We all have tears in our hearts, & soul-searching can truly be a maze. But, as we stay close to our dreams, we all have, “Lost The Spark.” At least once in our life. Check out what Karianne Jean has to say.
When did you start singing?
I’ve been a singer all my life. My mom is an awesome singer herself so that passion for it is something she shared with me very early on. I started writing when I was around 11 or 12 years old, and just never stopped.
Which instruments do you play?
Most of my life my only instrument was my voice, but once I picked up the guitar it had opened a whole new level to music, and songwriting for me. Am I the next Hendrix? Absolutely not, but I do what I can with the guitar! lol
Describe your musical interests and abilities.
Music has a way of evoking emotion that I think is really special. I know for me when I’m writing a song or performing, there is just no high like it. As far as abilities, I sing and I write songs.
As far as my writing, I love to use a song to tell a story. Once those songs I have written are released, then you’ll see a variety of subject matter. I’m not all about, “he loves me, he loves me not,” songs. There are those too, but I get a lot broader with my story lines. I love to study how different people are, and that comes through in my writing. We all have a story, and I get to tell it! lol
What famous musicians inspire you?
There are so many amazing musicians out there, especially in country music. The most inspirational to me is Kelly Clarkson. Her voice is the most amazing sound I have ever heard in life (she is the queen!) Her words really speak out to me.
I hope we can be best friends someday because I see a lot of me in her, haha! I think our personalities would mesh really well. I mean, that’s in the creepiest fan girl way possible lol.
I’m also a big fan of Kacey Musgraves, she’s an excellent writer. I grew up in a small town living on country music, especially 90s country. That’s where my heart, my values, and my voice are.
What are some of your best musical memories?
One magical memory is the first time I performed for an audience. I had sung forever, but when I was young I wouldn’t let anyone hear me. I’ve always been a perfectionist who didn’t want to sing for people unless my voice was perfect. My freshmen year of high school I tried out for the school musical on a whim. I was cast as, “Glenda the Good Witch,” in, “The WIZ.” No one even knew I could sing or that I sang at all. All they knew was a cheerleader who would get good grades! lol.
My part was at the end of the play, and I was rolled out on a cart in a big pink sparkly dress. I sang the, “Believe in yourself reprise,” and hit every note perfectly. My mom who is my biggest fan said, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.” That feeling from the crowd, and the high of a mic in my hand was the most magical feeling in the world. After, it was hard to take the mic from me!
What have you previously released?
I’ve really been putting my time in writing and recording. I have had the pleasure of meeting a very talented producer and writer in Studio City, CA: Craig Stull. Him and his wife have taken a real interest in me, and have helped me get tracks laid down in the studio.
I just released the first song I sang for him, which is just a taste of what is to come. The song is called, “Lost the Spark.” It was written by Craig Stull, Candace Chase, and Jillian Banks.
I’m very excited to be making my iTunes début with the coming tracks! That will be a very cool milestone for me.
What advice would you have for beginners?
Gosh, I would say… own it. Do YOU. There are so many people out there who will tell you that you aren’t good enough, but don’t buy into that. Believe in yourself and believe in your craft.
God puts passion in our hearts and talent in our hands to use them, to enjoy them, and to prosper. We are on this earth to thrive and to do anything, and everything we can imagine. Don’t ever forget how powerful you are.
Be patient and take every opportunity that is laid before you, and if it feels right in your heart. It is widely believed that only a few lucky ones can make it in music but that’s a lie. There is more than enough success to go around 100 times over.
How do you balance your music with your family and friends?
You know, there isn’t much balance needed. My family, my friends, and my boyfriend are all so incredibly loving and supportive. They are on this journey with me every step of the way. I got rid of the, “frienemies,” a long time ago! The ones who made me feel like I had to choose between music, or them. When I have time to just hang with my family and my friends I do it, and when it’s time to make music, I make music.
What should we be expecting from you next?
I have a song I co-wrote with Craig Stull, and I am so incredibly excited. The instrumentals are currently being recorded so it’s getting there. It’s still in the works, but we are very excited to release that as soon as possible.
That song will be BIG for me, I can feel it. I really think my genies (fans) are going to love it, and I think it’s something they will be able to relate to.
I strongly believe that we have the power to achieve anything we set our minds to or, “grant our own wishes,” if you will.
They are granting my wishes by supporting me in this crazy musical journey! It has so many special meanings & every single person that supports me in my music is special to me so that is what I’m talking about when I say Genies lol.
Where can we follow your career at?
I am most active on twitter but I am on many social media sites. I’ll leave the links below. On YouTube I have my first release posted as well as countless videos of me doing covers. You will notice most of them are filmed in my car. I like to call that, “Kar-Karaoke.” lol. The car is where I am able to balance sound the best so that has been my chosen place for much of my time.
Lost the Spark
LINKS:
http://www.KarianneJean.com
About Johnny Naylor:
Johnny Naylor is the founder and owner of 1st Shot Music and a feature writer for Jammerzine. His work can also be found on 1st Shot Music and Naylor’s Notes. You can also get his latest updates on his facebook page.