Kristen Karma is taking control of her own destiny with a Gold Award in one hand (personally given to her by HRH Prince Edward in 2009) and a black corset in the other. She effortlessly walks the line between an organized and responsibly rehearsed persona who has spent years studying the theory behind her music, and her alter ego who cannot refrain from gallivanting all over the stage during her pop/electronic performances. Karma not only wields a certificate in Audio Engineering from Hot Sole Music, but has studied voice with Judith Rabinovitch, who has worked with the likes of Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLachlan.
In 2013, Kristen Karma was selected as one of two performers to play the Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball After-party and open for Tour DJ/Lady Gaga BFF Lady Starlight in Vancouver. With rave reviews from her performance, she then went on to work with lil Jon on her single Sirens.
In 2017, she opened for Grammy Award Winner Akon in Guelph, Ontario on his Canadian Promo Tour. Hot off the heels of her performance, Kristen was then approached and selected to play the Lady Gaga – Joanne World Tour VIP After-party once again in Vancouver after Lady Gaga’s performance at Rogers Arena.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kristen about her latest music, technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
KK: I am a Pop Artists who grew up in Vancouver, and now reside in Toronto, Canada. My music is a combination of catchy dance beats, sick guitar solos and infectious pop melodies that make up my sound.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
KK: I’ve always been drawn to music but just didn’t know in what direction. Once I discovered my love for performing there really wasn’t any reason to look back. Right now it’s my mother who is a huge motivator within my music. She reminds me every day to believe in myself and how far I’ve come.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
KK: Party Heroes is different because I have a PR company (MTS Management) behind me. Before I’ve done smaller releases online but really wanted to make an impact with my new music this time.
Name one or 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)?
KK: The challenges I face are that there so much music being released out there all the time that it’s difficult to make an impact with my music. I’ve hired a PR company to help me with having my music stand out. Secondly, there is a pre conceived notion that music should be released all the time (sometimes on a weekly basis), which I prefer to release Quality over Quantity.
What was the last song you listened to?
KK: I’m always listening to what’s on the radio or on my playlists. As of right now it’s Avril Lavigne’s song Warrior.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
KK: The classic sound of Vinyl all the way!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
KK: Apple Music! I love the different playlist and how often they get updated.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
KK: I’m all over social media! Here are some of my sites to check out my music!
Website: www.kristenkarma.com
Instagram: @KristenKarma
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristenKarmaOfficial
Youtube: www.youtube.com/KristenKarmaOfficial
