Kara Ali

A Singer/Songwriter hailing from Jersey and currently based back in the Tri-State Area, Kara Ali is certainly no stranger to various styles. Raised on a healthy diet consisting of everything from the folk of Joni Mitchell to pop music from Michael Jackson to classic R&B, fusion is definitely a key word for this young artist. She started writing songs in High School, using piano at first and then teaching herself guitar. Since, she has recorded her first two EP’s, Time Grasp and Lake Michigan’s Chill with few resources while attending Northwestern University, where she is just finishing up. She released them on bandcamp to start up some buzz that’s been steadily growing.

With touches of Mary J. Blige, and soul that compares to the likes of Adele and (dare we say) Winehouse this new single is definitely worth a listen with more to follow from this young and blooming artist. She has been working on some collaborations with Southern-boy and now Chicago-based producer, Mr. Stay Crunk, (aka Keith Allen), as well as some new material with producer Ken Ross, who helped arrange the track below. She is playing guitar and singing vocals on the track.

To hear some of Kara’s previous releases, be sure to tweet her @KaraAliMusic and find her on Facebook.
Check out “Cheap Red Wine” and tweet @CollegeDJ to let us know what you think! - CollegeDJ.net

A Singer/Songwriter hailing from Jersey and currently based back in the Tri-State Area, Kara Ali is certainly no stranger to various styles. Raised on a healthy diet consisting of everything from the folk of Joni Mitchell to pop music from Michael Jackson to classic R&B, fusion is definitely a key word for this young artist. She started writing songs in High School, using piano at first and then teaching herself guitar. Since, she has recorded her first two EP’s, Time Grasp and Lake Michigan’s Chill with few resources while attending Northwestern University, where she is just finishing up. She released them on bandcamp to start up some buzz that’s been steadily growing.

With touches of Mary J. Blige, and soul that compares to the likes of Adele and (dare we say) Winehouse this new single is definitely worth a listen with more to follow from this young and blooming artist. She has been working on some collaborations with Southern-boy and now Chicago-based producer, Mr. Stay Crunk, (aka Keith Allen), as well as some new material with producer Ken Ross, who helped arrange the track below. She is playing guitar and singing vocals on the track.

To hear some of Kara’s previous releases, be sure to tweet her @KaraAliMusic and find her on Facebook.
Check out “Cheap Red Wine” and tweet @CollegeDJ to let us know what you think! - CollegeDJ.net

Kara Ali has just released the visuals for "Half Way" the video features a surreal look at relationships and the song features Kara Ali's exceptional music arrangement.
- The Hype Life Magazine

Kara Ali has just released the visuals for "Half Way" the video features a surreal look at relationships and the song features Kara Ali's exceptional music arrangement.
- The Hype Life Magazine

Interview by Austin Young.

Musicians across Northwestern are gaining exposure through performing at venues in Evanston and at campus competitions. A notable headliner for Mayfest’s Battle of the Bands in May 2010 was Kara and the Creepers. Kara Goldsmith, the primary vocalist, is pursuing a solo career under the name Kara Ali (her first and middle name). We caught up with Kara to go inside the lifestyle of a college singing sensation. Although she specializes in a different style, Kara Ali has a voice with such a memorable and rich tone that recalls the vocals of the Jazz great, Anita O’Day.

Q: We have some aspiring student artists at Northwestern. What would you say differentiates you from fellow Wildcat musicians?

A: I think that what differentiates me is my versatility, especially throughout my time here. I have tried to explore musically a lot over the past few years. I do a lot of sound design for theater, where I use midi instruments and more of an electronic sound. Additionally, I have written Musical Theater style songs for Northwestern’s Waa-Mu show. But generally, I write a lot of folksy music and have kind of focused on constantly evolving my style. My first EP, “Time Grasp” is pretty pop-y and upbeat/fun, whereas my newest EP, “Lake Michigan’s Chill” has kind of more of a chilled out alternative rock feel. It will be out later this winter. However, there is folk influence in both, and I’ve been compared to Joni Mitchell in the past, which I hope is accurate. She is one of my big idols of the past and present!

Q: What was your first performance at Northwestern? What was that opportunity like for you?

A: My first performances at Northwestern were actually in the Jones Great Room as a freshman in Jones. They were always pretty low-key and good opportunities to try out some new songs with no pressure.

Q: How did you break onto the music scene? (i.e.—middle school dance, high school garage band, college friends?)

A: I basically played whenever I had the chance in High School and collaborated with a lot of students with like musical interests. I played talent shows, open mics, lounge events our school had. Slowly, and fortunately, some people liked my songs and I gained a local following linked to some theater things I had done in the community. Obviously, when you present something you’ve created to the world not everyone will like it, but I wanted to make sure and get what I wrote out there. I started with a myspace pretty early on and would talk about music with almost everyone I met. Now most people find out about my musical endeavors through facebook and I continue to collaborate with many college peers. There is such a wealth of talent here to work with.

Q: Do you have any advice for budding musicians on forming a band?

A: I’d say just don’t be afraid to present what you have to the world and to shamelessly plug yourself if you think what you’ve got is awesome. Talk to everyone, get the word out, try not to pass up gig opportunities because even if they have low turnout, they are always a great experience to play. Be really persistent and don’t get discouraged! Creatively, do what makes you the happiest but try to be open to musical exploration and challenge yourself as a creator of music. Also, copyright everything you write. Don’t be afraid to take ownership.

Q: Share with us your Grammy’s acceptance speech for Best New Artist.

