Kristin D, Beautiful Dangdut Singer from America who Claims to be a Huge Fan of Didi Kempot & Rhoma Irama

Kapanlagi.com - Although often underestimated, Dangdut music always has a place in the hearts of its fans. Dangdut music enthusiasts don't need to worry about the lack of dangdut singers in the future. Recently, talented young dangdut singers have emerged from various regions and talent search events.

But KLovers may not know that there are also dangdut singers abroad! KapanLagi.com had the opportunity to interview a beautiful dangdut singer from the United States. The woman named Kristin Dennison was born in Pennsylvania on July 15, 1987.

A few years ago, Kristin joined Dangdut In America, which is a community to introduce dangdut music in Uncle Sam's country. Dangdut In America was founded by an Indonesian citizen named Rissa Asnan.

"I knew about Dangdut in America when I received a call to be an extra in a film episode titled DANGDUT 101. I was asked by the producer, Rissa Asnan, if I wanted to try singing Indonesian music and I answered yes. At that time, I didn't know much about Indonesian music but I was always ready to learn new things and I was happy, so I answered yes," said Kristin Dennison.

Read more: Reasons for liking dangdut, the story of learning to sing dangdut, favorite songs and singers, and previous professions.

1. Reasons for Liking Dangdut

Kristin considers dangdut as one of the music genres that is easy listening with calming instruments. Delving deeper into the meaning behind dangdut lyrics has made Kristin like it even more.

"Dangdut music is unlike any other music you hear in America. Dangdut music is very easy listening, and I feel that the beat and instruments used are very calming. When I started to see the meaning behind dangdut songs, it made me like them even more. Every dangdut song has a story that I really like, just like the meaning behind country music in the US," Kristin expressed.

2. The Story of Learning to Sing Dangdut

When Kristin first started learning to sing dangdut, it took her up to 2 weeks to sing Indonesian dangdut songs. During this phase, Kristin received assistance from Rissa Asnan on how to pronounce the words in the song lyrics.

"The first song I learned back then was Indah Pada Waktunya (Beautiful in Its Time) sung by Dewi Perssik. This was the first song I learned in Indonesian. Rissa (my producer) asked me to learn that song in 2 weeks, and then I performed it at the Indonesian Festival in Washington DC in 2019," Kristin reminisced.

3. Favorite Dangdut & Pedangdut Songs

Kristin refers to herself as a big fan of the late Didi Kempot and the king of dangdut Rhoma Irama. This woman, who is also an actress and presenter, also loves many dangdut songs. However, if she has to choose one, Kristin chooses the song Tatu, composed by Didi Kempot, as her favorite song.

Nevertheless, Kristin admits that she is still not perfect in singing Javanese songs. "I still need help, especially with the pronunciation of Javanese songs," said the 34-year-old woman.

4. Profession Before Becoming a Pedangdut

Before becoming a dangdut singer, Kristin had several professions, one of which was related to art. Kristin also revealed a fact that Dangdut In America helped her a lot in doing what she loves, one of which is channeling her singing talent.

"Before Dangdut in America, I taught children about Musical Theater at summer camps and some classes. I used to be a pet supply store manager and a dog grooming salon," she said.

"Before I joined Dangdut in America, I searched for various ways to perform and sing. I have auditioned for local theater and film companies in Philadelphia. When I got involved with Dangdut in America, I was able to fulfill my dream of singing and have made more than 25 music videos. I can continue to perform and do what I love through Dangdut In America," she continued.

5. About Indonesia: Favorite Foods and Dream Destinations

Kristin admits that she has never visited Indonesia, the country whose language is the language of the dangdut song she sings. Nevertheless, Kristin likes some Indonesian dishes. Kristin also mentions some cities she wants to visit when she comes to Indonesia.

"It's very difficult to choose which Indonesian food I like the most because they are all delicious! I think my favorite dish so far is Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng. I like anything spicy and rice-related," Kristin said.

"I really want to go to Yogyakarta, we actually have a song called 'Jogjakarta' which is about Yogyakarta, so going to the place we once sang about would be amazing," she concluded.

(kpl/cvn/ums)