Posts tagged "Karen McCormick"

On Repeat: Kären McCormick!

Ever caught yourself drifting away to the sweetest daydream starring the one guy who makes your entire heart light up? Yep, we’ve all been there and Kären McCormick has the perfect song to be the background to your love-filled daydreams!

Country/pop singer-songwriter Kären McCormick recently released her sophomore single, “We Were on Fire” on August 31st and we cannot stop pressing repeat! The sweet melody matched with cool but captivating lyrics will take you on a  journey from summer into fall. It simply unlocks the magic of beautiful memories of falling for your one true love.

 

Produced and mixed by Lucas Hathaway, the single was recorded at the famous Treasure Isle studio in Nashville, TN. The track was written solely by McCormick and encompasses a contemporary country/pop sound similar to Kelsea Ballerini and Danielle Bradbery, among others.

McCormick explains, “I wanted to write a song that embodied a relationship that is so happy and so good, everyone wishes they could have it. It’s one of the happiest songs I’ve ever written, and that in itself makes me so happy as a writer.”

Listen NOW: Soundcloud

Download HERE on iTunes: “We Were On Fire”

Follow more of Kären McCormick’s music here!

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Spotlight x Karen McCormick!

What happens when your passion for music + beautiful vocals perfectly collide? An undeniable artist full of creativity, talent + energy sprouts up on the scene named Karen McCormick! Her captivating voice + inviting guitar creates musical magic for her audience + listeners to enjoy while being inspired.

Homegrown country pop artist Karen McCormick is a Washington based singer and songwriter. Raised on the contemporary country sounds of Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and more, Karen began honing her guitar and songwriting skills at the young age of 13. After posting videos of her performances to YouTube, Karen caught the attention of many new fans, including NBC The Voice’s Terry McDermott who invited her be the opening act at his show. She has amassed over 830,000 views worldwide and continues to interact with her growing fan base who is eager to hear the release of her highly anticipated debut single “Just A Song“ on March 16, and her debut EP due later this year.

Let’s get to know Karen a little better…

You first picked up a guitar and began your musical journey at the young age of 13! Why was it important for you to express yourself through song + music?
Up until I turned 13, we had moved around quite a bit. Music had been something that remained constant for me. I had joined the church choir, then joined the school choir, and it was evident that I loved singing. But when I started to play guitar and write my own songs, I found it was the easiest way for me to express myself and I didn’t want to stop!

You have created an amazing following with over 800,000 views on YouTube! How has social media played a role in building a community + sharing your gifts? And why is it important to be proactive in going for your dreams by creating your opportunities + not just waiting?
Social media is an amazing tool and platform — especially for independent artists like myself. Artists have the ability to reach international audiences without a record label! That’s incredible. I would feel like I was doing myself and potential listeners a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that social media platforms can provide. More importantly, we only have one life and nothing is guaranteed — why not go all out for your dreams?

At the age of 22, you already have your debut single, “Just a Song” releasing on March 16th! Is it tough to tap into your emotions and pour your thoughts + vulnerabilities in your music?
I’ve actually found that music is the easiest place for me to be vulnerable and share my emotions. For me, if I write a song about a situation, then perform that song for an audience, every time it gets easier and easier — because I’ve processed the event and I’ve moved on. At that point, the song is for the audience. It’s for them to listen to and connect with and hopefully relate to.

You’ve opened for Terry McDermott of NBC’s The Voice + performed for countless festivals + concerts​, how does performing live inspire you in the music you write to connect with your listeners?
What I love about music is that it can bring together a group of people with completely different upbringing, ages, or beliefs. Music has no boundaries, no rules. When it comes to performing, if I’ve connected with just one person in the audience, I feel I’ve done my job. And I’m proud. As a songwriter, singer, entertainer, I feel my job is to help listeners forget about what is going on in their everyday lives and just have a good time during those two hours of my set.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
For me, empowerment is taking control of your life. I’ve wanted to sing since I was 16 years old, but along the way I’ve lacked confidence in myself and my ability to go after those aspirations. Now I’m 22, and I feel like I can accomplish my goals as long as I believe in myself and work hard. It’s realizing that you have the ability to create your own path and the only thing that can stop you, is you holding yourself back. So don’t! 😉

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?
It’s scary! I completely understand and 100% relate to being apprehensive to following your dreams. But think about it this way — what’s stopping you? In my case, it’s always been me holding myself back. No one else. You have the ability to make your dreams and passions come true, all you have to do, is do it. This year, I created a vision board for myself so I could have a visual representation of my goals and see them every day. It’s helped me so much! I wake up, see my goals, and ask myself, “What am I going to do today that will help me get one step closer to accomplishing these goals?”

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Celeb Crush: Nick Jonas! Ugh, I’ve been waiting for him to realize I exist since I was like, 13!
Artist: Carrie Underwood. She has mastered the balance of having an incredible career and a family. I love that about her.
Food: Pizza, pizza, and still pizza. Though I’m boring…my favorite flavor is cheese!
Movie: I don’t have a favorite movie, because I have several favorites! But one that I can never get tired of is 10 Things I Hate About You!

