Kara Connolly
Interview conducted January 10, 2021
By Dan Locke
Life in Rear View,” OUT NOW and made the ballot for ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’ at the GRAMMY Awards®last year
What is your upbringing?
I grew up with two parents who worked in medicine and a younger brother, Kyle. Although I was born in San Diego, my Dad was a naval doctor so we moved around quite a bit when I was a kid. I went to 5 different elementary schools. One of my favorite places to live was Park City, UT, but we eventually moved back to San Diego when I was 8 years old and stayed there through high school so that’s where I consider my hometown.
How did you discover music?
My first CD was NSYNC and Shania Twain’s Come On Over. I also loved Madonna’s Immaculate Collection. My Dad played a lot of disco music around the house and we would make up songs and parade around with juice boxes in the air singing them.
How did you start to write music?
I honestly didn’t even think about the fact that I was writing songs, but would sing lyrics and melodies I made up when I was a kid (mostly about relationships I had no experience with). I remember writing a song about being played by a guy at like 6 years old. My friend from second grade says she still remembers certain songs I wrote and sang a few to me the last time I saw her.
Describe your music
I would say that, although I write in different genres, my music is typically storytelling driven and shares the truth of some raw, real, sometimes scary thoughts, but that I also provide hope and the ways I’m working through it. To me, there are a lot of positive thinking songs that don’t include the depth of struggle or emotions and also a lot of depressing songs that lack the hope or a way through or out. I’d like to think that I incorporate both of those aspects into one song. My songs are usually my way out of a difficult feeling or situation. I take people along on my journey of self-discovery and realization. I bring fun to the struggle. I’ve found that I really excel in songs that are either fun and real or introspective and nostalgic.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My ex-boyfriend got me my first guitar, which is ironic because I ended up writing a lot of songs about him on that thing. It was used and off Craigslist…it’s missing a string and I haven’t played it in forever, but I still have it.
What is your guitar of choice now? Make and model?
My guitar of choice is a Taylor 214ce. I picked mine because it has a bright tone to it.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance singing was in 5th grade at a charity auction at school. I auditioned with the song Only Hope by Switchfoot, but sang the Mandy Moore Walk to Remember version because I was obsessed with that movie. I remember wearing a silky button up top to perform and feeling nervous.
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter for other artists is someone who listens well—to the words that person is using, to their hopes, dreams, fears and experience of the world. A good songwriter gets out of the way and acts as a channel for that person. A good songwriter for oneself is also a great listener, but listening to one’s own emotions, muses, the world around him/her and picking up on subtleties of feeling or hints of an idea.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I am a proud member of ASCAP!
You have done some films. Which was your most memorable role?
My most memorable experience starring in a film was the first one when I was 7 or 8 years old. Your first time doing anything is always larger than life and so exciting. I played a child who had been in an accident in a movie with legend Ernest Borgnine and a bunch of other older actors who had way more experience than me. Befriending everyone around me who were all at least 25 years older was so much fun. I felt like an adult. I also got to miss school and was the coolest kid in the second grade…first and last time I was ever that cool.
And tell me about the creation of Tits in a Bow?
That was inspired by a comedy class at USC that my best friend Katie and I were in. Katie had the idea after watching SNL’s “D*ck in a Box” and so we got together and switched up the melody and lyrics. It was a ton of fun. We bought the most ridiculous outfits and large chocolate figurines then just acted absolutely insane and had no expectations so we were surprised when it started getting shares and racking up a ton of views. Katie’s turtle made an appearance. Good times. I think that’s either a love or a hate video sketch for some people.
And how was it to be a stand-in The Amazing Spider-Man 2?
It was a lot of fun. Getting to work on the iconic Sony lot and with incredibly respected creatives at the top of their field was inspiring to say the least. Hanging on set with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone wasn’t half bad either!
What was Music City?
Music City was a CMT show based in Nashville and I got to perform a couple of songs off the Venice Beach boardwalk with the show’s lead Kerry Degman. They ended up cutting our performance sequence from the show and instead including a segment of us chatting at the bar intercut with upset looks from his wife so now it just looks like we were drinking beer together and flirting…but you know, it’s all good. I had a good laugh. At the end of the day this is the entertainment industry and you never know what to expect
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What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The title of my first complete song Degnan was called “This Love” and it was about feeling exhausted by a new (high school) relationship I was in and all the unexpected baggage that came with it. There was this other girl at school that really liked him too and I had no idea. She was really upset when she found out that we were in a relationship and started sending me all these crazy threats and so the song was basically speaking to my new boyfriend like “Look, I like you, but I don’t like this situation…You’re great, but I can’t take the complications…maybe we’d be better off as just friends…we can still walk away and not look back before we’re in too deep.” I’m paraphrasing, but you get the idea. I think by the end of the song I had decided that I would stick it out (which I did) and not let this girl break us up (she didn’t). A rough demo was recorded where my producer/engineer friend changed up the original melody. I now know that melody is its own thing in and of itself and also one of my strongest suits…I still remember the original melody in my head and if I ever recorded it again (unlikely) I would likely use the original.
