After briefly returning last year to deliver her wondrous offering 'Heart Finds', New York-based singer-songwriter Kara Ali is back on the grind once again to deliver her woozy new outing 'Old Pictures From High School'.
Capturing more of that warm and immersive folk-pop aesthetic she has earned a reputation for, 'Old Pictures From High School' makes for an incredibly rich and vibrant listen. With her captivating vocals spread across a dazzling production from start to finish, she is certainly looking to turn some heads with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My voice was definitely the original instrument for me. I was practically “born singing” in my mother’s words and would frequently sing while she or my aunt accompanied me on piano. Later I learned to love the sound of the piano with lessons starting at age 5 or 6, but I ultimately fell in love with the feeling of the guitar in my early teens, and that became my homebase.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger I loved motown, showtunes, and anything with really powerful female vocals (think Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross). I also had a true appreciation for classic/soft rock (The Police, Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers, Chicago) and yacht rock, so much so that I wore out a Steely Dan greatest hits CD with one too many spins and scratches from my walkman.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Among my first albums were probably S Club 7’s debut album and John Mayer’s Room for Squares.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I really wish I could have written “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, and performed by Bonnie Raitt. It is just such a heartbreaking, earnest and beautiful ballad that I come back to time and again.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I use voice memos a lot in my process! I will typically start with guitar and vocals and maybe record a riff with scratch lyrics or humming. Sometimes I won’t come back to that phrase until months later but when I’m feeling the right mix of both focus and inspiration I will typically put pen to paper to write out the chorus and verses (and sometimes a bridge) and fully flesh out the song. As I’ve gotten more into production, I’ve also started with a beat or melody in Logic and then worked through it there to try and achieve new sounds. I’ve learned that setting aside formal time in my schedule really helps to ensure I am accountable.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’m into a smattering of vibes. A ton of nu-disco, some R&B, fun pop, modern softer and harder rock, and music that just brings a new energy. JUNGLE, Khruangbin, Remi Wolf, Chappell Roan, FLETCHER, Maggie Rogers, Sabrina Carpenter, The Beaches, The Last Dinner Party, WILLOW, Olivia Dean, and Tinashe are all in rotation right now.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Opening for Stevie Nicks would be legendary.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me, learning to produce and be more and more self-sufficient in my home studio has been incredibly rewarding. I love the process of finding the sounds that work best for the song and it’s something I want to get better and better at. I’m lucky to have such great collaborators who can help with finishing production and mastering to really bring the work to the next level.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Trying to get your music in front of the right audience can be frustrating. There is just so much good music out there now, indeed too much for any one person to consume! On the bright side, accessibility has never been better with social platforms and advances in music equipment, but oversaturation can be discouraging at times.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t be afraid to take risks because that’s how you grow. I think most artists have a fear of failure, but if it leads to paralysis it does nobody any favours. Above all, stay true to yourself and make music that you love. Don’t chase trends; Show up authentically and if you do, your music will find its audience naturally.
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Kara Ali's new single 'Old Pictures From High School' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.