How long has gospel been your music of choice and why?
It has been the music of choice for me for as long as I can remember. However, as I have grown as a performer and in the knowledge and grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, it is no longer a choice but a destiny. It is where I belong.
The annual Gospelfest is in progress; is this enough to create or sustain a gospel music industry in Barbados?
If I were asked to perform on the Gospelfest stage, I would be able to give a more indepth response, but I would have to say no because Gospelfest only happens once a year. Furthermore, the only other source of exploiting new talent was the gospel station, which is no more, so a once a year festival is not enough. Crop Over is once a year too but the music continues on the electronic media. It’s the audience you’re looking at, and that’s why people spend money to record.
Also, you have gospel acts for different audiences: Sister Marshall for the older audience, Alison Norville Forde who is a more cross-over artiste, Hoszia Hinds who is hardcore young generation, and Toni Norville and I who can write for an R&B audience – but where is the listening forum for all these who fall under the ambit of gospel?
Gospel artistes are also some of the best singers in Barbados but I don’t think much is being done to expose their talent abroad; and the only time you have a chance for them to be exposed – Gospelfest – you don’t see many local artistes on stage.
Does the annual entry of foreign gospel artistes help Barbados in an way?
It helps, but helps who? If it’s about bringing visitors, good, but what about local gospel acts?
What point ideally do you plan to reach as an artiste?
I would like to be the first Barbadian Grammy Award-winning gospel artiste. That would be the ultimate for me. That’s the crème de la crème of musical accomplishment, and shows that you have worked hard and are appreciated by the world. Call it a hope, dream or wish, it is on my heart.
Where is Kareen now in terms of family and career?
I am doing my degree in Theology at the University of the West Indies/Codrington College, and I have started writing a book. I’m also writing songs for my next album, for which I’ve recorded two tracks and am about to record my third. However, all of those pale in comparison to the greatest gift, joy, inspiration and love of my life: my daughter. My crowning moment with my daughter is when we pray together, and when I was injured in 2008 she would put her hands on my foot and ask God to heal me. That was really touching. Words can’t begin to describe what motherhood has done and is doing for me.
What are your views on the local music industry as compared to ten years ago?
When Rihanna got signed there was a hype and overdrive, people were being inspired and young singers were on a wave. It escalated with Shontelle and Hal Linton, but now everything seems to have settled. Not that there aren’t people developing their craft, but the Rihanna wave has died down. The zeal is not there anymore. The closest thing to it is the Barbados Music Awards, which ironically comes under fire from the entertainers. I wouldn’t like that to die like so many things do in Barbados.
I also have a concern for young artistes. Many of them cannot sing harmony or do not want to take time to learn how to but want to sing upfront. You have to pay your dues. Singing harmony helps your listening and timing. The development which artistes of my time had was singing in Richard Stoute Teen Talent, singing background in calypso tents and so on. I’d like to encourage more young artistes to learn the harmonies.
Any plans for Crop Over?
I’ve written two songs for Crop Over and I’m in the studio, but I’m deciding whether I’ll enter a tent or not.
