By Charlie Maybee
D.C.-based rock musician and model Karen Culi recently released her new single, “Here We Are.” In the opening verse, she reveals that a near-death experience was the catalyst for the song’s creation with the line “I should have died but I survived.”
Backed by a simple, driving backbeat, this is a slow jam with some synth induced ambience that would be a perfect soundtrack for people in transit. Whether they be walking down the street or gazing out of a bus window, the music and lyrics are reflective of the here-and-now while also asking abstract questions of the past: “Have we’ve gone too far? / Are we chasing stars? / Are we lost in the dark?”
Of course, these are questions that are only answerable by continuing to move forward, and so the only option is to mark the moment: here we are, now keep going.
As her second single (“Secrets” was released just two months ago), Karen Culi is ready to storm the DMV music scene with gusto. It is palpable in her ability to weave personal narratives into philosophical inquiries on how to navigate a life that could have been cut short.
Deep, existential questions are perfectly packaged into a contemplative, well-crafted song that is both energizing and comforting. As she continues to make new moves, we will be looking forward to her next release and the waves she will inevitably make in the DMV music scene.
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Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
