Full Sail Stories

On Full Sail’s campus, Crystal Kay’s band was deep into rehearsal as the international recording artist sat down to talk about her next chapter. The J-Pop and R&B artist, who rose to fame as a teenager in Japan, is preparing for her first North American tour, and was brought to Full Sail by Recording Arts grad and Hall of Fame inductee Tremaine Williams, who is leading the project and bringing students into the process.

“It's going to be my first time properly meeting my [North American] fans in person,” Crystal said. “That's why it's wild. I am still kind of in disbelief that we're actually doing a tour.”

The tour unofficially kicked off with an intimate show in the Full Sail Live Venue, where Crystal performed to an audience of local fans and students. The performance gave her a chance to connect with Orlando audiences before heading to larger stages across the country.

For Tremaine, bringing Crystal to campus was about more than just finding a rehearsal space; it was a chance to give students insight into the touring process in a familiar environment.

“From every aspect of the show, I have students helping,” shares Tremaine. “The big goal was, every degree program, for the most part, the major ones, there's a job in touring. And I wanted to help showcase that.”

The Live Venue show and rehearsals opened the door for students to get hands-on with the production. Students gained experience in areas like video content, stage management, and technical support, while getting a behind-the-scenes look at how a tour comes together.

And the Full Sail connection extended to the stage itself. Crystal’s band featured bassist Montez Garner, a Full Sail grad and friend of another band member, who joined the project alongside other professional musicians.

“The band is over there practicing right now. I don't have to go babysit them,” said Tremaine. “They're good, and I know they're in a good space.”

A 2004 Recording Arts graduate and Hall of Fame inductee, Tremaine built his career as a producer, engineer, and specialist in global touring operations, working with artists like Usher, Bruno Mars, and Mariah Carey. After years of collaborating on major tours and productions, Tremaine recently stepped into a new role as Crystal’s manager, a move that grew out of their friendship and creative partnership.

“It wasn't like I was chasing it down or whatever,” he said. “It's my friend, and I want to help my friend.”

Since debuting at just 13 years old, Crystal has built a 25-year career in Japan, with a sound that blends J-Pop and R&B influences, drawing inspiration from artists like Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. Her upcoming “CK25” tour celebrates her quarter-century milestone, while also introducing her sound to new audiences across North America.

While visiting, Crystal and her family also had a chance to explore the Full Sail campus, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“We were just saying how amazing this school is. My mom was like, ‘If I knew this was happening when I was younger, I'd definitely go to school,’” Crystal recalled with a laugh. “I would've loved to go to a school like this.”