IN CONVERSATION WITH KARIN ANN

Interview by Marie-Pauline Cesari & Thore Damwerth

Karin Ann is a talented artist who harmoniously blends her passion for music and fashion in her unique creative expression. We had the chance to meet her to talk about her art, her personal development and her love of music. Her unique style and desire to express herself shine through in her words, making her a captivating and intriguing artist to follow. And keep an eye out, there is more to come!

Hello Karin Ann. For our readers who haven’t had the luck to get to know you yet, could you please introduce yourself and describe your musical style?

That’s quite an interesting question. I’m not very good at this, but I’m an artist. I sing and write songs, and I also try to get involved in the visual aspects of my work. In terms of my musical style, I’ve experimented with various genres over the years because I’ve been pursuing this for a while. I’ve dabbled in everything from pop to rock and pretty much anything and everything in between.

I enjoy exploring different musical avenues, but currently, I’m leaning more towards a folk-inspired direction with some influences from the 70s. Right now, I’m really focusing on honing my lyricism. 

Where does your passion for music come from, and when did you know exactly you would become a singer? 

I’ve always had a deep love for music. It’s been a part of my life since I was a child.

My mother is Czech, and she’s a big fan of musicals. So, growing up, I was introduced to Czech musicals along with music from iconic bands like the Beatles and Queen. I’ve always had this passion for music, but I never really considered pursuing a career in it, especially because it’s not strongly encouraged or supported in Slovakia. 

Originally, I thought I’d pursue visual arts. I was passionate about drawing and various forms of arts and crafts. I even went to school for graphic design. However, I encountered an injury that forced me to leave art school. It was a lifelong dream, and suddenly, I couldn’t pursue it anymore.

When you have a means of self-expression that’s taken away from you, it’s natural to seek alternative outlets. That’s when I started writing songs. There wasn’t a specific moment when I thought, ‘This is becoming serious; this is my path.’ It began as a way to express myself and have fun, and over time, it developed into something more significant. It’s a wonderful coincidence and a beautiful artistic journey that I’m currently on. It was a challenging time, but it ultimately led to something different, and I genuinely appreciate what I’m doing now. I suppose everything negative can have a silver lining.

In an interview, you described yourself as an introverted person, even though you address taboo topics in some of your songs, like in ‘looking at porn’. How do you reconcile your introverted personality with your willingness to tackle such bold and provocative subjects in your music?

I think it’s just that I don’t really think about people hearing my music when I’m making it. I’m never writing with the thought in my head, ‘Oh, this is how many people are going to hear this.’ I’m just writing whatever comes to my head and whatever I’m experiencing and whatever I’m seeing and whatever that eventually turns into is what I end up putting out.

I don’t realise that people hear my music until I am performing it live. Even when you see a number on social media your brain can’t comprehend that until it’s 3D. 

Do you remember your first show?

I’ve had the opportunity to participate in numerous supporting shows. To date, I’ve only had one headline show. It’s interesting because I genuinely enjoy these supporting shows, even though there’s a bit of contradiction involved. On one hand, you might think, ‘Well, nobody really cares about me,’ so there’s less pressure since the audience’s attention is primarily on the main act, not me. However, on the other hand, there’s a sense of determination to stand out and capture some attention from the crowd. So, it’s a bit paradoxical, but I find supporting shows to be quite enjoyable.

My first headline show took place in December 2021, which was a really special experience. 

What made it even more remarkable was that it was at a venue where I had once attended a show as an audience member. It felt surreal to be on the stage performing there! I’m planning to do more headline shows in the coming year, fingers crossed!

You’ve recently released your latest single “a stranger with my face”. It explores the theme of a queer spy romance set in 1950s Hollywood.  What was your inspiration for this single? 

I recently had a writing session with an artist I’ve admired for years. It was a bit nerve-wracking since I’m relatively new to these sessions. In the past, I did everything on my own, but now I’m collaborating with two talented individuals on my new music.

I usually like to have some ideas to work with, so I brought my journal and phone filled with notes. I stumbled upon recurring sentences: ‘Make me in your image put me in your words’, ‘I want to see what you make me’, ‘I want to see who I become’…We discussed its relatability and decided to make something out of it. And I think a lot of people can relate to it. To me it is relatable especially because I’m neurodivergent, I tend to adapt to other people. 

The song touches on the fear of losing oneself in someone else, putting them on a pedestal, and not knowing who you are without them. It explores unhealthy attachment and always being available. 

As for the music video concept, I considered a spy theme, as spies have to become someone else to gather information, which ties into the song’s theme. And when we were talking about the spy story, I was saying that I feel it would be really cool if it’s set in 1950s Hollywood and that’s where that whole thing came from! 

The music video for this song is a real movie, featuring Olympic skier and actor Gus Kenworthy. How was it like working with them? 

It was really fun, and I always wanted to do acting and music. And now I’m wanting to do more of it, hopefully. We’ll see in the future how it goes…The experience was excellent, even though it was quite intense. We shot the entire project in just three and a half days, working around 15 hours a day on set. It was a hectic schedule, but I genuinely enjoyed it.

