Rock Prodigy Kjersti Long Talks Music and Dealing with Anxiety Artwork

The Staffa Corner

Greg Staffa created The Staffa Corner Podcast to provide listeners with a Staffatarian look at entertainment and life. Focusing on honest conversation, Staffa’s podcast is an appreciation of those he finds interesting in and out of television and film.The journey taken by Staffa in the industry started more than 8 years ago writing for Your Entertainment Corner. Motivated by the desire to become more knowledgeable in his field, he leveraged his learned and acquired knowledge and skills and earned himself the opportunity to interview celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Ethan Hawke, Martin Freeman and Seth Rogan among others. Setting up his own in home studio, Staffa is branching out into podcasting while continuing to write for YEC. An unsung hero recognized by The St. Cloud Times in 2013, and a Staffatarian to the core, Staffa spent several months in 2010 on a 48-state road trip transforming the perception of homelessness. During this time, he handed out over 1,000 pairs of socks and hundreds of cups of coffee to the homeless, before he finally settling down in St Cloud Minnesota. By July 2020 Staffa’s journey came full circle having bought a home. To his credit, he still finds time to help others. Staffa is able to build and maintain incredible working relationships, an attribute that has contributed greatly to his success. Consequently, actors, writers and directors among other TV/film stars are always open to guest. He has covered red carpet premieres for films like Stuber and Booksmart among other star studded TV premieres.

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The Staffa Corner

Rock Prodigy Kjersti Long Talks Music and Dealing with Anxiety

June 20, 2021 • Greg Staffa • Season 1 • Episode 11

Labeled a rock prodigy at the age of 14 years old, Kjersti Long has already made a name for herself. Writing her first song Rollercoaster at the age of 9, the talented songwriter and singer was headlining at the iconic rock club The Bitter End in New York City by the time she turned 11. She’s performed at such notable venues as The Apollo and House of Blues. Recently she released her first single Not Your Princess.

During our conversation, it didn’t take long for me to be impressed by the maturity of this young woman. Not only does she have a good head on her shoulders, but she’s also wildly entertaining to listen to. I couldn’t help but laugh at her story of how her single Not Your Princess came to be. Just from talking to Kjersti, it’s clear she’s a gifted storyteller and I’m excited to hear her talent in future songs.

It’s refreshing to learn someone with her gifts wants to use them to empower other young women. She realizes her battles with anxiety are nothing to be ashamed of. Despite the age gap, I found her stories relatable on a human level. Frankly, many adults could learn a thing or two from this rising star,

As much as I enjoyed talking to this singing prodigy, I was initially hesitant. It had nothing to do with Kjersti but how we as adults treat kids these days. We become dismissive when a teen experiences heartbreak. Rather than being supportive we often impose reality checks, especially when young adults talk about hopes and dreams. I found myself very self-aware as to not mention my own experiences to her. Just because I had no clue what I wanted out of life at 14 doesn’t mean she doesn’t. And let’s be honest, after listening to Kjersti, it’s clear her maturity is well beyond what mine was at that age.

I, for one, look forward to following Kjersti’s career and seeing what becomes of this young musician. She has a talented future ahead of her, not just in her music but also as an inspiration and role model for young women everywhere.

After listening to this episode of The Staffa Corner, you can check out some of Kjersti’s music below.

Music Video: https://vimeo.com/529973441/a0045d2abb

Performance Video: https://vimeo.com/529973434/33fb3732f8