Meet Karen Bryant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Bryant.

Karen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m not sure if I chose singing. It feels more like singing chose me!

I’ve always loved music! I grew up listening to it all the time! At home, in the car, at church, at relative’s houses…..I was surrounded by music. My mother sang in the church choir and of course, wanted me in the youth choir. Believe it or not, I was shy. I didn’t want anyone to hear me sing publicly, but let me hear music on the radio and I’d sing every word of every song! I sang Country, Pop, Gospel, R & B, Soft Rock, Rock…..I loved them all.

While in the Army, I joined my first band when I was stationed at Ft. Hood, Tx. We did several shows, on and off post. I struggled with leading songs due to fear. After leaving the band and the Army, I got heavily into Gospel music and sang with my church choir in San Antonio, Tx. I eventually relocated to the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, more affectionately known as the “DMV”. I worked for the government and sang at events they had frequently once they found out that I sang. I also performed with a few bands and a girl group. I sand in a few talent competitions and went to the Apollo, where I won 2nd place in a series of competitions that led up to “Showtime at the Apollo” that was televised. Because of fear, I didn’t sign the contract to compete for that.

After moving to Atlanta, my desire to sing dissipated but I never stopped listening to it. Music just seemed to soothe my soul! Since I’ve been here, I’ve sang at church choirs, groups, local bands, corporate bands, as a background vocalist and finally, and somewhat reluctantly, as an independent artist. Honestly, I never wanted to be an artist. I ran from the spotlight. Sometimes, situations in life position you for your future and you don’t even know what’s coming! My situation? I had lost my job and started taking almost any job I could get just to take care of my family. I was a single parent and had to make things happen! I got a waitressing job at a sports bar. They had a live band playing one night. I knew almost every song they played so I walked around singing, not thinking anyone was listening. Toward the end of the night, one of the other waitresses told them to get me to sing. So the leader gave me a book filled with song titles and told me to pick one. I think he ended up having to pick one for me! Anyway, I sang. Long story short……I performed with his band for years!! They helped mold me into the singer I am today!!

There are others who have supported me, nudged me and helped convince me that I should step out and go for it. One person in particular is my friend Lee Hurst, who recorded my very first song!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth?? NOT AT ALL!! There have been more struggles than I care to name!!

For me, music is sometimes like being in a room filled with people yet feeling alone. It’s a weird space to be in. I’ve also struggled with lack of self-confidence and finding my place as an artist without losing myself.

This business, while it is a passion, it is most definitely a BUSINESS!! Everyone that’s friendly is not your friend. That’s been a challenging lesson to learn.

And it’s a constant grind! Music has been my main or only source of income for many years now. There have been times when there was much more “month” than there was “money”! So I’m constantly looking for ways to grow and improve myself as a person and an artist.

You know, the struggles have helped me grow and develop into who I am. So no, it hasn’t always been easy but I believe it will continue to prove it’s worth!

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am in the business of uplifting people through music. When they come to a performance, they should feel at home, like they are a part of the show. While I am at the one with the microphone, it’s about all of us. I mean, there would be no show without the people, right?

I am about Love!….so much so that I commission everyone that comes to be Love Ambassadors!! The Love they felt during the show should go with them when they leave and be shared with others that they come in contact with. That’s what I’m most proud of!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is doing what makes you happy, living by your own standard, meeting your own goals. A marker or milestone for that is learning to love yourself! When you learn who you are and Love who you are, I think you open up to door for great things in your life!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 404-491-9140
• Email: KarenBryantMusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: @karenbryantmusic
• Facebook: Karen Bryant Music
• Twitter: @KarenTMusic
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/karenbryantmusic

Image Credit:
Aric Dreammultimediagroup Thompson

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