Kari Kimmel interview

You’ve heard her singing in the background on everything from TV dramas to movie trailers, and now you’ve got a name and a face to go with it: Kari Kimmel. Her latest full-length album Out Of Focus has been released today, she’s filled us in on everything from what we can expect from the new album to how her recent entry into motherhood has impacted her career…

What’s special about the song “Out Of Focus” that made you choose it for the title of the album?

I just really love how this song came out- the lyrics, the melody, the production.  It’s one of those songs that took hardly any effort- It just sorta wrote itself.  I chose it as the title of the album because it’s one of my favorite songs on this album and it wraps up what this whole record is about.  Absolute real, true, can’t live without you, kick you in the ass it hurts so much at times, kind of love.

Speaking of the title track, is it just a song about missed opportunities?

It’s a lot more than just a missed opportunity.  It’s about trying to let go of the love of your life and realizing that nothing makes sense or even really matters anymore without that person.  One of the lyrics says: “the more that I try and run away, more of you comes back to me” Sucks, doesn’t it.

There’s quite a bit of heartbreak on this album, and you still manage to deliver some upbeat sentiments like “One day you’ll be fine” and “Don’t give up” – is that indicative of your personality, that you’re always looking for a positive in there?

This album is like taking a segment of my life and putting it into a record, so to speak. When you listen to it, you’re going on a journey with me- from experiencing love, to losing that love and then finding it again. There is a time to be happy and positive and hopeful, and there is a time to cry your eyes out and let yourself feel loss and sadness.

You’ve been pretty public about the fact that you recently had a baby. What’s it like releasing an album when you’ve got a three month old?

Hectic.  I tried to release the album before he got here, but he had other plans  I was pregnant while I was recording most of this record, so he probably knows all the songs by now!!  He’s just made this process even more special- I thought I felt things deeply before I had him, but I can honestly say that I feel like I’ve experienced a whole new level of love I never knew existed.

Your songs have been used in more television shows and movies than any other artist I’ve encountered. Is it strange knowing that millions of people have heard you sing but they don’t necessarily have a name or a face to go with it?

Story of my life! I can’t really complain though… I love what I do- I mean, I get to sing and write songs every day and get paid for it!  Sure, it would be nice to have more people know that I’m the one who sang in Dreamgirls or Shall We Dance or the High School Music 3 commercial (i guess those are my plugs… haha), but, I feel pretty lucky to be able to do it, even if some if it is more “behind the scenes”.

What kind of impact do those kind of TV and movie placements end up having on your career?

Some placements have a bigger impact than others.  When I did the commercial for Private Practice, lots of people saw that, so that was cool.  Certain shows, like The Hills, let you know who the band or artist is and the name of the song playing. That really helps the artist out a lot! 

USA Today claims that one of your songs is on Taylor Swift’s iPod. How does that make you feel?

It’s actually kind of a funny story.  Taylor emailed me like 5 years ago- before she was this big huge star.  She sent the sweetest email saying how much she loved my music and her favorite songs of mine were “Dreamer” and “Notice Me”.  She asked if I’d tell her when I was in Nashville so she could come see me play and if I’d write with her.  Well… I was finishing up a record and didn’t get back to her for a couple months and by then, her email had changed and that was that.  I still have the email.  Really cute- it was all pink font- very girly  Moral of the story? I’m a big dummy.

These days, which is the more vital album release for you, the digital or the physical?

Definitely digital.  The only reason I even do a physical release is because I have a certain amount of fans that I know want the hard copy of the record.  Also, it’s nice to have something you can hold in your hand and say- this is where all those hours of hard work and late nights went!

Now that the album is being released, what have you got on tap for 2010?

I’ll be having my cd release show late April… I don’t have the date just yet, but I will let you know My song “Pink Balloon” which isn’t on this album, but is on itunes, is airing on the show “10 Things I Hate About You” in March.  I have a few others in the works, but can’t say until they’re locked in!! Ask me again in a few weeks! If anyone wants to keep up with shows, new songs, placements, etc., they should either sign up on my website or become a fan on Facebook!

Learn more at KariKimmel.com • iTunes • MySpace • Facebook • Twitter