Karina Nistal
The urban singer from Houston, US is constantly developing her sound and having fun with her passion. Karina Nistal shares a beautiful fusion of her Latin roots together with modern influences in her music. Opening her arms to embrace the world, delving deep into her creative subconscious, exploring life and its meaning - she is inspirational. An overflowing abundance of Love and Light is given directly from her heart.
‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ is the new album from this divine soulstress, which was successfully crowdfunded and released digitally, together with a forthcoming vinyl pressing. We enter with ‘Good Sound’, a sombre depth and contemporary jazz production swirl around her strong vocal tones. Sometimes my own soul gets the best of me. ’Sueno’ is a delightfully traditional Spanish piece with a relaxed atmosphere and hazy vocals. There is a lovely, subtle elegance of the twinkling piano and hum of brass. ‘Down 4U’ has a loving aura through her reflections together with glittering notes, almost with a sensual air. It was always you, and only you. ‘Pure Vida’ has a wonderfully bright sensation with a funky, soulful rhythm and charismatic lyrics of love. Amor. ‘Gozar’ brings the fiesta with flavourful tones, a trendy synth, bouncy rhythm and a little sassy spark of her vocals.
This album is a perfect representation of everything Karina embodies. A range of pop, hip hop and soul; both English and Spanish lyrics; spontaneous and chilled mood phases; and words of optimism and the heart. That special something. Her unique Je Ne Sais Quoi. Magic. This incredible album was the product of a tremulous year for Karina as she made the KaRAGEous decision of leaving her job, to further pursue her dreams. She really is Living Proof!
Karina Nistal kindly shares her journey with us.
Tell us how you got into music, when was the very first moment you realised you wanted to sing?
I was between 5 and 6 years old when I first got into music. My parents had me in piano and ballet lessons. I remember sitting in the back of my mom's Buick singing to every song that came on the radio - Miami Sound Machine was my favorite! I think I was about 7 when I realized I really wanted to sing.
What were the ideas & inspiration behind this new album?
I wanted to write an album that showed all of my music influences. I wanted to share the high points as well as the low points. I took a trip to Paris with my mom and I loved the term "Je Ne Sais Quoi". It felt kinda like being a diamond with it's own niche but, since a diamond is multifaceted, it can reveal all its sides depending on how the light shines on it. (I hope this makes sense) But it was intended to be a thoughtful and multifaceted piece of work. Since I'd gone through ankle surgery shortly after, there were also some songs that were reflective and hopeful. I found it to be therapeutic to write these songs during a super vulnerable time, and it helped me find healing.
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