by abby samuelson
photo courtesy of kara marni
Representing London’s best in R&B is Kara Marni, producing cool beats and smooth melodies to get anybody dancing. She’s recently released her new EP State of Mine and has such an incredible story behind her work, between mental health struggles and learning how to record and produce on her own during lockdown. She’s learned how to deal with getting out of her head and into her music — bringing her listeners into her vulnerable state that truly captures the raw emotion that she ultimately turns into a strength. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with her here!
What’s been your favorite song to record so far?
Kara: “‘Trippin’ because it was the first song I recorded myself in #ShedLeopardStudios, AKA my garden, and was super proud that I actually managed to make it sound somewhat professional!”
Let’s hear about your track “Over You.” What does Toni Romiti bring to the feature on this single?
K: “I love that Toni displayed her strong female perspective in her verse, ‘Back to brand new, like I never even knew you,’ and flipped a rubbish situation she was put by an ex and used it to empower herself.”
Has handling your music career surrounding Covid changed at all?
K: “Yes, during this process I’ve become a lot more self sufficient in all aspects. I’m now able to properly record my song ideas myself; from playing chords on guitar/piano into logic, comping my vocals, mixing and etc. It’s actually been really liberating. Now I can do what I want, when I want, and how I want!
Tell us about your single “2nd Nature.” What is it about and what’s your message you’d like your listeners to hear?
K: “I wrote ‘2nd Nature’ during lockdown about being so comfortable with someone that being around them became addictive. I really wanted to reflect another angle of the song with the video so I played on the title by utilizing three elements of nature — fire, water, and air. And it’s based on how my feminine energy in control of the elements.”
What’s your favorite childhood memory from your hometown?
K: “Trips to Kenwood — a place near me where I spent most my childhood covered in melted ice cream and fizzy drinks, many happy memories there. And also going trips to Camden Town has always been somewhere I’ve associated with one of my idols Amy, and when I walk around I always feel like there is a presence there.”
What’s your favorite track on your new EP State of Mine?
K: “‘Sick Of Me,’ my most vulnerable song off State Of Mine. Wrote it during the height of lockdown when I was really struggling being with my thoughts 24/7 with no distractions from being able to go out and do stuff and when my anxiety was thriving. If any of you reading this have also wished you could escape your mind for a bit, then this ones for you.”
Who is someone specific you’d like to collaborate with?
K: “Kehlani… she’s an absolute queen.”
What’s your favorite part from playing at festivals?
K: “Seeing people know all the words to songs I started off writing at home… will never get old.”
Who has inspired you most to get where you are today?
K: “Mummy Marni, she has always taught me to feel the fear and do it anyway and to go after my dreams no matter how unattainable others think it is.”
Can you tell us of any potential projects you have coming up?
K: “I may or may not be releasing something I’ve never done before… an acoustic EP… stay tuned!”