Today we’d like to introduce you to Christal Luster.
Christal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’d say that I started out as a diamond in the rough when it comes to my talent. I was clearly something special; I just hadn’t really taken form yet.
I hail from the famous Luster Family. My father was the original S-Curl man. He worked for my Uncle Freddie Luster’s company, Luster Products, for a number of years before moving on. So my name, off the bat, came with an immense expectation of greatness.
I grew up in the Chicago south suburb of Crete, IL. I went to school in Chicago’s Inglewood neighborhood at what was then the Academy of St. Benedict the African, Stewart Campus. I was in 3rd grade when I discovered my love for writing and storytelling. As a 10-year-old 5th grader, I wrote my very first song. It was juvenile and irrational (lol), but it was mine. It was fitting for the stage we were in–boy-crazy, childish and desperate to embrace what we thought was adulthood. I remember being proud, feeling like I finally had something that would make me acceptable to the other kids. And I was right…for a while. Like many kids, my childhood was soaked in tears of “the bullied.” I just didn’t fit in.
I sang in the Chicago Children’s Choir while at St. Benedict. I wasn’t very good, but I was determined. I had an ear for notes and I was good with memorizing lyrics. While I had a few solos in school performances, I really got my second shot at being accepted by my peers in 8th grade when I wrote a song for our graduation. I graduated Salutatorian and a songwriter. Finally, I felt like some of the rough edges were being smoothed out and polished for all to see.
While I continued my nerdy path of academic excellence at Marian Catholic High School, it wasn’t until my senior year that I had my first guitar lesson. My voice had matured, I had an instrument to write songs with instead of trying to explain to people the arrangements in my head and I was ready to prove myself as a songwriter.
In August 2008, I recorded my first song with a live band in a basement. I proudly uploaded my song “Friends Like Me” to my MySpace page–back when MySpace was the go-to social medium–and I waited for the fame to rise. It didn’t (lol). And I have no regrets, because I tried.
Over the years, I have honed my craft, improving my skills as a musician, a vocalist, a writer and an overall creative. In March 2016, after gaining a bit of life experience, I self-published my first book “30 Days of Change: Exchanging Tears for Joy,” wherein I walk the reader through my personal journey from heartbreak and rejection to a place of healing and forgiveness. In September 2016, I released my first official EP, “Expression” which is comprised of personal life stories of faith, love, social injustice and hope in the form of original music and spoken word.
While 2016 was a year of many triumphs for me as a creative and a person, it was also a year of great loss. My oldest sister and best friend Karen died suddenly and unfairly from an aggressive tumor. Since her death, I have produced some of my most impactful art, including my new web series “Christal Clear.” My art and my grind have a different purpose now. I’ve always wanted to create to make a difference and to be famous. But now, after watching my best friend die and feeling the mantle of her legacy resting upon my shoulders, I create to lay a solid foundation for others to build upon. Karen’s death showed me that the most important thing in life is to fulfill my God-given purpose, helping as many people as I can along the way.
By day, I am the Marketing Director for Essations, Inc.–a family-owned hair care manufacturing company in Park Forest, IL. I am also the extremely blessed and happy wife of Samuel Boynes. When I’m not at work bossin’ or at home wifin’ (aka bossin’ at home lol), you’ll find me working on my brand outlets either in the studio, on my computer or at events. In the little down time I get, I enjoy getting wrapped up in a series on Netflix, hanging out with friends, enjoying a glass of wine and/or eating tacos.
While I enjoy the many performances and speaking engagements I have around the Chicagoland area, the thought of my art inspiring someone else to do their part in changing the world for the better is the sweetest reward I receive.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not (lol). My road is marked with disappointments, failures, second and third chances, and more mistakes. I think my biggest hurdle has been self-confidence, or rather the lack thereof. While I don’t condone bullying in any degree, I do believe that my lack of self-confidence led to a lot of the bullying I endured growing up. I allowed for much of it to go on. I didn’t stand up for myself for a long time. And even when I was able to have some confidence in myself, there still lingered the stench of “what if I’m not good enough?” It took a lot of tries and a lot of let downs over a course of failed relationships–both personal and professional–to get me where I am. I’ve been looked over, criticized and even ridiculed in some cases for my creative expressions. In addition, there has been writer’s block, lack of resources and a general naivety that have been stumbling blocks.
Struggles build character. Good character provides a sense of steadfastness that’s absolutely essential to the creative path. So yes, there have been many struggles, but they have made me the artist I am today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Christal Luster Music story. Tell us more about the business.
I am most known for being a singer/songwriter. Most people either assume I’m a gospel singer or an R&B singer. While I can do both, I specialize in a contemporary folk style of music. My voice is a combination of soul and contemporary. My acoustic guitar gives me a bit of a country twang at times. But I love to experiment with different sounds.
In all that I do creatively (singing, speaking, writing, videography, editing, acting, etc.), I always come from a genuine place. I tell stories about my art and through my art. I don’t try to fit the status quo. In our society, that’s a rare find.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am hopeful that there will be a return to the genuine, non-commercial art in music. We’ve gotten so accustomed to this super generic, over-sexualized and typically uninspiring sound in mainstream music. It’s like having a candy diet. It tastes great until the after taste kicks in. Then it’s time for another piece. You can never really savor one single piece. And it’s all short-lived. And pretty soon, it all tastes the same. All the while, your teeth are rotting and you’re not getting any nutritional value. If you want to keep your smile, you’re going to have to digest some sustenance eventually.
Authentic artists–not just singers/performers–are making a comeback. And I’m here for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christalluster.com
- Email: christal@christalluster.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christalluster/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christallustermusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/christalluster
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