How was it to make the first round of ballots for Best Pop Vocal Album for the Grammys?
It was very exciting! As an independent artist I knew very little about that whole world so to get recognized and supported by some members of the Recording Academy enough for them to think my album belonged on that ballot meant so much to me. I only hope that it happens again and that next time around I get further along!
Your debut music video is “Life in Rear View,” tell me about it?
We shot the video out in Barstow, CA! It basically is the physical representation of letting go of someone or something that no longer serves you. In certain spiritual traditions, burning items or letters that no longer serve you represent releasing them into the universe and no longer holding onto their burden or heaviness. Fans sent me in items and letters and I burned some of my own items and letters as well. It was a great start of this journey of building a family and what I hope to represent as a person and with my music. It was a challenging process, but I’m really proud of the video and all the hard work that went into it. I love the art design from the car to the outfits to the hair and makeup and I’m proud that despite being my first video it got watched and shared so many times on Facebook. Thanks for the support!
Tell me about “Marry Me” and the meaning of that song to you?
Marry Me was originally written for my cousin’s wedding, but most recently my best friend walked down the aisle to that song which was very special to me. The song is about all of your vows and commitments to your partner that come with marriage, but also the idea that a wedding is meant to be this celebration of love with those closest to you, and not the stress bomb it is often made out to be. There is a lot of pressure that often goes along with weddings and I wanted to alleviate that and get to the heart of the matter. I was also excited about the fact that it was basically a woman proposing to her partner when I hadn’t heard a wedding song with that angle before.
You co-worked “Afraid of the Dark” with Kaatii. How did you find this 14-year talented writer?
My friend Brianna Ruelas is a very skilled strategist and music coach out in Dallas, TX who introduced me to Kaatii. Kaatii was 13 when she first came out to Los Angeles to write with me, which is when we wrote her recent single Swept Up together. I’m lucky that the creative energy between us just flowed so naturally and that our relationship has grown from there, leading to the creation of Afraid of the Dark and others. Kaatii is incredibly talented, wise beyond her years, and I’m just grateful that she trusts me with her feelings and experiences. Despite our age difference, I learn a lot from her as well.
What is your favorite track on the album?
My personal favorite is Other People. That song feels like a time capsule to me and really brings me back to a certain relationship I was in and state of mind. It’s about when you get out of a relationship and how strange it is to think that person is still out there going through the daily motions of their life, just without you. It’s one I can stand behind still because it really isn’t laced with any animosity and just pure feelings and reflection. I can’t foresee my feelings on that ever-changing and so in that way it feels timeless to me, hence why it’s my favorite. That said, they’re all my “babies” so it feels unfair to pick favorites, but I can’t help it and I do.
How is it to be an independent artist today?
Being an independent artist today means wearing different hats and becoming skilled in many different areas. It’s paving your own path that’s unique to you and it’s great to be able to find a niche audience. There are a lot of opportunities if you’re inventive and open-minded. I’m learning as I go.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
I try to maintain a plant-based diet and get enough sleep. In general, whenever I’m about to sing or record I drink a lot of green juice and steam for hydration (either in the shower or with my face over a boiling pot of water). I know there are certain personal steamers or nebulizers you can buy, but what can I say…I’m old school.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Despite the royalty rate being so low and it being tough for artists to make a living off of recorded music alone, I do love how accessible music has become and the way it has opened up the possibilities for music discovery.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score?
That’s funny. I’ve heard of people refer to the #s on a musical score as a “hashtag.” I guess pop culture is making its way everywhere these days, huh?
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both! I think they both have their different purposes. It feels like such a meditative experience listening to a vinyl record though. I’m always more focused and in a different headspace for some reason.
Are there 2 United States?
If you’re referring to the different ideologies going on right now then, in my opinion, yes, very much so. I would argue that there’s more like 70 United States’ though…or maybe even 328 million United States’. We’re all living in our own realities, especially now.
