Biography
My musical journey began as a very young child. I was photographed at the age of 2 playing the piano and singing, and I’ve never stopped.
I remember feeling drawn to singing and musical instruments, the blending of voices and sound, and especially the magic of harmony. As the only musician in my family, it seemed that music chose me, as if to say, “This is what you are here to do”.
Known as the “tiny kid with the big voice” in the church choir, I experienced loving support as well as some challenging times. These experiences helped nurture the feeling that touching hearts through music was my calling in life. I was initiated into the professional performing world at 14, touring Southern California as Mary Magdalene in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and then at 15 with parts in Godspell.
As time passed, I found my scope widening, both geographically and musically. After many years touring throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, I began performing in Europe in 1991. The touring experience has helped to shape me as a writer by providing insights gained from both observation and personal experience.
Along the way, I’ve worn many hats in the music business: solo artist, songwriter, session singer, club performer, bandleader, producer, arranger, recording engineer, panelist and mentor.
In 1993, drawn to the serenity of the ancient redwoods I moved my home base from Southern California to the North Coast and began a new chapter in the pursuit of my musical dreams. I currently span most of the state performing, recording and speaking.
Writing and performing are gifts, providing an opportunity to bare one's spirit to the world, but they are gifts that also carry their share of hard knocks and painful lessons. Finding the humor in life’s experiences helps ease my way on this journey, and the stories I have to tell are revealed through a variety of musical styles that reflect this multi-faceted view of the world. Whether it brings a smile to your face or a tear to your eye, you’ll know that my music comes from the heart.
I am inspired by the depth of artists such as Sting, Michael McDonald, Don Henley and Jackson Brown for their willingness to address the current human condition through their songwriting. Although I have a unique sound vocally, stylistically I am compared to many artists; Karen Carpenter, Diana Krall, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell and Trisha Yearwood to name a few. I am blessed to work with loving and talented musicians, most of whom become “family” to me.
As an independent artist, operating my own record label (One World Records) and publishing company (Dancing Trees Music BMI) I am fortunate to have both artistic and business control. A 6-year sub-publishing arrangement with a German record label/publisher was instrumental in promoting my music throughout Europe.
Always looking to expand my horizons and reach a wider audience, I have recently been active writing for, producing and recording outside artists in various genres, pitching my material for use in film and television and working with non-profits such as hospice, griefhaven.org, interfaith activities and many organizations that promote peace and understanding. I have had the honor of performing in support of some amazing visionaries including Wayne Dyer, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Debbie Ford and Brian McClure. I enjoy mentoring young artists in vocal performance, production and songwriting. I get the opportunity to pass on some of my knowledge as well as discover a wealth of new talent
Music has provided me an emotional and creative outlet - a safe place for me to retreat in order to reflect, heal, discover and create. Then, through my CDs and live performances, I can share those experiences, touching emotions and feelings we all have in common.
My 7 releases chronicle my life’s journey, reflecting those experiences through the mirror of my heart and soul.
What a blessing this journey of music is!
Instrumentation
Karie Hillery - Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Kenny Susan - Bass, Drums, Vocals
Mike LaBolle - Drums, Percussion
Bobby Long - Guitar, Vocals
Jay Byker - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Jim Thompson - Saxophone, Flute
Rafael Herrera - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Jimmy Dewrance - Harmonica, Vocals
Discography
2008 Solstice Peace"
2007 "Peace Instead"
Original Topical Pop
2007 "Light The Way"
Original Spiritual Pop
2002 "To Your Heart"
Original Spiritual Pop
1999 "Bridge The Distance"
Original Contemporary Pop
1995 "Transitions"
Original Contemporary Pop
1992 "Mixed-Up"
Original Pop & Covers
1988 "We Gotta Get Outa This Place"
Dance Single
1987 "Body to Body"
Dance Single
1986 "Let Down Your Walls"
Original Pop & Light Rock
1985 "Sweet Conversation"
Dance Single
Radio Play
* KMUD 91.1 FM Redway, CA
* KZYX 90.7 FM Philo, CA
* KHSU 90.5 FM Arcata, CA
* KHUM 104.7 FM Ferndale, CA
* KMFB 92.7 & 96.7 Ft. Bragg, CA
* KOZT 95.3 & 95.9 FM Ft. Bragg, CA
* KRCB 91.1 FM Rohnert Park, CA
* KVMR 90.5 FM Point Reyes, CA
* KKUP 91.5 FM Santa Clara, CA
* KUSF 90.3 FM San Francisco, CA
* KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley, CA
* KZSC 88.1 FM Santa Cruz, CA
* KAZU 90.3 FM Pacific Grove, CA
* FFH-Frankfurt, Germany
* 80FM-Cadiz, Spain
Streaming on-line
*ncradio.us (New Consciousness Radio)
*onevibrationradio.org
* Artistlaunch.com
* Positivemusicassociation.com
* MediaPositiveRadio.com
Links
| http://www.karie.com |