The Hype Magazine Interviews Kara Elyse?

Kara Elyse releases her first single “Take Control” with Impact Records/Universal Music Group.

Kara Elyse is a young, multi-talented R&B and Pop-Soul singer, model, and actor signed to Impact Records/Universal Music Group. She recently debuted her single and video titled “Take Control” which hit nearly 200,000 views in the first week of its release. The song is an urban rendition of the classic tale of girl meets boy.

The entertainment industry is dynamic and competitive, with many acts making headway with either their personality, talent, or ingenuity. Kara Elyse is the total package bringing forth all three characteristics with full force. She has always loved music and believes her sound is a medley of R&B and Pop-Soul. She grew up in a household boasting a rather eclectic palette when it came to musical selections like Prince, Heart, TLC, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Joel, Chaka Khan, Steve Miller Band and countless other legends, who all, no doubt, have influenced her musical journey.

Her single “Take Control” is told from the perspective of a female protagonist who, unapologetically, is “choosy” and time-conscious, charging her suitor with one task: to be strong, bold and to not waste her time. “Take Control” consists of mellow grooves laced on top of a mild tempo and smooth production by 88Fingaz, and successfully blends cool, soaring melodies that are synonymous with ‘classic R&B.’ Kara Elyse’s playful nature shines through with phrases like “I ain’t boujee like that.” It is cool yet classy.

Kara Elyse will be kicking off her promotional tour mid-summer, with performances set for events and venues in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and other US cities. On July 7th, 2018 she will open for legendary R&B groups including SILK, 112 and Jagged Edge at Atlanta’s Wolf Creek Amphitheater. Additional performance dates can be found online at www.karaelyse.com.

This triple-threat will soon be releasing more music including her highly anticipated summer singles “So Good” and “Ex Dude” produced by two prominent Los Angeles producers.

In the meantime, “Take Control” is available for streaming across various digital platforms including YouTube, Tidal, iTunes, Apple Music and Soundcloud.

Check Out The Interview With Kara Elyse:

As you see your self, who is Kara Elyse?

A dreamer, believer, and visionary. I’m a raw talent currently dream chasing, hoping to have a little adventure and positively impact others along the way.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

Music has been the only profession I could see myself doing/pursuing, happily, for the duration of my life. I have other skills and talents, but none that I enjoy, appreciate and love as deeply as creating music and performing.

What and/or who inﬂuenced the sound you bring today?

Although stylistically resembling early day Mary J Blige or Beyonce, I bring a tonation, delivery, and energy that is all my own, with a sound many have considered to be a refreshing reprieve in this new-age of R&B. Generally, when people ask who in the industry I might most closely resemble, stylistically, my answer is this: a combination of Sade, Beyonce and Janelle Monae.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

I wake up every day hungry and excited to create. Forreal, after an 8+ hour session (sometimes several), when I’m able to sit back and listen with my team what was created, hearing it knowing I put in work for something that we’re all bobbing our heads to, singing along with, smiling about— seeing that long, sometimes grueling process result in something I love and proud of, that makes it worth it.

What was the biggest obstacle to getting to your current career phase?

Other people. Everyone doesn’t operate as quickly, professionally, or even in the same manner that I do. I’m referring to no one, specifically, but there’s a ton of folks who “talk” about wanting to do things, and then those that actually “do”. I definitely fall in the latter half, so filtering through the talkers and finding the doers to collaborate with, has in some instances, wasted time, but it’s all part of the learning experience.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Good quality music, that really moves them, or makes them feel that, no matter where they are in the world, no matter their current juncture in life, at least one person understand what they’re going through— immense joy, sadness, introspection— whatever it is. I just want to connect.

Tell us about your current project?

