Essential 8: Karen Waldrup

Courtesy of the Artist

New Orleans native, Karen Waldrup, is a  musician, songwriter and recording artist known for her thrilling performances and bold musical style.  In November of 2016, Waldrup, who recently won 3 Nashville Independent Music Awards for Best Live Country Performer, Best Video and Best Solo Female Country Artist, became a viral sensation when her cover of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” garnered more than 24 million views (and counting). On July 13th, Waldrup released her new album, Justified, and here she answered her Essential 8 where she shared the story behind the album's title, and spoke about Waldrup Worldwide, Shania Twain, and more! 

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
Yes. My ex boyfriend was music teacher and he was in love with the dance teacher next door while we were dating. I had no idea but once I found out, I called her out on it and she lied and said there was nothing. Fast forward a few months I found that there was actually something there and I needed to walk away.  She brought me to the Cheesecake Factory in Green Hills and paid for my food just to chat. During the conversation, she said to me she thought it was "just texting" or "just friends" but it was Justified. And the moment I heard her say that word I forgave her for everything and named my album that and I'm thankful she's in my life. 

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? 
I really wanted to create a specific vision and tone and I wanted the album to be positive energy. I feel there is a lot of sadness and hardship in the world already and I wanted to make a joyful noise. I wanted the album to sound like country soul since I'm a country artist but am originally from New Orleans, LA. (Mandeville) so I knew exactly what tone we were trying to accomplish. Garth Fundis helped me channel that sound and we hand picked these eleven songs based on the fact they are positive, and make people feel good. I learned the power of positive music when I experienced the power of I Hope You Dance. It was only right that we put that song on the album because it is a musical angel. 

What has been your biggest success?
Building a musical family called Waldrup Worldwide, which is almost 500,000 people across the globe that not only support me but support each other in life and music. It's truly a unique and valuable experience to have such a large music family rather than a passive fan base. 

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? 
Playing at the Grand Ole Opry!!! 

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Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? 
Personal life, moments on the road, funny moments with friends, thoughts that other people have and say and anything that strikes me. If I think its' a cool idea, I typically will write it down on the notes on my iPhone and then later come back to the list of ideas when I am ready to structure a song. However, sometimes, God will send a song when I least expect it and then I will just be forced to sit down and write it in that moment. 

Who would you love to collaborate with? 
Shania Twain 

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? I got to meet Lori McKenna, my favorite songwriter. I was like a 14 year old meeting Taylor Swift. I was very nervous and I'm not sure I said anything of value. She is my favorite writer and I'm blessed to have a song written by her on my new record called Sometimes He Does. What a dream! Also, I've really loved Aaron Lewis' music my entire life and I got to meet him and sing with him! I've been blessed to meet him multiple times and I feel now we are friends! It's nice to be friends with people you really appreciate their music. 
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Do you have a favorite thing to do on a day off? 
Take a bath, sleep in, meditate, paint my toenails, get my nails done, anything involving self care, fitness, cooking. Anything that gets left behind with the hustle and bustle of being an artist. I feel like on a day off I can catch up on self care.

Physical autographed copies of the album are available at www.karenwaldrup.com/store
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