Music is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It has the power to evoke deep emotions, to transport us to another time and place, and to connect us with others in ways that nothing else can. From classical melodies to modern pop songs, music has been a driving force in our lives, shaping our memories, our identities, and even our views surrounding the world.
But music is more than just an art form. It’s a powerful tool for social change, a means of raising awareness about issues that matter, and a platform for artists to express their ideas and inspire others to action. From Bob Dylan to Beyoncé, musicians have used their voice and platform to push for social justice, political reform, and an altogether better world.
Featuring as the Cover of our Global Women Leaders issue is the 20-year-old Slovakian singer-songwriter Karin Ann, who is using her music to talk about subjects of relevance and spearheading a global change.
The Musical Range
Growing up in Slovakia, Karin Ann started her writing journey at the age of 14. Through her lyrics, she was able to innately capture the complexities of life, one that connected with people of all age groups.
Soon Karin was discovered by producer Matt Schwartz, and it brought upon new opportunities in her young musical career. She began touring with the likes of Imagine Dragons, YUNGBLUD, Alfie Templeman, LP and My Chemical Romance and steadily created a name for herself on the live circuit.
Talking about these opportunities and if she would like to do anything differently in her journey, Karin assertively mentions “The journey has been a lot of hard work, but I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve gotten.”
She adds “I don’t think it does any good dwelling on what you would’ve done differently in the past. I think the choices we make bring us to where we are so who knows where I’d be if I had done something differently.”
In recent years Karin Ann has established a loyal following with popular songs like you make me miserable, looking at porn, almost 20, i’m a loser, and more. Her latest single for a moment is already garnering rave reviews and is a clear indication of the musical heights she is about to reach in 2023.
Impacting the Young Generation
Karin Ann’s music has struck a chord with audiences of all ages, but perhaps nowhere is her impact more keenly felt than among the young generation.
But it’s not just the subject matter of Karin Ann’s music that resonates with teenagers. It’s also the honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity of her lyrics, which speak directly to the experiences and emotions of young people. Whether she’s singing about the pain of a healing heart or the urgency of political activism, Karin Ann’s music captures life with a sensitivity and insight that is rare among artists of any age.
“I think societal issues need to be talked about in mainstream media. So, when people (artists) who are featured talk about the issues it could get a lot more attention, and in turn something can be done about them,” she explains.
Perhaps this very understanding of social subjects and openness to topics riddled with stigma has garnered her the support of audiences and celebrities alike from across the globe.
Voicing Strong Opinions
Karin has always been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community as well as for minority rights.
In July 2021, During her appearance on TVP, Karin Ann began her performance on the program titled Question for Breakfast by giving a special message “I would like to dedicate this song to the LGBTQ community in Poland. I know you don’t have it easy here. You deserve love, you deserve to feel safe. I’m with you, I’m standing here with you, I love you.” She gave this statement while wrapping herself with the symbolic rainbow flag.
The outrage and media attention the statement garnered across the country further stood to cement the power as well as the truth her message held.
Since then, international icons like Mel C and Black Eyed Peas have also shown their support for the LGBTQ+ community in Poland. Moreover, global publications and social media influencers have also joined-in to voice their support to the community in Poland and beyond.
In August 2021, Karin Ann went on to become the first Slovak artist to be featured on the billboard in New York’s Time Square as the face of Spotify’s 2021 EQUAL campaign.
For a Moment
Karin’s latest single For a Moment is a beautiful song that speaks the universal truth that time doesn’t necessarily heal all wounds, but it can make the pain hurt a little less. And in those moments when the pain is still raw and the wounds are still fresh, it’s okay to let go for a little while. To dance and forget and allow ourselves to be happy, even if it’s only for a moment.
In another interview, Karin mentioned the meaning and thought-process behind writing this song “Writing it was kind of therapeutic for me, it’s about accepting the bad things you went though, it’s about accepting that healing takes time and that it’s OK to not feel OK and it’s OK to feel like something horrible you went through didn’t make you stronger but actually made life much more difficult. It’s about accepting all that you went though and taking conscious steps towards healing.”
Even then, the songwriting process for Karin is never limited to a set idea or theme. She explains, “I don’t ever think there is a specific theme I want to write about when I start writing. I just start writing and whatever comes out is what ends up being a song.”
The Karin Ann Brand
In just a short span, Karin Ann has already been the recipient of multiple music awards, touring all over the world, working with various labels, actively representing the LGBTQ+ community in Slovakia and in Europe, been referred to as the Billie Eilish of Europe, and most importantly, broadening her portfolio of good music.
Amidst the popularity and expectations, Karin emphasizes that she doesn’t think about the potential possibilities of the future. She further adds “I have anxiety so thinking about the future is very stressful for me, haha.”
From her own experiences, Karin understands finding your audience and standing out in the music industry is extremely difficult, however, she points out “We live in a time where the music market is oversaturated so it definitely is hard to find an audience, but I think as long as you’re doing what you love and you’re doing it for the right reasons, sooner or later your people will find you.”
Talking about how she wants to be remembered by Karin concludes saying “I think like any artist I want to be remembered for my art and for what I stand for.”
Cover Photo Credits
Photograph: @a.gallagher.photos
styling: @hollyevawhite
makeup: @catparnell
hair: @willisgalbraithhair
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