What is the mental health situation of the United States? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
I definitely think that the political climate, virus, and lockdown are all taking their tolls. I know UnRated is Veteran run and after speaking to my family members in the Navy and Army it seems that current times have really taken a toll on mental health in the military. I hope that we can all practice self-compassion and find something each day to keep us encouraged. In my opinion, there are many ways the public can help doctors and nurses on the frontline, but what first comes to mind is wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home if you can. I’ve been really in awe of the creative ways in which I’ve seen others step up to help out though from handmaking masks for the community to virtual fundraisers, etc.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
For whatever reason, the song that just popped in my mind is “Breathe” by Taylor Swift off of her Fearless record. I remember driving in my car by my ex-boyfriend’s house down this one road in San Diego and listening to that song so thinking of it takes me right back to that emotion. Essentially the song is about not being able to live without someone, but that people are people and sometimes it just doesn’t work out despite all of your best efforts and that you have to learn to. I remember posting a Facebook status with the lyrics that said something like, “It’s two a.m. – Feeling like I just lost a friend – Hope you know it’s not easy, easy for me” and my boyfriend at the time writing under it “Call me.” LOL…now that’s funny.
Both Pfizer and BioNTech have concluded Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the vaccine, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
You know, I don’t have the answer to this. I would imagine that those making the effort to get the first shot would take the second, but I actually have no idea.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Definitely. I think it already has. We’ve come up with creative ways around live shows and recording and I don’t foresee those modalities going away anytime soon.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve set up a mini vocal booth and have been teaching myself vocal recording. I’ve actually recorded a lot of my own vocals throughout quarantine for my upcoming project. I’ve also written a lot of songs for myself and other artists and started a creative branding and marketing company for artists such as myself.
Tell me about your branding marketing company “Painted Bird”?
Painted Bird is a collective of creative visionaries who work with artists to craft their story, strategy, creative ideation, brand identity, visual language and authentic voice. It’s basically me employing everything I’ve learned as an artist over the years, taking my successes, and helping others along their own paths in marketing, branding and PR. At Painted Bird, we believe the best and most sustainable brand is the authentic one. We intend to be a dedicated partner throughout our clients’ artistic journeys and specialize in getting to the core of their personalized message, revealing their most authentic self and unique brilliance along the way.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Hmm…I pretty much turn all my hobbies into careers for better or worse. I have recently been getting back into yoga and meditation, however, which has been better for my mental health. Little known fact, but I’m actually a certified yoga teacher. That said, I haven’t taught in a while so I think that counts as a hobby, right?
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I mostly use Netflix, but you’re right that a lot of people have changed the way they watch TV. I don’t have cable and mostly use streaming services, which was great until I wanted to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. The only time I get frustrated is when the one thing I want to watch is on the one streaming service I don’t have and I have to subscribe to that service for just that one thing. But hey…it’s not that bad.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. Looking back to May 15th. You were doing a show on Facebook and you had nothing but static and sound problem that day. Do you think that what I just asked you has anything to do with it?
Damn! You know your stuff. You know, I can’t be sure, but I did stream for the same venue again a few nights later and it was totally fine so I’m inclined to say it’s a tech issue. Especially because I mostly perform original music, which doesn’t typically require a lot of the same license approvals as performing covers for profit.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
I think bands are getting creative and putting on live shows at venues that are recorded or offering backyard concerts or communicating with/performing for their fans via livestream. Music will always find a way and I think the fans are understanding during this challenging time. I try to communicate with my fans in other, unique ways even when I’m not on a promo cycle and in my hermit, create music mode. I think just remaining as active as you can on the internet, replying to comments and messages, and providing little updates along the way will remind your fans that you’re present, you care, and that music will be coming at some point when this is all over or in a creative way if this pandemic is still going on.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlists on the internet?
Everything is pay to play. Sadly, more than you realize. Grassroots isn’t what you’d envision or expect. Unfortunately, indie artists can’t always afford to pay to play even though all the big dogs are paying to play and at much higher budgets and with more leverage. Sometimes it can feel tough to keep up with that in mind, but it’s always why incredible fans (and publications!) spreading the music is invaluable and so much more appreciated than many realize. I’ve heard people say “It wouldn’t make a difference if I shared this to my story…I barely have followers” but the truth is that it does matter and does make a difference. Even one person discovering the music and becoming a true fan is everything. Fans are the true grassroots movement. Whenever someone shares my song or album or highlights my artist self in some way it truly means the world to me and I’m not just saying that.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sounds awesome and fun, but I don’t think it will ever replace human contact or live concerts!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I would love to help save endangered species. If I wasn’t working in entertainment, I would be following the footsteps of Jane Goodall, but in my own 21st century way. Ultimately, I hope that I can do both. I would love to use my platform to positively impact the world—women, those with mental health struggles, animals. I don’t have the exact plan in motion, but I’m thinking bigger picture here.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you, Dan and UnRated Magazine, for supporting me and my music and for asking such clearly thought-out questions. I appreciate it. I would also like to say that 2021 is going to be fun Karakeets so buckle up (bad Life in Rear View pun) …Ka-Caw!
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