Meet Dance Music Powerhouse Karen Harding
Karen Harding’s powerful voice and infectious beats make for irresistible house music. The Newcastle born songstress channels Whitney Houston with her retro-chic look and ability to get listeners in a dancing mood. Since her debut, she has worked with an array of artists in the dance music artists– including Wilkinson, Paul Woolford, and Moroder. With over 160 million combined streams on Spotify and a new single ‘Rely’ with Future Kings, Karen Harding is proving to be one of dance music’s hottest artists.
We got to chat with Karen about everything from her intial interest in the dance music genre, time travel her latest single ‘Rely’ and more…
Who were your favorite artists growing up?
I loved the greats. I was in love with Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey! I used to sing their songs non stop. I also loved Craig David and Madison avenue, some absolute bangers on the ‘Born to Do it’ album!
At what age did you know you wanted to pursue music?
My dad works away on cargo ships, so he used to bring me karaoke CD’s back with all sorts of songs on from the age of 7! So from that point on, I used to get so excited about him coming home so I could learn a whole new batch of songs and then perform them for the family!
Let’s talk about your newest single, ‘Rely’. How did you end up working with Future Kings and L’Tric on this?
Well, the guys sent me the track idea, and I fell in love with it, I loved their use of the sample, and it had such a great energy I had to get involved! We got in the studio together and worked through some ideas and then recorded it, we all were buzzing as soon as the vocal was in!
The lyric video for ‘Rely’ has a really cool, old-school karaoke vibe to it. What draws you to that type of aesthetic?
Ah, I love it! It really reminds me of all those times I used to get up at family parties and sing some songs on the karaoke! I love the pictures in the background throughout too, they are so corny and cheesy but really give it that old school vibe!
You posted on your Instagram about some of the amazing Spotify playlists your songs have been added to lately, including some workout and dance lists. How do you imagine your fans listening to your music?
Spotify have been amazing with the support on ‘Rely’! Guess it depends on what mood they’re in, I love the idea of people working out to my songs, if it helps motivate you to get through something I’m happy! I really love the idea of people dancing in the clubs or in the car to it, and just really letting themselves go!
What drew you the dance music genre?
Going clubbing is one of the finer things in life! I’ve always loved upbeat music and love dancing (doesn’t mean I’m particularly good at it, but I try!), so I’m grateful that I’ve made a name for myself that people want to pull up my tunes to get their boogie on.
If you had a time machine and could attend any concert –past or present – who would you choose and why?
Wow, that’s a tough question! I guess I would want to see Whitney in concert as I’ve watched numerous videos of her old performances on Youtube.
‘Rely’ with Future Kings and L’Tric is your second release of 2020, is there anything else coming up on the horizon that you’re excited about?
Oh, we’ve been working on some absolute bangers. I’m really excited about what’s to come. I’m super proud of it and can’t wait to share!Make sure to check out the Karen Harding’s remix compilation of ‘Rely’ here and the lyric video for the track below…
