Singer/songwriter Kristie Stremel hails from the town of Hays, KS, and originally got into music via playing Johnny Cash songs with her father (who played guitar), as well as being inspired after catching a local Joan Jett concert. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 15, Stremel formed her first garage band. After relocating to Kansas City, Stremel began playing solo acoustic sets that consisted of half originals and half covers. She was invited to join alt-rockers Frogpond in the late '90s, contributing rhythm guitar and vocals to their 1996 debut album on Columbia Tri Star, Count to Ten (which was produced by Everclear's Art Alexakis). A year later Stremel left the group, formed the power pop trio Exit 159, and issued an EP and full-length before the group split up in 2000. She returned to the studio right away, recording The Detour EP with guitarist Chris Meck. In the spring of 2001, Stremel issued her full-length solo debut, the country-tinged All I Really Want, on the Slewfoot label (produced by Lou Whitney). ~ Greg Prato, Rovi