InternationalKarina Es prepares for success
The aspiring pop singer’s unique voice, intelligence, and tenacity promise to serve her well
Published: Friday September 04, 2009
Karina Es.
Toronto - Talent, drive, commitment, and hard work are attributes that cometo mind when you meet Karina Es. The fact that she's also intelligent,gorgeous, and full of energy doesn't hurt. This up-and-coming young pop singerfrom Toronto has her sights set for the stage, and while she might have starsin her eyes, she is so grounded you have to wonder how she got to be so smartat the tender age of 20.
Karina has just released her debut album, Make It Real, and recently showcased for Gene Simmons and his new Canadian label Gene SimmonsRecords/Universal Music at The Super Market in Toronto. Karina was invited tojoin Gene, Universal reps, and entourage for the evening. "The biggesthighlight so far for me was performing in front of Gene Simmons, who had cometo watch a show which featured three artists, one of them being me. It was sucha rush knowing a legend in music was watching me perform and a greater honorwhen he introduced himself and made room at his table for me to sit with himand his entourage," Karina says.
Another big highlight in this stage of her career was having ameeting with George Tonikian,manager of System Of A Down, at Warner Brother Studios, "It was very excitingfor me," she recalls.
The singing bug
Karina got the singing and performing bug as a little girl at theArmenian Relief Society's Armenian Day School in Toronto. "The first time Iperformed on stage, which was in kindergarten, was the first time I knew Iwanted to be a singer. I felt the energy of the audience after the performance,and I knew nothing had ever made me feel like this," she says.
She acknowledges that she has other interests outside of music.Karina is currently an honors biology and neuroscience student at McMasterUniversity and has volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society and Habitat forHumanity. Her love of animals has also compelled her to donate time atveterinary clinics. She has also given numerous charity performances. While shehas many interests, nothing comes close to music, "Not one bit."
The musician began taking singing and piano lessons at the age ofsix. Her music teacher at the ARS school told Karina's mother that she hadtalent, which shouldn't be wasted. "So, I started my music training with one ofthe kindest and most talented opera singers, Galina Lukomsky, from Russia. I completed my level 4 RCM (RoyalConservatory of Music) in piano, and continued to receive my level 8 RCM insinging. However, I continued with singing and piano lessons without taking theRCM exams. Also, I had auditioned and was accepted into an arts-intensive highschool (UHS) program, with daily singing and music theory classes," Karina toldthe Armenian Reporter.
In high school she enrolled in various musical theater workshops,and performed in various shows including LesMisérables, The King and I, and Forty-Five Minutes to Broadway. Along with playing the piano tocomplement her singing, Karina also learned how to play the guitar. She tookyears of dancing lessons (jazz, acro, hip-hop, and musical theatre), andenrolled in various acting classes and musical theatre workshops.
Finding and getting support
Karina says that her parents, friends, and community have beenher support system. "Each element is crucial and you need all three as amusician to support you. I am fortunate enough to say that my parents have beenthe financial providers for all my studies and musical needs. They support me110% at all times, and I rely on their push and shove to bring me back intofocus. My friends' loyalty and love is the reason I love to perform. Nothingfeels greater than a room full of friends you have grown up with, watching yousing, and clapping after every song regardless if they liked it or not," sheexplains.
The Armenian community in Toronto has given Karina manyopportunities to have a venue to perform her music. "It is such an honor whenthey ask me to sing for visiting guests, ARS anniversary celebrations, or anyother occasion," she says.
The most engaging thing about this bright young woman is herinnate understanding of the career she has chosen. "It's not a mystery thatthis industry is next to impossible to break into. Sometimes it does not relyon only talent, but rather who it is that you know in the industry. If youdon't know people in the industry, chances are they don't know you," she says.
"It has been a rollercoaster so far. Since releasing my album, Ihave had some doors opened for me, but also some doors closed. Sometimes youare exactly what a label is looking for, and sometimes you're simply not." Sheknows that she has to brace herself for countless rejections before somebodyopens that door. "The trick is trying to stay positive, that if you push hardenough, someone will notice you, your music, and your efforts," she explains.
Making the album
She currently has a producer who was instrumental in getting heralbum Make It Real released. Peter Linseman of Music MentorProductions has been with her every step of the way. More help came from Nejdeh Galoostian of Esova Productions.The album, which features seven songs, incorporates dance/pop/urban music. "Allthe songs have a different flavor. That was what I was looking to do, to showmy versatility. All the songs were co-written by Peter Linseman and me. Theinstrumental beats and tracks were co-produced by both Nejdeh Galoostian andPeter Linseman," Karina says.
The tracks came to life by Karina singing a melody in her headand then writing the lyrics. "From there, I would take it to Peter who wouldedit the lyrics and begin bringing the music, playing in my head, to life. Oncemy singing was recorded, Nejdeh and Peter would work at the instrumentaltracks, sending it back and forth to perfect them and also get my approval," shetold us.
