophone. “I have always loved playing sax over dance music as it is so much fun, and it’s a great way to get the party started.” She also plays solo shows at weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and other private functions.
The musician shared that 2022 is the year for the arts to come out of hibernation as festivals and events open up again. “I think the more versatile you can be as a musician, the better. You can get booked more often and every genre of music throws different challenges at you.”
When she is not dazzling the crowd, she gives saxophone and clarinet lessons part time at schools.
