Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Culi.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Since I can remember, music flowed all around me in unconventional ways. From crickets and birds chirping to the timing of a beeping microwave going off, almost everything inspired my ears. After several years of piano lessons under John McDaniel (Oxon Hill, MD), I picked up a guitar at 12. Fascinated by punk, blues, and hard rock, I went to my first major show (Warped Tour 2005) and saw acts like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Story of the Year, The Academy Is, Hawthorne Heights, Senses Fail, and New Years Day. From that day on, I decided I wanted to be one of those bands. I was singing, playing, and performing live. By the age of 16, I must’ve written about 100 songs. All that was later trashed. I started performing at local open mic nights and jams. Back then, my music was acoustic folk, which transformed into pop /hard rock recording with producer/guitarist Austin Bello from the band “Forever the Sickest Kids.”
I have released 4 singles that are currently available online, as well as a music video for the single “Mind’s Eye.” I have another single coming out soon (in late August, hopefully). I am working on an EP produced by Austin Bello to be released by 2023. I also honed in on producing and engineering. More recently, engineering for artists like Donnie Laces and Louie Bagz, amazing local rappers from the DMV. I play the role of Bae, leader of the Mambas. I am a supporting lead in the movie Bundles (2022) which is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, Amazon, etc., and releases on July 22nd. It will be available on BET Her in November. Currently, I am an executive producer and composer for a film by the name of Anna Key. This film is in pre-production.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Maybe I was on the road, but my journey was a roller coaster. I went through several cycles of bandmates and tried recording and releasing an album. However, after an injury that left me partially paralyzed, I had to take a break in 2016. It took several years to recover, and as soon as I could, I got back into the studio, even though I could only stand for about 10 mins at a time. By then, I took time to relearn and recover slowly. After buying a cheap electric drum set online, I spent an hour a day learning to play the drums thru trial and error. It was my escape from music because I could not play the guitar (I had to relearn how to play). The guitar was a different beast I had to tackle. From an original diagnosis of carpal tunnel to it being a pinched nerve, the pain took a toll on my ability to play and perform. During the recording process, I took breaks to avoid the possibility of numbness in my hand, which was inevitable at the time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an alternative/hard rock singer and musician. Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor. Producer and Composer. I am known for my stage presence, guitar riffs, and big voice. I am most proud of living my dreams while helping others. What sets me apart from others is that I am true to rock n roll, its roots, and the struggle, and no one else makes music like what I’m doing—combining old-school nostalgia with modern-day alternative riffs that are an ode to pop rock. I have also worked previously worked in entertainment, hospitality, as well as in wellness.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
You can learn some things on the Internet, but interpersonal skills are important in communication in all aspects, especially when finding a mentor. What has helped me is active listening, the ability to read the room, a positive attitude, knowing when to negotiate, and being open to feedback, whether good or bad. Be friendly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. But make sure you do your research, so you don’t waste anyone else’s time.
Pricing:
- Bundles (Movie) Releases July 22nd, Amazon, iTunes
Contact Info:
- Website: Karenculi.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/karenculi
- Facebook: Facebook.com/karenculimusic
- Twitter: Twitter.com/karenculi
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/4Jh9IiYJ-yk
- Other: Karenculi.hearnow.com
Image Credits
Maeva Komenan
