Luckily we live in a city with a diverse music scene. We can go out and see punk, experimental, Indie pop, shoegaze and sometimes you hear stuff and you don’t even know what it is.
Then there is a folk, country and Americana scene. Kari Arnett has moved here all the way from rural south central Wisconsin to pursue a career in music and has done a good job acclimating herself to that scene.
Her fans came through and got her into the top five of Rift Magazine’s 100 Days of Local music. I can see why they like her and her sound. It’s smooth and easy to listen to, with stories and hooks. Closer to the country side of “Alt” country, Arnett has honed her craft.
I had a chance to ask her some questions about the differences between her and Wisconsin, her upcoming plans and what she likes about the local scene.
Rift: You are originally from Madison WI, and now reside in Minneapolis. Is there a big difference between the music scenes?
Kari: While Madison, WI will always have a piece of my heart, I would say there is a difference between the two cities in that Minneapolis has a larger, more diverse music scene with far more venues to cater to each genre of music and also shows are more well attended here which makes it easier for full-time musicians. Being that I am in the Americana/Folk scene, it’s nice to find a community of people that support what you do. Everyone that I have met in Minneapolis so far, has been very helpful and genuinely supportive of each other. I truly love that there are so many opportunities to learn and grow as an artist here in the Cities.
Rift: What is your songwriting process?
Kari: I always have a melody playing in my mind, so I try to find the notes that sound the most appealing to my ear. I spend so much time as an observer of the world so I try to pay close attention to my surroundings. People can say things that would normally get lost in translation, so I try to listen to the details and inspiration can come out of that. Some songs get written faster than others and I write a lot of notes, feelings, and ideas down, but sometimes a song can be based on just one line. It’s more about the quality of a song rather than the quantity of how many you can write. And above all for me as a songwriter, I try to be as honest as I can even if it’s difficult. Because at the end of the day, I want to connect with people through my music in a real way.
Rift: Is there a certain reaction or feeling you want people to get when listening to your songs?
Kari: I hope when people listen they are enjoying the music, and I hope it speaks to them in a way that makes sense to them. Everyone interprets music differently, and I just want people to walk away with maybe a little more insight and a feeling they aren’t alone.
Rift: What is your process for building a fanbase?
Kari: Well, really I just want to build relationships with people and really connect to them on a real level, whether that is through social media/my website, email, or coming out to shows and hopefully the music will speak to them on some level.
Rift: Is there a flexible day job you have, so you can pursue music or are you able to do music full time?
Kari: Currently, I am able to pursue music at a full-time level.
Rift: Is there a flexible day job you have, so you can pursue music or are you able to do music full time?
Kari: I am working towards recording my next album, heading to AmericanaFest (Nashville) in September and planning a new tour trajectory.
Rift: Do you do all of your booking and music business on your own, or do you have help?
Kari: At the moment, I am booking on my own. However, I do have a lot of support from friends/fam and other artists that want to share shows.
Rift: Is their some favorite musicians in town you play with and favorite venues?
Kari: I have a lot of favorites in town, there are so many amazing artists and venues here in the Cities! Lately I have been listening to The Federales, Erik Koskinen, Sarah Morris and Vicky Emerson (I’ll be playing music with The Home Fires this summer!) I’ve been playing music with Jason Roberts and Ben Cook-Feltz at shows. All talented, amazing humans. The Aster Café and The Warming House have stolen my heart as far as venues in town.
Rift: If there was one piece of advice you would give someone, what would it be
Kari: I guess I would have to say to just be yourself. Be honest. Be real. Don’t take any crap. Focus on what you want to accomplish in life and try tune out all the noise. Life is short, so do what you love to do, and be grateful.
Next Local Show – 7/25 at the Aster Cafe – https://www.facebook.com/events/229635464199509/
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