In the symphony of life, Krista Spies ’24 has orchestrated a unique tattoo saga, each inked note telling a tale of musical passion and personal connection. As of Nov. 5, 2023, Krista’s Spotify playlist boasts 15,679 tracks, a musical treasure trove that mirrors her eclectic taste. Embarking on a journey to etch her devotion to music, Krista shares the stories behind her inked melodies, each tattoo weaving a narrative of influences, memories, and artistic resonance.
Krista’s Musical Sleeve Unveiled: On the canvas of her skin, Krista began her musical odyssey with a symbolic tattoo from Bikini Kill’s album cover, “The Singles.” She chose the record player image and paid homage to the Riot Grrrl movement, particularly spotlighting “Rebel Girl” as an anthem that shaped her political consciousness during the 90s.
Her arms dance with hues of red in a tattoo featuring a cherry bomb, a nod to Joan Jett and the rebellious spirit of rough girlhood. An artist named Xavi played a pivotal role during Krista’s semester abroad in Madrid, contributing eight tattoos intertwined with her exploration of Spanish music and culture.
Spaces of Musical Gathering: Krista recognizes the significance of spaces where music thrives, and Madrid Me Mata, a museum bar dedicated to La Movida Madrileña, becomes a muse for a tattoo inspired by Alaska y Dinarama’s “Mi novio es un zombi.” This vibrant song encapsulates the essence of La Movida Madrileña and became Krista’s summer soundtrack.
Inspired by Nirvana’s B-side track “Marigold”, a flower tattoo adds a touch of fate, coinciding with Krista’s birth month flower. The journey continues with a whimsical cartoon representing Audrey Hepburn’s “Moon River,” a song that transported her to the world of cinematic music during a late-night viewing of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Icons and Influences: Krista pays homage to the iconic CBGB with a Blondie-inspired tattoo, reminiscing about the Manhattan punk/new wave club. The television series One Tree Ill adds another layer with a tattoo honouring The Cure’s “Pictures of You,” a song that resonated deeply during a poignant scene in the show.
Andrew Thompson ’23 contributes to Krista’s musical canvas with a wraparound arm tattoo, including a tribute to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Love songs hold a special place in Krista’s musical realm, serving as a pinnacle of art.
The crescendo of Krista’s sleeve reaches its zenith with a portrait of Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century composer and saint. Inspired by Hildegard’s choral piece “Antiphon, O quam mirabilis est,” Krista adds a timeless melody to her inked repertoire.
From FIDLAR to Musical Conversations: A high school friend’s stick-and-poke introduces FIDLAR, a band whose acronym encapsulates a profound life motto. As Krista shares her Spotify links on social media, she extends an invitation for musical conversations, celebrating the diversity of musical tastes that connect people across genres and eras.
In the grand symphony of life, Krista Spies’ tattoos are notes, each telling a story of her unique musical journey. From riotous anthems to soulful choral pieces, her inked melodies resonate with a harmony that transcends time and genres.