About

Born and raised in New York, Kirsten Maxwell has been dubbed a “triple threat”, for a voice “like crystal”, cleverly emotional lyrics, and a room-silencing stage presence. She made her stage debut at age 5 at the famed Amato Opera where her parents met. By High School she had picked up the guitar and started writing songs. Intent on pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter, she regularly attended open mics and played small gigs in College while pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Creative Writing. Since then, Kirsten’s committed to a life of music full-time, touring extensively in the U.S. and Canada, releasing an album and an EP, and winning numerous songwriting competitions. She has opened for notable artists like Melissa Etheridge, Karla Bonoff, Ferron, Sophie B. Hawkins, Bill Staines, Michael Johnson, Slaid Cleaves, Tanya Tucker, and The Bacon Brothers, and toured with Judy Collins.

“Kirsten Maxwell is an amazing writer and powerful, evocative singer whose performances are a sheer joy. She shines in her own lyrical compositions and in her singular choices of other artists, especially those of Joni Mitchell.” Judy Collins Singer, Songwriter, and fan

She has also shared the stage on numerous occasions with the great Paul Shaffer - “I once saw Kirsten Maxwell take the stage in a raucous bar. The patrons were there to drink, not listen. She began a delicate ballad, and by the third line, she had them in the palm of her hand. Kirsten is a strikingly special performer.”

After a period of rest and reflection in 2020, Kirsten started appearing nightly on TikTok Live. These sessions cultivated a new community, and inspired the creation of her Patreon page, where they connect monthly.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, Kirsten is working on a number of projects, including her next album, and live shows locally, and down the East Coast, through 2025.

 Awards & Accolades

  • Occupy Blue Rock Residency 2025

  • Received a grant from the Joe’s Pub Writers Group via The Public Theater NYC 2020

  • Appeared on Good Day New York 2018

  • Most Wanted Artist at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival 2017

  • Formal Showcase Artist at the North East Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) 2017

  • Kerrville New Folk Finalist 2016

  • Winner of the South Florida Folk Festival Singer Songwriter Competition 2016

  • Official Showcase Artist at the South East Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Conference 2016

  • Official Showcase Artist at the South West Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) Conference 2016

  • TriCentric Showcase Artist at the North East Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference 2016

  • First place in a contest sponsored by the Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) 2015

  • Suzie Wollenberg Folk DJ Showcase at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference 2015