From small town Wentworth NSW to the big city lights of Melbourne to Los Angeles, California, Karly Jewell brings her own version of Rock n Roll. Karly has played Melbourne venues such as the Corner Hotel, Revolver, First Floor, THE WORLD FAMOUS WHISKEY A GO GO and the Espy. She pours her all into her music and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Karly about her music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create?
The Band and I are based in Melbourne Australia. We are a four-piece Rock & Roll Band creating songs that bring new sounds and sometimes crossing over Genres without even trying. Sometimes its even been hard to describe a track under a certain Genre because they taste a little of everything when we bring them to life. We kind of just let the songs fall into place. We crossover heavy rock, pop/rock and much more. Our sound has been described as Big driving Rock Riffs, solid Rock Bass even crossing over to electronic feelings, touch of grunge with some of the hardest hitting drums. Lots of flavour in there. Our shows get pretty intense and Rocking but at the same time keeping that straight up Aussie Rock. We like to stay real plug in and go as hard as we can.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going.
I grew up with music from a very early age. For me writing and playing guitar was my escape and when I couldn’t talk about things, I would get it all out with a song and my guitar. I wanted to write from a young age so I was guided on this craft by my Grandfather. He told me the most important thing is you write for you know one else don’t try and be someone you’re not or what others might want to hear or you’ll lose your story. Tell it how it is making sure you start it right, get a bloody good hook in there and wrap it up to end the song and overlook what just happened in this story. I was 5 so I had years to learn.
Motivation comes from almost a fire inside, when you start it gets stronger and continues to grow. Music for me is something that feels like home to me I really don’t know anything else it’s just apart of what makes me the human that I am. When music takes over you become something more, feelings I never knew I could feel while pouring my heart out from hurt, pain and some of the greatest moments I’ve had all through music. When you connect with people, watch them dancing singing along or even crying because they relate and well it becomes something more, you’re connecting. Going on road trips meeting amazing people, playing shows with other bands and making your own history it all contributes and continues to drive me, keeps me doing what I love crafting my art and growing my rock and roll family and wanting more.
How is this new release different then previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The band and I have just recorded our first album to be released in June. We released the Official Sid + Nancy Video online as an introduction to let people know we are ready to rock. It was a track that could get you up and dancing. In a way I was saying world here I come. I had released Feels like earlier on digital platforms and some dark crossover electronic tracks previously but nothing like this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_0zmXb9hU
Name two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think my biggest challenge is keeping up with everything online all the platforms, keeping up can take a lot of hard work and time. Apart from that I love the digital world what a way to reach out and discover new artists and bands. Technology has opened doors so you don’t even have to leave your house to be working with other artists in the world and connecting with others in the music. So much can be done online.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I love being able to buy and hold my favourite artists Vinyls and CDs. I also think being able to give someone a Cds after a show is more personal from one hand to another it’s a way of being able to keep on closer level with everyone that keeps your dream going. I also know each band member still buy all their favourite CDs and vinyls we always hit up records stores together when we are in the states its our favourite thing to do.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple music? Or something else? Why?
I think they’re all great platforms in their own way. I guess it depends on the artist I love using Spotify. I always use The Triple J unearthed as another platform to upload and share tracks its another great way to get music out.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
FB Band page @karlyjewell Insta @karlyjewell Twitter @karlyjewell Triple j unearthed, YouTube all the places. New website coming with all new exciting news and things more links etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_0zmXb9hU
Anything else before we sign off?
Stay tuned for the Phoenix album and more exciting news. I am thankful for the past year and recent months teaming up with Manager Mark Dalbeth MGMT- Management to help bring a massive year ahead. In the meantime, Check the video out share it around and I hope you enjoy. Thanks for the time and for getting to know us.