Make sure to download her DEBUT single “Just A Song” on iTunes on March 16th!

 

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Spotlight Karen McCormick

We love to spotlight empowering girls achieving  their dreams  and we’re delighted to share  that one of our past featured females is on her way to the top!

Last August we featured talented songstress Karen McCormick on C.O.R.E Mag.  Her beautiful voice grabbed the attention of our ears as well as her growing fan base who can’t  get enough of her amazing gift she continues to share with the world!

Since we’ve  featured her she’s opened up for  for Terry McDermott’s of NBC’s “The Voice” as well as being invited to sing in Nashville!  We’re excited to announce that her acoustic version of her original song “A Better Man” will be available TODAY exclusively through signing up for her newsletter on at KarenMccormickMusic.com. So head over and sign up, loves!

karen

 

Take a peek at her beautiful covers for Meghan Trainor’s new single “Lips Are Movin'” + “The Heart  Wants What It Wants” by Selena Gomez.

 

Website: www.karenmccormickmusic.com

Twitter:
@KarenLMcCormick

Interview: Karen McCormick

Meet Karen McCormick!

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Feature, Latest | by — August 19, 2013

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“It all started with a Taylor Swift song!” Karen states when asked about how her love for country music came about. After hearing Swift for the first time while in the car with her father, she instantly became hooked, and started to work on creating a country music career of her own!

At the age of 13 she received her first guitar for Christmas and wrote her first song in 30 minutes that same day. Since then, this talented young lady has continued to write songs, played several fairs and festivals, as well as visited and performed in a variety of venues in Nashville, TN. Karen is currently working on writing more songs.
Let’s get to know Karen a little better…
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How did you first dive into music?
It started when I was about 7, my dad encouraged me to join the children’s choir at church. When I was 11, I was in the car with my dad and “Tim McGraw” by Taylor Swift came on. I absolutely fell in love with it. I learned more about Taylor’s career, and I wanted to be just like her. I started begging my dad to buy me a guitar and to take me to Nashville. When I was 13, he gave me my first acoustic guitar for Christmas. I haven’t put it down since!
Music is a powerful tool to express yourself, how has it impacted your life?
Music has changed my life in the most wonderful way possibly. I had a really hard time expressing myself when I was younger, and as soon as I started writing music, playing guitar, I found it was kind of therapy in a way. It makes me the happiest I’ve ever been and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What has been your favorite song you’ve covered? How long did it take you to learn?
“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry is my go to song for every performance I do. I love The Band Perry and I think it’s an amazing song. It took me a day to learn it, about a week to perfect it. I participated in a local talent show here called “Got Talent Spokane?” which was actually my first real gig for about 400 people, and I sang that song. The winner was determined by audience votes, and I ended up taking first place. I call my lucky song now. 🙂
What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to girls who wanted to pursue their dreams in music but are too nervous to start?
1. Go For it!
2. Believe in Yourself!
3. Have fun!
Music is such a natural thing for me, I have a hard time believing that people could nervous doing what I do. But of course I’m human and I have my insecurities and sometimes when I’m up on stage I worry “Are they enjoying this? What do they think of me?” Of course I want to make people happy with my music, that’s why I do it, but at the end of the day, I should only be concerned with about what I think of myself. Life is way too short to not take chances and take advantage of the opportunities, so if something comes along, go for it. The most important thing is to always believe in yourself and have fun. You’re capable of so much more than you may think!
If you could perform with anyone on stage who would it be and why?
I love this question! I would be honored to perform with so many people. But right now I’d have to say Taylor Swift. She’s an amazing writer and entertainer, I love that she really brings her songs to life when she’s on stage. I look up to her as a performer and hope to be at that level of success one day.
We are all about empowerment at C.O.R.E mag, What does empowerment mean to you?
To me empowerment is taking pride in yourself, and what you have. Being an African-American, it’s a little unusual that I sing country music. But being from Africa, and growing up with two parents from very different cultures, I am able to have different influences in my music, which in turn makes me different. It’s important to own what you have with confidence and take pride in what makes you, you.
 
Where do you see your music taking you in the next 5 years?
Right now I’m planning on moving to either Nashville, TN or Houston, TX within the next year. I’d love to work some songwriters and meet some important people in the country music industry. I’m hoping to record an EP or possibly a full length album. From there I really want to tour. I’d love to travel and see different parts of the world and share my music with people. It’s all up in the air, I’m taking it a day at a time!
Fave Food? Artist? Song? Celeb Crush?
Food: I love pizza, I would eat it every day if I could!
Artist: Taylor Swift! I love Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert as well.
Song: Right now it’s The Way by Ariana Grande. It’s such a fun song to dance too when I’m getting ready in the morning.
Celeb Crush: This is so hard! It tends to change..but I’d have to say Justin Bieber. He’s a cutie!

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*Talent Spotlight*

Good morning!

Need some morning music? Check out 17 year old singer/musician, Karen McCormick, as she covers some of today’s hottest songs!