Working on the KE Brand and recording new music (as is always the case), patience, setting aside more time to read (speciﬁcally the bible and James Baldwin), modeling, photography (a hobby/interest that pays), web page development (minimally) and a getting a business off the ground. Regarding the latter, I started a project with my family a few years back. Well, initially it was managed by one of my brothers, but as my desire to be more hands on increased, he was okay with me and my parents taking it over. One aspect of the company is apparel. I’ve designed a few pieces and have worn them in LA, Austin, and Atlanta where— to my elation— I received a lot of positive feedback.

One such encounter in Atlanta led to my being invited to showcase a collection during Atlanta’s International Fashion Week in summer 2018. In terms of modeling, I’ve already been fortunate to book opportunities with some stellar brands including ICON’s Closet, Strides by Miyanna, Asha Ama (as seen on Project Runway), the Los Angeles-based Dysonna Art Gallery and Nina Means, with collaborations underway for others. Speciﬁcally, I just released my ﬁrst ofﬁcial single “Take Control” with impact Records/Universal Music Group. “Take Control” is an urban take on the classic tale of boy meets girl. Girl, who is selective with her time and who she spends it with, charges her suitor with one task: that he be worthy should she take an interest. With mellow grooves laced on top of a mild tempo and smooth production, this introductory track successfully blends cool, soaring melodies — synonymous with ‘classic R&B’— with playfully delivered lines such as “I ain’t boogie like that”— proof of the now prevalent, contemporary ﬂavors associated with what is today deemed ‘alternative R&B’.

What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?

Honestly, I feel like my life and “accomplishments”, if you will, are really just beginning, so it’s somewhat hard to say. However, one thing that I am very proud of is that I never allowed anyone to sway my decision to pursue what it is I want out of life. I see and know so many people who are currently sustaining, but who find no real fulfillment in their occupation. I’m not judging or mad at that decision, as we each have our lives to live. But I’m can comfortably look at myself in the mirror and smile knowing that I didn’t allow anyone or dissenting opinions to dictate where I went

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

PRINCE. Need I say more. *laughter* He was truly a visionary and pioneer and never allowed for others to dictate the direction of his music or creativity. Beyond that, he was insanely talented, across all areas. I’m certain I could just learn so much from him. That desire to be my own self and artist— I resonate with that, and grew up feeling seeing a lot of similarities in terms of characteristics and

If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?

Too soon to tell. Not even sure I’ve written that song yet. I’m still ﬁguring myself out, musically, and constantly evolving. Ask me again in a few years 🙂

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

Hahahahaha! soooo many moments. Mulling over this.

ABOUT KARA ELYSE

Kara Elyse is an R&B, Pop-Soul singer, and performer. Currently based out of Atlanta, Georgia, she is originally a proud Midwestern girl, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. From the time she was a child, Kara has been a driven, self-motivated individual, in large part, due to growing up in a family where everyone was expected to strive for excellence in all facets of life. Because of this, Kara excelled academically, athletically, and socially. It was evident early on that excellence would include the pursuit of music, and that her budding interest in singing would cultivate into a passion.

As an artist, Kara strives to create music that connects with her listeners; music that triggers their emotions; music that inspires hope and dreams for all.

Currently, Kara is in the process of recording new music and building her personal brand. Her single, “Take Control” was released in April 2018 by Impact Records/Universal Music Group. The song is an urban take on the classic tale of “girl meets boy”. While “Take Control” has its roots in classic R&B, the song also imparts a modern-day feeling through mellow grooves provided by the producer, 88Fingaz. Kara’s soaring melodies and the purity of her sound has been described as “refreshing” and “different”.

Although Kara’s energies are focused on her music, she has begun exploring other facets of entertainment, including modeling and acting. Thus far she has modeled for several boutiques in Atlanta and Chicago, many owned and operated by women of color, and booked for two film projects. Additionally, she is set to model and debut her own clothing line at Atlanta’s International Fashion Week. All of these things — her entrepreneurial bend, her creative spirit, and her drive — serve as inspirational input for her musical pursuits.

If you would like to follow Kara, she can be found on Facebook as Kara Elyse, or on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @iamkaraelyse. Her single can be heard across various digital platforms, including YouTube, iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify.

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