BIO | PRESS PHOTOS
The song "Ghost," from Karen McDine's forthcoming album, tells the story of a woman making a commitment to live her life independently, while leaning on friends and family to help her keep that vow. Themes of independence, connection, and finding joy in the struggles and successes of every day life resonate throughout the record. Another recurring theme is balance — balance between the need for new experiences, the longing for home, family, and tradition, the desire to be secure in a relationship, and the need to stand up and fight for personal freedom and self worth.
Musically, the album reflects Karen's roots, while embracing experimentation and new sonic possibilites. There is love here for artists like Lucinda Williams and Sheryl Crow, as well as a dose of 70's and 80's rock. (Karen is an unrepentant fan of the music of Ann Wilson and Heart.) Listeners may also pick up on notes of Sade and Bob Dylan. Karen cites Ani DiFranco as a major early influence.
"Ani's energy and strength as a songwriter and performer defintiely got my attention, and were an inspiration when I first began to write my own songs."
Born in Rhode Island and raised in Maine, Karen was gifted her first guitar and immediately fell in love with playing. Some of her influences include Ani DiFranco, Heart, Lucinda Williams, Fleetwood Mac, Sade, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, and Led Zeppelin.
In the 90’s, Karen immersed herself in the nightlife of Portland, Maine, playing open mic nights, listening to local bar bands and writing song ideas on cocktail napkins. Music had a much stronger pull for her than visual arts, so she decided to take a break from her studies at Maine College of Art to pursue her musical dream. Karen recorded and released her debut album “Fallen Angel” in Virginia Beach with help from members of the legendary Virginia rock band The States. Karen is back in Maine now and continues to perform and write songs. She is currently working on a full-length album, tentatively titled “Wildflower,” for release in the spring.
