Salem songwriter finalist in Telluride competition

For Kristen Grainger, music is not just an interest, hobby or passion. It is a compulsion, like breathing, the singer songwriter says.

"I have been a poet and a writer since I was a young kid," Grainger said, "My whole family is musical."

And the years dedicated to honing her craft have paid off as Grainger has been selected one of 10 finalists in the 2014 Telluride Troubadour competition. A contest held annual at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colo., it is aimed at emerging and independent performing songwriters. The winner receives cash, a Shanti guitar worth more than $1,500, and the opportunity to be seen and heard by hundreds of music fans and promoters.

Grainger, who is the only finalist from Oregon, submitted her application to the contest earlier this year.

"It was really just on a whim," Grainger said.

After reading through the rules she thought "what the heck I will give it a try."

"I have always done this kind of thing, I just have never felt as confident about my songwriting as I have lately," Grainger said.

Her husband, Dan Wetzel, added his encouragement, saying "You should just do it. You write great songs and people need to hear them," she said.

By day, Grainger is the vice president and executive assistant to the president at Willamette University. Prior to this career, she worked in Oregon state politics as a journalist, political adviser and legislative advocate.

"I work and I love what I do, but there are several aspects of my personality; one of them is being an artist," Grainger said. "If you work all the time and you don't have an outlet, it goes away. You have to keep in touch with it — wake your muse — kickstart it and get it functioning."

Grainger is the songwriter and lead singer with local Americana/bluegrass fusion quartet True North, which was started in 2003. A couple months ago, her band released a new album featuring 13 songs, eight of which are originals written by Grainger. It is this album Grainger credits as the boost she needed to submit her application to the competition.

"It is a departure, which is why it is called 'Elsebound,' from what we have been doing," Grainger said. "It is less bluegrassy and more folk than our other efforts. A lot of emotion and things came through with the recording and instruments we chose. It is a powerful representation of who we are as musicians."

Grainger is still deciding what songs she will play for the contest, saying she has narrowed it down to 30.

"I might have to have a focus group. Dan and I have been hashing it over nightly since we heard I was a finalist," said Grainger, "I know what I feel is compelling. I know what I feel the strongest about."

Grainger's songs are stories based on her observations and experiences. She enjoys the challenge of constructing music. Of "trying to fit complex, extraordinary things into a set structure — to make it make sense and be beautiful."

"I am sure that is what painters do...create order out of chaos," Grainger said.

Previously, Grainger won the Wintergrass song contest in 2010 and was a finalist in the Kerrville, Texas, New Folk Competition in 2008. But this is the first time she has submitted to the Telluride Festival competition.

"In the bluegrass/Americana world, Telluride is like the olympics," Grainger said, "not just to perform at but to go. You are going to see the best of the best."

At this year's event, which is already sold out, the line-up includes Ray LaMontagne, Brandi Carlile, Steve Winwood, Nickel Creek, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck and the Colorado Symphony, and more.

Grainger will perform two of her original songs on Thursday, June 19. If she advanced to the final five, she will play two different songs Friday, June 20.

"I have to have a minimum of two and a maximum of about eight songs," Grainger said. "If I dont make it past Thursday that is just two songs and that is ok because then I can relax."

On Saturday, June 21, the five finalists will take the stage and the winner will be announced. Immediately following the announcement, the winner will step forward and play a 15-minute solo set in front of the audience, which is anticipated to be 10,000 people.

"I try not to dwell on that part," Grainger said. "I am just happy to go. I don't know how many people try out, but to be one of 10 is just huge to me."

cwright2@StatesmanJournal.com, (503) 399-6671, find her online at Twitter.com/CarleeWrightSJ and Facebook.com/CarleeWrightSJ