I had the pleasure of working with directors I had previously collaborated with on my ‘if i fall for you’ video, so I knew it would be a great experience. In fact, I just finalized the second part of the video, which will be released with my next song!

We noticed from all your music clips that you are passionate about cinema. Have you ever considered making a career as an actress? 

I would love to. I’ve always wanted to do both acting and music. It’s always been something that I’ve been interested in. Earlier this year, I had a small cameo in a show that’s set to air next year. It was a blast, and I’m open to doing more, though it depends on the ongoing strikes as I support the writers and actors in their cause. So, we’ll see how that progresses. But who knows what the future holds. I would love to try it out and see!

BTS from the ’a stranger with my face’ video, directed by TUSK

You have been described as Europe’s version of Billie Eilish. How do you feel about this comparison, and what distinguishes you from her? 

I’ve always admired her. She’s been a favorite artist of mine since 2015. I love her music and her art. However, when people draw comparisons, it can turn into unnecessary competition. I believe every artist is unique, and I don’t want comparisons to taint my appreciation for her or other artists. I’m subconsciously inspired by her, but I’m focused on my own path and style. I hope people can see that and view any comparisons as compliments rather than competition

You’ve been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, even making waves on Polish state broadcaster TVP. What are your experiences as an activist in Eastern Europe, and what challenges have you faced in promoting LGBTQ+ equality in the region?

It’s been challenging, especially growing up as a queer person in Eastern Europe. However, I’m optimistic that things might be improving, thanks to the efforts of many young people advocating for change. The more these issues are discussed in mainstream media, the greater the chance for change. I’m using my platform to address important matters, and I see many young artists doing the same. It’s essential to remember that even one person’s actions can have a ripple effect when they share their message with others. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much progress to be made. 

Your lyrics touch on a wide range of topics, from gender equality to mental health. Could you elaborate on your songwriting process and how you approach these themes in your music?

I don’t have a specific formula for writing songs. I usually write about what’s on my mind at the time, as it helps me process my thoughts and feelings. I draw inspiration from life experiences, observations, and conversations with friends. Sometimes, I start with random notes on my phone, and other times, a song can come together in just a few minutes if something is weighing heavily on my mind. There’s no one way I write songs; it varies each time. When I’m in a session, I’m focused on songwriting, but when I’m on my own, it’s more about letting the words flow naturally !

Do you see music as a cathartic medium in a sense? 

I often refer to writing as my therapy because, being neurodivergent, it’s challenging to make sense of my thoughts. Writing helps me put my feelings into words. Sometimes, what seems like a silly song on the surface can reveal deeper emotions when I reflect on it, leading to unexpected moments of introspection and even tears.

I’m currently working on a lot of new material, and I’ve never been prouder of my music and lyrics. The recording process and my creative approach have evolved significantly. I’m still learning and growing, but I feel good about where I’m at. Writing and creating music have been instrumental in helping me navigate life.

Did the COVID lockdowns have an impact on your creative process? 

I began releasing music just as lockdowns were starting, which was an unexpected adjustment. Many people had challenging experiences during lockdown, but I was fortunate to have a more positive one. It allowed me to focus on my mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth. Having access to a cabin in the mountains played a significant role in my well-being.

I turned 18 during lockdown, and I’m now 21, which marked a period of significant change and maturation, regardless of the pandemic. It’s challenging to say whether my writing and approach to music evolved due to the lockdown or simply as a result of growing up. What matters is that I’m in a place where I appreciate what I’m doing and feel confident about it, which is something new for me

What role does fashion play in your personal life and career?

I have a deep love for fashion, makeup, and hair as means of self-expression, though I wouldn’t say I keep up with the latest fashion trends. I’ve always preferred carving my own path in the world of style.

My fashion sense tends to evolve over time. I’ve gone through phases, from oversized tracksuits to drawing inspiration from different eras like the 20s and Victorian times. Lately, I’ve even embraced what some might call ‘peasant core,’ a vintage village aesthetic with flowy skirts and corsets.

In terms of makeup and hair, I’m currently drawn to 20s-inspired looks. Tim Burton’s unique style has also been a significant influence on me. Fashion, makeup, and hair are essential ways I express myself, and my preferences are always evolving

What is your favourite movie from Tim Burton? 

I’ve always been a fan of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ A few years ago, around Halloween in 2020, I managed to convince my two sisters and my sister’s boyfriend at the time to do a group costume. We dressed up as henchmen, and my sister’s partner played the role of the one we were ‘kidnapping.’ It was a lot of fun and quite hilarious, and I absolutely loved it

Any exciting projects to share with us?

So the music video for ‘a stranger with my face’ part 2 is coming up along with a new song. I’ve got more exciting projects in the pipeline, but I can’t reveal them just yet. I’d suggest that if people enjoy my work, they keep an eye out because I’ll be announcing something significant soon, something I haven’t done before!