Karen Harding is an up and coming new artist from Melbourne, Australia. We shared her song, I’ve Got A Secret, recently and I wanted to find out a little more about Karen. See how we got on below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled I’ve Got A Secret, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
I did! I’ve Got A Secret is the first and title track from my upcoming EP and is all about the secrets that are hidden behind the highlight reels that we share publicly.
The idea is that sharing the vulnerabilities becomes so much more daunting, the longer we hide them. The track was written during early lockdowns in Melbourne, when I was sitting playing with my guitar.
How has the reception been so far, and where can I’ve Got A Secret be purchased?
The reception has been absolutely amazing for this track. I am so grateful for everyone that has been supporting the release. The EP, I’ve Got A Secret, can be purchased in both digital download and CD format at Bandcamp by heading to https://ka…ndcamp.com.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I do. I have now also released the 2nd single from the EP, Til The Ocean Meets The Shore, and the 3rd will be released at the beginning of September, with the full EP coming out in early October. I also have a couple of songs ready to go once this project is finalised. I have been working on some tracks with an amazing family in Argentina and cannot wait to share them.
You’ve also released an EP with the same name. What can you tell us about the EP?
That’s right. The EP tracks were all written during early Melbourne lockdowns and are expressions of different emotions that I moved through during that time. Til The Ocean Meets The Shore talks about acknowledging how far we have come within our own personal journeys and declaring that we will not give up. Drive Away talks about the desire to escape our lockdown ‘captivity’ and just drive away.
The final track, Letter To My Friend, is a personal expression of the emotions felt as a number of people close to me became unwell and went through difficult times.
Have you started writing for another EP/album, or is it too soon?
At the moment, I’ve just been focusing on singles that will be released after the EP project is finished. I am always looking to explore and grow and I feel like there is so much musical growth coming through these singles and collaborations that I’m working on. There is absolutely going to be an album in the works soon though. It’s definitely on the cards.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
For many, the pandemic definitely hindered their music, however for me, it was the pandemic that allowed me to begin sharing my music – it was during this time that I released my first single, and I think if I hadn’t had that time and space during lockdowns to reflect and explore, it may not have happened.
That being said, it did cause some challenges with the production phase and we had to get creative as to how we moved around those challenges.
Your music is rather folky. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I was always drawn to artists that had an ability to tell a story, share emotion in their vocals and could capture you as they sang. I grew up with artists such as Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman, Carole King and Linda Rondstadt and I was always in awe when I heard them.
I would say my biggest influences with my vocals to date are Eva Cassidy, Sarah McLachlan and Sara Bareilles.
You’re based in Melbourne. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
The Melbourne music scene is amazing.. This city is filled with incredible artists and there are loads of opportunities to check them out. I am always blown away by the incredible talent that comes out of the Melbourne indie scene.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not at this stage. I would love to come and visit the UK though… I haven’t seen it since I was 15 years old. I think it’s about time 😉
Any last words for the fans?
I just want to say thank you so much for all of your support.
If you would like to find more of my music, you can head to:
www.karenh…gmusic.com
https://li…dingmusic1
Thank you for having me.