INTERVIEW: Karolina Rose — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Karolina Rose

___________

MY interview of the day...

is with Karolina Rose who tells me about her new E.P., Invicta, and the sort of themes/stories that inspired the songs; whether she has a favourite cut from the E.P. and which albums are most important to the songwriter.

Karolina Rose talks about moving from Wall Street to music and where she heads next; her love for Kate Bush and which rising artists we need to look out for – she selects a song I definitely adore and can get behind to end the interview with.

____________

Hi, Karolina. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m doing well, thanks. I’m on my way to rehearsal. I have a release party this week at Muchmore’s in Brooklyn.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hello. I’m Karolina Rose. I am indie singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn. These days, I like to focus mainly on dark, dreamy music.

Invicta is your new E.P. What inspired the songs and the themes addressed?

Invicta is a mix of songs that had to do with my mindset at the time - changing careers and transitioning to a polar opposite pursuit; finding courage to pursue one’s calling/dreams/whatever name you want to give it (Crystal Gem, Going to Berlin), exploring the power of a new love (Move with Me and Love Crazy); attraction to the unknown (Downhill) and exploring dream states (Goodnight, Mr. Moon).

Do you have a favourite song from the E.P.?

It’s between Goodnight, Mr. Moon and Downhill (smiles). They both hit upon a very strong mood and it makes them stand alone for me. Goodnight, Mr. Moon is sort of divulging the secrets of our dream state to process life.

Downhill is that simultaneous feeling of excitement and fear when pursuing something entirely new and unknown. It’s walking right through it and cutting it with a knife.

I believe you left your job on Wall Street before getting into music. What was the reason behind leaving that job when you did?!

It’s something I felt I had to do. Pursuing music has been a gradual evolution for some time and, at some point, I realized my thoughts were entirely consumed by music...so I felt I had no choice but to dive in and walk away.

Do you think you learned anything from your time there that you have brought into music?

My life was enriched in learning and growth with all the lovely people I worked with and I still miss them. I reach out to them often and perhaps in this way I still hold onto to a piece of that world.

When you were growing up, what sort of music did you listen to?

I listened to a combination of Alternative, Pop; Hip-Hop, Dance music and Polish and French music. I absolutely love Czeslaw Niemen from Poland - check out the legendary tune Dziwny Jest Ten Swiat. The live performance in Sopot in 1967, when he is dressed in a white suit with a bowl haircut, is amazing. It’s hard to find so here’s the only link.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

I think the first time I heard the crowd singing back my tunes. I was taken aback. That mutual feedback feeling is really something.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

So many artists I could mention...

I’d say The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is quite the masterpiece that I go back to.

Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love - her art has a poetic innocence and goodness that I live for.

Lungs and Ceremonials or any album by Florence + the Machine. I think listening to Florence lent to making me feel empowered to be a singer when I was in the Wall St.-music transition phase.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Kate Bush or Debbie Harry!

I’d request a few beautiful plants, an oil diffuser; lavender, very authentic Japanese green tea with pottery set; lots of champagne, some cozy throws and textures and things.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Brace yourselves. Haha, I don’t know. Maybe that living your dream is just lots of work that you can enjoy (a good amount of the time).

Do you think there are going to be any tour dates coming up?

Nothing I can announce yet. Follow me on Spotify, Songkick; Bandsintown or join on my website for the latest updates on that.

Might you come to the U.K. and perform this year?

Oh, I would really love that! I hope so! I’ll be sure to invite you (smiles).