Wattpad's Got Talent 2

Kario12's Interview

@Kario12, the Winner of WGT2's interview conducted by @AnchalManh on behalf of the Music Team

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Anchal: Hi Kari! Thank you so much for agreeing! Kari, our followers, and your fans would love to learn more about who you are behind the screen. So, Can you please share something about yourself?

Kari: Yes! When I'm not writing or singing, I'm taking care of my three children (ages 5, 2, and 3 months) and doing the best I can to live a healthy, holistic lifestyle... though, when it comes to chocolate and coffee, I have no limits. :p

Anchal: Awww, that's nice. Who wants to have limits when it comes to chocolate and coffee! Lol : D Kari, your song (Life) and performance about how self-absorbed we all have become were fabulous! Would you like to share the making and writing story of Life?

Kari: I collaborate with different musicians on a site called Kompoz and I stumbled across this song. It was just the instrumental at the time, but the melody popped into my head the moment I listened to it. When I write songs, it typically just starts with one thought and I build off of that. This topic is one that's been on my mind for some time and though I know it's a little bit of a touchy subject and a lot more complicated than I could ever express in one song, I wanted to give it a try. Basically, the song is about how we live in a world that's self-obsessed. We're obsessed with sharing our feelings, our opinions, our daily life, selfies... etc. It's very "me" centered and I wanted to write a song that brought that to light. I wanted people to be aware because when we all only focus on ourselves, then the opinions of others stop mattering (which can be good, but many times it's not). We start to think that because we "feel" a certain way, then the world just needs to accept it. Truth is, everyone is critical of everyone and there will never be Universal acceptance for anything. That's life. We have to live with it and try not to let ourselves become so offended/bitter/outraged when people disagree because in that is where hatred starts to breed. I could go into A LOT more detail on this topic, but I'll refrain. Haha!

Anchal: Interesting! Your perception is beautiful and right, Kari. Kari, Where do your musical roots stem from?

Kari: Thanks! :) My dad. He was never as passionate about it as I was, but he definitely had a love for it. He's the one who introduced me to all the best bands from the '60s and '70s, and he enjoyed fiddling around on the guitar on occasion. I think it was his encouragement anytime he'd hear my newest song and the look of pride as he listened that really pushed me to want to pursue music. He was my inspiration.

Anchal: Awww, that's sweet! Talking of your song, when did you begin writing songs?

Kari: I wrote my first song when I was six... and it's embarrassingly awful! Haha! Super twangy country-style (and I don't even care for country music all that much). I think I was trying to harness my inner Shania Twain and failed. :p

Anchal: Aww, we can assure you that it wouldn't be that bad. Most of us have been there and were just kids. Your this anecdote would remind everyone who has been there, their first time. :D So Kari, What advice would you give to a novice artist (a singer, composer, and songwriter)?

Kari: Haha, true. Silly stories about people always make them more relatable (and human) somehow. My advice would be, don't be afraid of one person's opinion. Not everyone has the same taste or style and that's what makes music so fun, but also what can make it intimidating. I hate it when people don't like the things I've created and it's been a learning experience to let go and just appreciate it for myself. If you create something that makes you proud then there is bound to be someone (probably lots of someones) in the world who will love it too.

Anchal: Absolutely! :p Thank you for the valuable advice from your experience, Kari! We are positive that the novice artists or whoever needed to hear this is going to find it helpful. : ) Kari, are there any projects you're working on with respect to your writing and performing life that we can look forward to? We are curious to know about that! ♥️

Kari: I wish! But, sadly, no. I have so many unfinished projects that need attention, but no time to work on them right now. With three kids, things get a little noisy in our small apartment, so finding a moment of peace and quiet to record is nearly impossible. *cries* Hopefully, that changes soon, but we'll see. :)

Anchal: We can understand, Kari! And yes, we will for sure! :) Kari, As a part of the WGT2 prize pack, we would like you to share a playlist with 15 of your favorite songs and artists with us. We will then feature the playlist on our profile for a week.

Kari: Oh boy, this'll be fun. Haha... Ok, here's my list: 1. Bruises - Lewis Capaldi 2. Leave A Light On - Tom Walker 3. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap 4. No Roots - Alice Merton 5. Cringe - Matt Maeson 6. Man, I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain 7. Taste of Eternity - Bellarive 8. Native Tongue - Switchfoot 9. Dark Side - Bishop Briggs 10. Porcelain - Skott 11. Superstition - Stevie Wonder 12. Chlorine - Twenty One Pilots 13. Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi 14. If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow 15. China Groove - The Doobie Brothers

Anchal: Wow, Kari! The list looks amazing! Thank you so much! Like everything comes to an end, this interview is ending here! It was a pleasure interviewing you! ♥️ On behalf of the Music team, as well as everyone who heard you perform, thank you for taking the time to share your talent with us! We wish you the best in your future endeavors! ♥️

Kari: Haha. Kind of a mish-mash of genres, but all stuff I love. :D Thanks so much. I loved being part of Wattpad's Got Talent this year. Lot's of fun!

Anchal: That's nice! Blessed to hear that from you! :)

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