Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
Hello! My name is KARMAA. I was born and raised in Cali but I currently reside in North Texas. My artist name is KARMAA for 2 reasons. 1. It’s my first and middle names combined. 2. I’ve always believed what goes around comes around.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Music has always been a part of me. My mom says even to this day that I was dancing and singing before I was walking and talking. As a kid I always sang in the shower and was always trying to copy Missy Elliott and Ciara’s dancing. In high school the show GLEE really helped me through some tough times. From there I believed I could make this dream a reality. My parents said before we could pursue dreams we needed a college degree so I graduated quickly and in 2017 decided this was what I needed and wanted to do.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
I am not one to release few and far between. I am constantly releasing music. This upcoming album is very special to me. It is 16 songs, has 7 features between 6 tracks, and has hand selected beats. I decided that this project would be me taking my music back. I spent my first two years trying to fit in and be like everyone else that I had forgotten why I loved music. 2020 I decided to end that and made this album for me. It discusses my dreams, my fears, and my every thought. Every song is different and every song has a different vibe and message. It has something for everyone. Rap, EDM, Pop, R&B, etc.
What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?
My music is unique in that I don’t sound like anyone else. I’m an LGBTQ+ rapper, singer, songwriter who creates to relate. Each song has a message of some sort. I don’t label myself or stick myself into any one genre either. I have rock, EDM, pop, rap, r&b, etc. I hate labels and I hate allowing anything to define me. I am simply me. Take it or leave it.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I have so many influencers from Missy Elliott to the Goo Goo Dolls to Luke Bryan. I do find myself inspired mostly by Kehlani, Salt N Pepa, En Vogue, Madonna, Naya Rivera and the GLEE cast, Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, Shakira, Bad Bunny, Iggy Azalea, Teyana Taylor, FLETCHER, Britney Spears, RUSS, New Radicals, cuppcakKe, 112, Keith Sweat and so many others. My TOP 5 MUST COLLAB WITH’s include: RUSS, Missy Elliott, Camila Cabello, Kehlani and Taylor Swift.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
In June I released my song WERKK. I was hesitant to release it in fear of losing listeners. Then after talking with my momager, my engineers and a few artist friends I realized I would be doing myself a disservice by not releasing it. July 1, 2020 WERKK was awarded “Best Pop Song” by the World Songwriting Awards for Spring 2020. WERKK has accumulated nearly 100K streams on Spotify in the first 2 months. It was easily my most favorite track to create and I am proud to have created, released and helped others embrace themselves.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
That’s easy. I’ve found myself surrounded by music lovers, creators, etc and people who fully support me and my music. I have also found myself removing myself from people who don’t support me or my music. The world is already so hateful and ugly that I would prefer my small circle to be filled with love and positivity. I am blessed to have such a loving and supportive family and I find balancing life easier because of it.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
The advice I wish someone had given me starting out, which is to just be yourself. Embrace who you are and create shamelessly. Invest in your music, your health, and your happiness. If you’re happy with your music it shows and attracts others to you and your music. So simply be you.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
My message to anyone, fan or not, is that if you ever feel alone, you feel depressed, anxious, etc that my dm’s are always open. I will always be a shoulder to cry on, a person of support no matter the circumstance and I will always maintain a judgment free zone. You are not alone. You are loved and highly favored. Lastly, you is kind, you is smart and you is important. Don’t forget that.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
My upcoming album releases on my 28th birthday which is October 7. The album is titled Come and Get It. The deluxe version of the album is set to release January 1, 2021. Like I said this project is important to me and is me taking my music back. I hope you all love it as much as I do!
Follow KARMAA:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
