Kari songwriting skills have been shared with other amazing singers. Kimberly Locke was privileged enough to have Kari right a song on her debut album. Some other artists that have sang Kari's songs are Gloria Gaynor, Joy Williams, and Samantha Moore.
Here the interview I did with Kari:
Describing music is always really hard-- I play piano, so everything is pretty much starts there, but I still love to rock out a bit, so I love the gritty guitars also! The best was to describe it is to say it�s Sheryl Crow meets Carole King meets me.
What was it like the first time you heard your song on the radio?
It was definitely interesting- I wasn�t sure if I was hearing things, or if it was me singing. I was in the gym, and I heard something that sounded like my voice, then I realized it was me - I wanted to tell the people next to me I was singing on the radio, but then I thought they would think I�m crazy.
You�re an amazing songwriter. Is there anyone else besides Kimberly Locke who you have wrote a song for?
Thank you. I�ve written songs for Gloria Gaynor, Joy Williams, and some overseas artists. But I sing most of what I write. All of the songs I write for film and t.v. I have sung.
Where do you get your inspirations for your songs?
Most of the songs I write are either from personal experiences, or something I would like to write about- even if I haven�t gone through it. Songwriting, for me, can be a lot like acting. Sometimes I don�t feel what I�m writing- it could be a story I imagine. But sometimes it�s something that�s very personal to me and I�ve either experienced it at one time or am experiencing it as I�m writing the song
What is the hardest thing about recording an album?
I would say the hardest thing- at least for me- is having the patience to see it to the end. When you hear the same song about 100 times, you tend to get sick of it- even if it�s the greatest song in the world. You first write the song, then have to track all the instruments, then do vocals, then do background vocals, then do overdubs (laying down or fixing instruments), then mix� so, you can listen to one song hundreds of times before it�s done.
Would you ever join a group?
I might at some point in my life, but probably not right now. I know so much of what I want to do musically and wouldn�t want to give that up yet.
Has singing always been your passion?
Oh yes- I�ve been singing since I was 3 years old- probably before I could even talk. I didn�t realize that I wanted singing and songwriting to be my career until I was in high school- but I�ve always loved singing. It�s always made me happy.
If you weren�t singing what would you be doing?
Hmmm. I guess if I wasn�t singing, I would be a veterinarian. I used to work at an animal hospital- and at one time, I was going back and forth between being a vet or singing and writing music. I�m glad I made the decision that I did.
What was it like making the video for �It�s Not Just Make Believe�?
It was my first time making a music video, and my first experience was great. Everyone on the set was so nice. There were all these guys working on the �girl�s bedroom� set and they kept playing with all the stuffed animals- they had me cracking up the whole time- it was really fun!
Are you signed with a record label?
No- I�m signed with Chrysalis Publishing and I�m working on my record with them.
What is your favorite song that you have wrote?
They pretty much keep changing. I would say � at the moment, my favorite song is called �To Make You Smile� I like it because it�s really fun and singable. It�s something you don�t really have to think about- it just feels good.
Where can your fans find out more about you?
The best place is on my website www.karikimmel.com or on my street team.
What is to come in the future with your career?
Hopefully finishing up my record and writing more for film and t.v. I love what I�m doing now, so I just want to do more of it!
Is it important for you to write your own music?
When I first started singing I didn�t care if I wrote all my own music. But, since I�ve been writing, it�s become more of a focus for me and I have developed such a passion for it. I think when a songwriter sings what they have written, they can interpret it and express it in a way that no one else can. It came from their heart and their soul, and even if they don�t have an amazing voice, the passion is usually there and a sort of magic can be captured.
Do you get recognized out in public?
I have a few times. Not too often. It�s fun when it happens, but I also think it�s nice to be able to go out and not have to worry about that.
Random Quick Questions
Who�s in your CD player?
Right now my friend Busbee- he�s an amazing singer/songwriter. Besides him, mixes of songs I�m finishing up.
Do you collect anything?
I collect coins from other countries. When I was really young, my grandfather gave me part of his coin collection. So, every time I travel I add to it, and every year he gives me more and more coins from his collection.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Yes
How old are you?
23
Interview and Posted December 2004
Kari's Yahoo Group