A: Thank you so much to everyone who has always believed in my music and in me. To my parents, who’ve always been so supportive. To my brother Jared who is SUCH a talented rock star! To my grandma, who contributed so significantly to my upbringing and gave me confidence to succeed. To my fellow wildcats! To my 1st grade teacher who told me sarcastically “That’ll get you far in life”, when I said I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. I’ve proved you wrong and I’ve arrived. This has already taken me farther in life than I ever could have imagined as I continue to grow creatively and appreciate the gift of music. I couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful. Thank you!

Q: If you could have anybody duet on your multi-platinum album, who is the first artist or band to come to mind?

A: Alicia Keys! Her R&B sensibilities and piano combined with my folksy guitar could be pretty awesome! Also, all of her collaborations have been successful and amazing.

Q: Dream destination for your world tour. On this note, who is your dream opener?

A: I would love to tour Europe! I’m thinking Spain would be a blast. It’s a pretty big dream of mine to open for Ben Folds. If not, maybe Coldplay? No dream is too big.

Kara Ali’s acoustical deft and signature vocals create for a memorable evening, such as during her performance at the Bitter End in New York. Catch the show here. Finally, get an even more behind-the-scenes look into the life of Kara Ali via her official pages.
Website II Bandcamp II Faceboo - A&O

Interview by Austin Young.

Musicians across Northwestern are gaining exposure through performing at venues in Evanston and at campus competitions. A notable headliner for Mayfest’s Battle of the Bands in May 2010 was Kara and the Creepers. Kara Goldsmith, the primary vocalist, is pursuing a solo career under the name Kara Ali (her first and middle name). We caught up with Kara to go inside the lifestyle of a college singing sensation. Although she specializes in a different style, Kara Ali has a voice with such a memorable and rich tone that recalls the vocals of the Jazz great, Anita O’Day.

Q: We have some aspiring student artists at Northwestern. What would you say differentiates you from fellow Wildcat musicians?

A: I think that what differentiates me is my versatility, especially throughout my time here. I have tried to explore musically a lot over the past few years. I do a lot of sound design for theater, where I use midi instruments and more of an electronic sound. Additionally, I have written Musical Theater style songs for Northwestern’s Waa-Mu show. But generally, I write a lot of folksy music and have kind of focused on constantly evolving my style. My first EP, “Time Grasp” is pretty pop-y and upbeat/fun, whereas my newest EP, “Lake Michigan’s Chill” has kind of more of a chilled out alternative rock feel. It will be out later this winter. However, there is folk influence in both, and I’ve been compared to Joni Mitchell in the past, which I hope is accurate. She is one of my big idols of the past and present!

Q: What was your first performance at Northwestern? What was that opportunity like for you?

A: My first performances at Northwestern were actually in the Jones Great Room as a freshman in Jones. They were always pretty low-key and good opportunities to try out some new songs with no pressure.

Q: How did you break onto the music scene? (i.e.—middle school dance, high school garage band, college friends?)

A: I basically played whenever I had the chance in High School and collaborated with a lot of students with like musical interests. I played talent shows, open mics, lounge events our school had. Slowly, and fortunately, some people liked my songs and I gained a local following linked to some theater things I had done in the community. Obviously, when you present something you’ve created to the world not everyone will like it, but I wanted to make sure and get what I wrote out there. I started with a myspace pretty early on and would talk about music with almost everyone I met. Now most people find out about my musical endeavors through facebook and I continue to collaborate with many college peers. There is such a wealth of talent here to work with.

Q: Do you have any advice for budding musicians on forming a band?

A: I’d say just don’t be afraid to present what you have to the world and to shamelessly plug yourself if you think what you’ve got is awesome. Talk to everyone, get the word out, try not to pass up gig opportunities because even if they have low turnout, they are always a great experience to play. Be really persistent and don’t get discouraged! Creatively, do what makes you the happiest but try to be open to musical exploration and challenge yourself as a creator of music. Also, copyright everything you write. Don’t be afraid to take ownership.

Q: Share with us your Grammy’s acceptance speech for Best New Artist.

A: Thank you so much to everyone who has always believed in my music and in me. To my parents, who’ve always been so supportive. To my brother Jared who is SUCH a talented rock star! To my grandma, who contributed so significantly to my upbringing and gave me confidence to succeed. To my fellow wildcats! To my 1st grade teacher who told me sarcastically “That’ll get you far in life”, when I said I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. I’ve proved you wrong and I’ve arrived. This has already taken me farther in life than I ever could have imagined as I continue to grow creatively and appreciate the gift of music. I couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful. Thank you!

Q: If you could have anybody duet on your multi-platinum album, who is the first artist or band to come to mind?

A: Alicia Keys! Her R&B sensibilities and piano combined with my folksy guitar could be pretty awesome! Also, all of her collaborations have been successful and amazing.

Q: Dream destination for your world tour. On this note, who is your dream opener?

A: I would love to tour Europe! I’m thinking Spain would be a blast. It’s a pretty big dream of mine to open for Ben Folds. If not, maybe Coldplay? No dream is too big.

Kara Ali’s acoustical deft and signature vocals create for a memorable evening, such as during her performance at the Bitter End in New York. Catch the show here. Finally, get an even more behind-the-scenes look into the life of Kara Ali via her official pages.
Website II Bandcamp II Faceboo - A&O

"Ali, who possesses an enchanting voice, started off the show with a few mellow, soulful songs." - North By Northwestern

Kara and the Creepers have been playing together in some form for a while but only got together officially this quarter. The band describes their sound as a mutt-a pop, funk, rock hybrid that appeals to everyone while maintaining a level artistry. Check out the acoustic version of their track "Trying to See Her in Me" on Kara's MySpace page at myspace.com/karaali. - The Daily Northwestern