DirectLyrics Interviews Karmin: Talk "Pulses" Album, Third Single & Possible 'Re-Release'
Karmin are releasing March 25th their long-awaited FULL-LENGTH debut album "Pulses" (Epic). It's been a long road for the pop duo (made of real-life engaged couple Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan) to finally see "Pulses" be a reality (hit the stores), after numerous delays, but the time has at last come for all 'Karminites' (as Karmin's fans call themselves) to get their "Pulses" copies. Are you one of them?
DirectLyrics had the chance to do a brief interview with pop duo Karmin (with Amy to be exact) where they talk about the feeling of finally releasing their debut album, writing with Claude Kelly and Ester Dean, the fan-favorite reggae song "Gasoline", a possible future 're-release' of "Pulses", and many other things!
On third single from the album - the follow-up of "Acapella" and "I Want It All", although fans at their recent show in Minneapolis reported Karmin confirmed "Hate To Love You" would be the 'next single', it looks like Epic is pressuring Karmin to pick another song, even though Amy tries to put the 'blame' on the fans. What do you think?
The Interview
1. (DirectLyrics) It’s been a long journey for Karmin to finally see “Pulses” hit the stores. How have you dealt with the feeling of not being able to release your album even though it was finished? And how do you feel now seeing it get released?
(Amy of Karmin) It was pretty frustrating! It's also difficult to tour with a 7 song EP (laughs). But L.A Reid allowed us to continue recording and we got some of the best music out of it. I hope the fans will say it was worth the wait. We are very proud of this album. Our goal moving forward is to release much more frequently.
2. The first single was “Acapella”, and the new one is “I Want It All”. But according to fans that attended your concert in Minneapolis recently, you said that “Hate To Love You” would be the third single from “Pulses”. What made you choose “Hate To Love You" as your next single? Do you already have a treatment in mind for the video?
The fans are so amazing. We haven't confirmed the 3rd single yet, but there are a few contenders. Now that the album is out, the fans are saying a few other titles they want for singles. "Hate to Love You" would have to be a non-stop video with no cuts. We originally wanted to shoot it with us sitting on the back of a souped up golf cart, racing through different settings. Me strumming a guitar and Nick singing his ass off. Would have to be in monochrome (one color).
3. All 13 tracks on “Pulses” are great pop songs, but there’s definitely one that stands out from the bunch, and that’s “Gasoline”. How did that reggae song come along? Are you hoping to release it as single at some point this summer? Or at least shoot a video for it like you did with “Pulses”?
Ayyyyyye, that's my jam! Nick wanted an R. Kelly "Ignition" and somehow we skewed raggae. We definitely want to shoot a video for it, but it's a matter of how much time we have! It's gotta be something super artsy.
4. There was only room for 13 songs on “Pulses”. How many songs did you record for the album? Do you hope to release a few of the 'unused' tracks in a future ‘re-release’?
We probably recorded 20 or 30. But not all of them were finished top to bottom. Lots of hooks without verses and vice-versa. We had to fight for a couple songs. And yes, I think the unused songs will have a future life in some shape or form.
5. You've worked with amazing songwriters on this album; most notably with Claude Kelly and Ester Dean, who have penned major hits for very important artists in the industry. Tells us a little bit about how was like working with each of them.
Claude is a riot. He is so quick and one of the best melody people I've ever met. His singing voice allows him to do anything that comes to mind, I'm talking higher than I can sing! Always high energy, and keeps us laughing the whole session. Ester is very similar. She has an insane voice. Her process is also quick and we worked off inspiration. If we weren't inspired, we moved onto another idea and BOOM it was magnificent.
6. What was the most fun song to record for the new album? The one that took the longest to perfect? And what is the one that has the most special meaning for you?
Most fun: "Night Like This"
Took the longest: "Tidal Wave"
Most special meaning: "Neon Love", because it was the hardest thing to say and took the most honesty to write.
7. The demand for your “Pulses” tour has been so amazing that you've had to announce a second leg with new shows starting April 6th in Dallas. Surely many ‘KARMINites’ will attend the new concerts, but for those who are not familiar with Karmin yet, or are hesitating about attending, what make your “Pulses” shows so special and awesome, people just have to get tickets and see you live?
Well thank you! Karmin live is not what you expect. We are pretty high energy the whole show. There's a lot of sweating, dancing, crowd participation, and just great music. It's loud and aggressive. With the new album PULSES, you will get more of a roller coaster of emotions through the show. There's really raw ballads and crunk electro-hip hop-rock bangers!
9. What are Karmin’s Top 5 songs of the moment?
Easy! "Made to Love" by John Legend / "Power" by Kanye West / "Hella Good" by No Doubt, "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop & Pharrell /"Put It Down" by Brandy
9. If someone asked you; “Are you “Drunk In Love”?”, your answer would be....
(Laughs) Not currently. But been there, done that!
10. Thank you so much for your time, Karmin! Any last thing you would like to share with our readers at Direct Lyrics?
Follow us on TWITTAH @karminmusic and let us know what city we'll see you in! Would love to meetcha. xoxo