READ the Interview, find out more about Karen.

You have found the perfect way to mix Indian music elements with the “pop hybrid”. Would you say it’s your own style? How would you characterize it?

I call my music, “exotic pop”. It’s very much an extension of who I am, East meets West. Add some exotic sounds and some kicking beats, and you have Karen David music.

Karen David is the hottest person in show business! The exotic beauty, the extreme talent, the extravaganza! She sings, she acts, she can make the difference! Theatre, stage, movies, lights, camera, action... Karen is so busy working on her debut album, making movies and being around the world. We got to talk to her about her future plans, her studies, her hopes and dreams. It was, with no doubt, a magic carpet ride for us...

Interview by Costas Koulis. Sincere thanks to Simon Long for the arrangement.

Your debut album is highly anticipated. Is the title going to be “Me vs. Me”, as we read about? When should we expect its release?

I’ve been in the studio writing new material for my album, so I have a feeling that a new title track may take the place of “Me vs Me” (laughs). The new songs coming in are getting better and better, so watch this space! I am prepping to shoot my new music video in a few weeks time, for my new single, “Hypnotize”. We’re aiming for a release in the early part of 2010, so it’s very busy at the moment!  
 
Is the music style going to be close to the one we’ve heard on “Magic carpet ride”? Do you have any surprises for us? 

My next single, “Hypnotize”, is a little bit different for me… More R’n’B, with an exotic kick to it, but I think the fans will be happy with the end results. We’ve got some great mixes to go with it, so there should be something to tick off the boxes for all my fans. My album is more of an extension of “Magic Carpet Ride”, and a bit of “Hypnotize”... kind of like a recipe! A bit              of      mainstream pop, mixed in with a bit of exotic flavours.
 
You have found the perfect way to mix Indian music elements with the “pop hybrid”. Would you say it’s your own style? How would you characterize it?

I call my music, “exotic pop”. It’s very much an extension of who I am, East meets West. Add some exotic sounds and some kicking beats, and you have Karen David music.
 

Movies, recording sessions, award presentations, song-writing... I guess there is time for everything, after all?

Ha ha! Well, I think it’s more of a balancing act. My acting and music careers keep me very busy, and productive, and they both feed me creatively, so to be able to do both, is really a wonderful gift that I am so grateful for!
 
You are starring in “Waterloo Road”. Would you like to give us a few details about it? And your part, of course.

I’ve started filming a lead role for a BBC1 primetime drama called “Waterloo Road”. I play the new Spanish teacher, Francesca Montoya. I’m really excited about it. I love my character. She is very relatable to the kids and dresses like Posh Spice or Cheryl Cole everyday. Lots of pencil skirts, and high heels! (laughs) There is never a dull moment playing Miss Montoya, that’s for sure!
 
Since you have done both theatre and cinema, which one is more intriguing? Or even, more demanding?

I think both genres can be very demanding. They are both different. With theatre, it’s live and present, and anything can happen from moment to moment, which can be very exciting. It keeps you on your toes, so to speak, and I think it’s always great to do some theatre in between. It keeps your acting skills fresh and it can be very challenging! :) With filming for TV or film, it can be challenging at how fast a pace everything is, your lines can change by the minute with revisions, and most of the time, your scenes are shot out of storyline sequence, so you really have to be on top of everything, and throw yourself into one scene from the next.
 
I read that you studied at Berklee. How did these studies affect the whole concept, regarding the way you feel music, the way you respond to it, the way you create music?

It was truly a gift to study at Berklee. Some of the best times of my life were my days as a Berklee student. I met so many talented musicians from all over the world, with different musical tastes, influences and inspirations, and to be a part of that energy and that creative community was incredible. It played a huge part in my development as a musician, and a creative person. The teachers were relatable to, talented and inspiring and they often brought in guest artists and musicians to the school, so you were constantly surrounded by inspiration. It was addictive – literally, you ate, slept and breathed music, 24/7. Bliss. (laughs)
 
What is the driving force behind you? What is the one thing which keeps you going and doing all these things? What’s your motto?

I affectionately call “the drive”, my chemical imbalance. (laughs) I’ve had it since I was a little girl. I just always wanted to sing and act. I think when a dream is that pure and genuine from such a young age, it sticks with you, and you can’t let go of that dream. Sure, there have been challenging times along the way, but it’s all part of the journey, and it’s those tests and trying times, which really define the kind of person you really are. And at the end of the day, I am just a girl who is determined to make her childhood dreams come true. I’m very lucky to have the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and my fans. They feed my energy and constantly give me strength to face anything. I’m so lucky for that!
 
You are such an influence to all the young girls out there, who are trying to make it happen in the show business. A piece of advice to them?

I think it goes for anything in life...you really have to want something, to make it happen. The music and acting industries are constantly changing, and tough to break in, but nothing is impossible. It’s having undying faith and humility within yourself, which will see you through anything. I am always learning from others, always challenging myself, and passionate about the craft of acting... the craft of writing great songs and performing my music. Don’t do it for the fame or money... It’s not worth it. Do it because you love it. I think that can be applied to anything in life. If your passions come from the heart and soul, then you will make those dreams come true. 
 

How hard is it, for a beautiful woman, such as you, to show her talents and prove herself? Is it the “first impression” that counts?

I used to think I knew the answers to some of those questions. But there are no set rules. In Hollywood, presentation, and the way you look, counts for everything, but there are times when talent and hard work does mean something too! (laughs) It’s also a bit of luck on your side, and being at the right place, at the right time, and knowing some good people, having some advocates, and fans in the right places, and that all takes time to genuinely build up. I’m sure there are a lot of “nay sayers”, but I don’t pay attention to negativity. I only see what’s possible. For some people, it’s easy to pass judgement, and yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but we don’t always have to agree with them. I see beauty in everyone… inside and out... and we are all capable of greatness...it’s just up to us on what we want to make of ourselves, and what we want to stand for...the proof is in the pudding, right? 

Karen thank you so much for your time, we hope we have the chance to work with you again.

You’re very welcome and absolutely!

By Costas Koulis

Costas is our European Editor and Contributing Columnists. Costas is heavily involved in the internet with multiple websites dealing with the music industry.