Michael Stover has done it again. This time he brings me Kristen Karma, a Canadian electro dance pop artist that has connections to Lady Gaga, has shared the stage with names like Akon and DJ Lady Starlight. She has a new single out titled “Party Heroes” and has a certificate in Audio Engineering. She has a lot of fun on stage, has a great voice and has a bright future ahead of her. It was a treat sitting down with her to learn more about her career. It is my pleasure to introduce you Kristen Karma.
You are originally from Vancouver. What is the music scene like in Canada?
When I was playing the clubs and pubs in Vancouver it was predominantly a rock-pop/rock scene. A lot of the bands were influenced by Nickelback, Mariana’s Trench, Hedley, Faber Drive, etc. You can see some of those influences in my first alarm Destination Unknown. From there my sound evolved and more dance and pop was incorporated.
Tell me about your new single “Party Heroes.”
“Party Heroes” is a fun, energetic, get-up-and-dance type single. It’s got rockin’ guitar solos, combined with dance beats and catchy melodies that will leave you revved up and ready to take on anything. It’s all about having fun!
You have a certificate in Audio Engineering from Hot Sole Music. Tell me more about that process and what the experience was like working with Hot Sole Music.
When I was looking to get into the field of music after high school I explored many options but was drawn to the mechanics on how songs and albums where crafted in the studio. I researched the schools, teachers, class sizes, what was taught and ultimately decided to go with Kevin Williams from Hot Sole Music. Since then the school had morphed into Nimbus School of Recording & Media in Vancouver with Garth Richardson and Bob Ezrin. It’s the creating above just the lyrics and melodies that drove me to take the course. I love to be able to morph and play with different sounds and come up with something unique!
Tell me about your relationship with Judith Rabinovitch.
While I was in Vancouver I was taught and ultimately improved my vocal performance with Judith Rabinovitch. She’s fantastic and really helped me to grow as an artist!
You worked with Lil Jon on your single “Sirens.” What was that like? He’s quite the character and an incredible rapper.
I was working with a team out in Toronto who had worked with Lil Jon in the past with great success. We decided to write a song which my team ultimately had him featured on. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually get a chance to meet him face to face for the recording.
Tell me more about your connections to Lady Gaga.
In 2013 Lady Gaga was on tour promoting her Born This Way Album. I had met the organizer that was putting on her VIP after party (in part with Interscope Records), and decided to reach out to perform at it. I submitted my music, followed up consistently and made my case for the slot and ended up opening up the night! I ended up opening for DJ Lady Starlight (Lady Gaga’s tour opener). In 2017 she was coming back around again for the Joanne World Tour and again was selected to play the night which was a blast!
I saw Akon in Las Vegas once. You actually opened for him a couple of years ago. What was that experience like and did you get to spend much time with him?
Akon was amazing and quite the performer! It was such a blessing to open for him at the Guelph Concert Theatre on one of his stops on his Canadian promo tour. After the show he made sure to meet (and take photos) will all the performers before he met his fans.
How did you connect with MTS Management Group?
I was introduced to MTS about a year ago through another local band who was working with them. They had such wonderful things to say about the team that I knew I had to work with them! It’s been such a ride and we are only just beginning!
You were selected to Indie Week 2018 in Toronto at Brooklynn Bar. Tell me more about that experience and what Brooklynn Bar is all about.
Being a part of the Indie Week 2018 was such a blessing. There are so many cool and upcoming bands from around the world that were selected and it’s neat to get a chance to be able to check them out. Brooklynn Bar is a really hip lounge/club with eclectic and funky artwork, a decent stage and had a good crowd!
You are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… What is your favorite social network?
I’d have to say it’s a toss-up between Instagram and Facebook. Both I post and interact with my fans on a daily basis, and it’s always cool to be tagged in photos or posts and see how my fans are loving my music!
I don’t see any upcoming tour dates on your website. Big tour planned this summer?
I’ll be heading in the studio next month to work on some new material and am waiting until I have some new music to share with my fans to they may enjoy the live experience to the fullest when I get up on stage next.
You have some pretty cool shirts for sale. Tell me more about the “I’m A Supersonic Barbie” shirt.
I wrote a song called “Supersonic Barbie” a while back and thought that was a pretty cool slogan for a shirt!
What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down to write a new song or do they just come to you?
I’m always writing something down whether it’s a chord progression, lyric, melody or any ideas I have. I have a notebook, voice memos and notes everywhere. When I head into the studio I usually bring the best of what I have and a pretty rough demo and we work on it until we find something we love!
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
I went to see Avril Lavigne in 2003 when she released her debut album Let Go. I loved her stage presence, her songs, her attitude and most of all I can remember she invited a member of the crowd up to sing “Complicated” with her. The girl who went up got off stage and found herself next to me and had the best smile on her face for the remainder of the concert. That was my aha moment, and knowing I wanted to do that. I wanted to be able create those types of moments somehow…
What’s next for Kristen Karma?
I’ll be heading into the studio next month to start working on some new songs. The plan is to have an EP/album released at the end of the year/early next year.
Thank you for doing this. That was so much fun. After speaking with you, now I believe in karma! See what I did there? In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Don’t give up on your dreams. It may take a little longer or you might not see results right away, but keep pushing! Work at it every day and learn to believe in yourself.
Connect with Kristen Karma:
Website: http://kristenkarma.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenKarmaOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristen_karma
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kristenkarmaofficial
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