This Halifax-born folk singer was influenced by a variety of music and genres. Raised in Ottawa, Christine Graves would often listen to her siblings' favorite music, including Caravan, Yes, and Fairport Convention. But as Graves entered her teenage years, the rock stars of the day influenced her. The Pretenders, the Police, and Fairground Attraction were some of her favorites. After spending time working in British Columbia planting trees, Graves released her debut album in 1995. The album, titled Piece by Piece, was a simple "bare-bones" affair but was very folk-oriented. In 1998, her second release made some inroads into the Ottawa folk circuit. Critics and fans enjoyed the album, Facing Me, for its witty lyrics as well as a bigger, layered sound. In 2001, Graves had one of her busiest years, releasing the acclaimed Stray on Brave Music. A cross-country tour of Canada followed, as well as performances with Ian Tamblyn and Jennifer Noxon. That same year, she performed as a member of Malaika, an a cappella group in Ottawa. Added to that was her conducting a jazz vocal workshop in Banff, Alberta. Graves has been compared to Sheryl Crow and Heather Nova. She also willingly admits that she writes "downer music." She also has been praised by singers such as Luka Bloom for an engaging songwriting style. ~ Jason MacNeil, Rovi