Krista Hartman is an Edmonton-born country singer whose sound blends prairie grit with modern Nashville polish. Growing up in Edmonton, she was steeped in a mix of classic country storytelling and the wide-open, road-trip spirit of Western Canada—elements that now define her music. 

Known for her warm, expressive voice and relatable songwriting, Hartman crafts songs that feel both personal and instantly familiar, touching on love, independence, and small-town roots with a fresh, confident edge. Whether she’s performing an intimate acoustic set or lighting up a full band stage, she brings an easy charm and authenticity that draws audiences in and keeps them there. Krista passes through Westport while on tour on Friday, May 22 from 5 to 8 PM. Details and reservations here.

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Seamus Cowan: If someone had never heard your music before, which one of your songs would you play them first—and what would you say before you hit play?

Krista Hartman: That’s a tough question! It depends on the person: how I meet them and the language they speak. I recently met a traveller while I was in the mountains. He was visiting from Texas and was at the same sushi restaurant. Since he was on a journey, I shared my new single, ‘Drifter' with him (it’s a duet with Ottawa artist, Kristine St-Pierre). He said he was looking for music while driving around. I said, “this song was written while we were in Nashville, but recorded near Calgary at OCL studios. It’s inspired by travelling, so maybe you might like it for your playlist while you’re visiting Canada. He added it right away and bought my dinner which was really sweet!

Q: What’s the most “only in Alberta” moment you’ve experienced while chasing your music career?

Krista: When I played at Ranchman’s in Calgary and some line dancin' and two steppin’ took place while I was performing. Definitely an Alberta experience!

Q: Every country artist has a road trip anthem—what’s yours, and does it ever change depending on your mood?

Krista: “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson is a great road anthem.  Often times, “Every Highway” by Gordon Lightfoot does the trick as well. It depends on the landscape and my mood. Sometimes I prefer instrumental music such as Hermanos Guitierrez.

Q: If you could open for any artist, past or present, who would it be—and what would your dream backstage hang look like?

Krista: I would love to open for Willie Nelson. I think he’d be the kindest man in the world. He has such an incredible body of work. My wildest dream would be to play his guitar, Trigger, write a song with him after the show and record it in his studio. That would be epic.  

Q: What’s one lyric you’ve written that made you stop and think, “Okay… that one’s staying forever”?

Krista: “All the dreamers sail into the sun beautifully loved for what they said and what they made despite them all.”  From my song, "All the Dreamers" recorded on my first album, Passport.

Posted: May 5, 2026