Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Alves.
Hi Karina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for the arts— as a kid, I would spend hours creating music videos in my room, directing movies of my friends, and even writing books. Likewise, I grew up watching my aunt’s music career take off as a Portuguese singer, which also piqued my interest as a kid. My passion for creating was always inside of me—it wasn’t until COVID came around that I channeled that energy into songwriting. That time of isolation allowed me to explore vulnerable parts of my identity that the noisy world had made them so easy to run from. It was very personal—songwriting initially was more of just an emotional outlet. The first few songs I made I dropped on sound-cloud and the reps one was amazing—people seemed to really like them! That’s when I was like okay wait maybe I’ve got something here.
When I came to college in 2020, I was able to connect with other creative people like me, which my hometown didn’t have too much of at the level I wanted to achieve. Since then, I’ve just immersed myself in the Boston music scene and made it a point to connect with as many like-minded individuals as I can—Forming relationships with other creatives has been the fuel that keeps me inspired every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not by any means. I think the hardest battle I’ve faced in the past and am currently working to resolve is myself! In the beginning, I was just doing this for fun (making music)—I wasn’t putting any pressure on myself to be anything other than me. But now, with the experience and expectations that I have sometimes I box myself in and suck the fun out of it all with unnecessary pressure.
I’m a bit of a perfectionist (most artists are), so I think it’s just about refocusing my attention on the love for music rather than the “quality” of it. Some songs aren’t meant to be heard by anyone, and others are. I guess just self-doubt and unreasonable expectations have been some struggles I’ve faced most.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative/artist overall, but I’d say singer/songwriter foremost. My music is like my baby—I nurture it every day as it continues to grow into something new. I don’t like to put myself in a box, but I’d say I fall in the R&B/Pop categories.
My music itself is usually vulnerable & soothing. The beats are typically calm vibes accompanied by light airy vocals and with melodic rhythms.
Most notably I was the 2021 “New Talent” nominee at the “International Portuguese Music Awards” where I performed for 2,000 people live at the PPAC in Rhodesia Island. This is my proudest accomplishment by far— I was the most nervous I’ve ever been during rehearsals, but when I stepped on that stage on show night, I felt it all click—“yeah, this is it. I’m doing what I’m meant to” I said to myself. It was extremely fulfilling to say I conquered my fears and did such a big showcase.
I think what sets me apart from others is my mentality— I’m always eager to learn from whoever I can—no matter how small the lesson. It keeps me humble in a way that a lot of people aren’t. But even from a musical perspective, it’s allowed me to grow so much in that I would go to sessions with artists just to sit in the room and observe. I’m like a sponge, I love absorbing knowledge and using it to better my own craft. Most people let their pride get in the way in this regard.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Wow, there’s really so many people in my life that have helped me get to this point that it’s hard to narrow down. I think first, and foremost deserving credit is my family (specifically my parents and my aunt). They’ve always encourage my creative spirit since I was a kid and supported my passion for music, they’ve helped me a lot both mentally and financially with my music as well. Truly I don’t think I’d be where I am if I didn’t have the family, I do so I’m definitely grateful.
In pursuing my musical career, I give credit to my friend and mentor Clark D. I’ve known him since the start of my college career, and he has really taught me what it takes to be a full-time artist (the mindset, habits, skills, etc.) but not just with words— but by setting an example with his own successes. Alway’s been an advocate for my talent. As an engineer, he’s mixed all of my current projects and produced a few as well (Carry On & Can I) Beyond the music, he’s just always been an encouraging spirit that has kept me grounded in the truth that dreams are always achievable if you work for them!
Lastly, I’m not from Boston, so I’d like to recognize everyone from the city who has embraced me within the music scene. So many amazing artists and creatives that have helped me mature in my craft and helped me with live performances, songwriting, mixing, literally everything. There’s too many names to share, but I’m sure they know who they are.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/k45arina?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Twitter: @itsk45_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@K45arina
- Other: TikTok: @k45arina
