Karisa Discusses Her New EP ‘Endless Summer’ and Being an Independent Artist

Canadian singer-songwriter Karisa is captivating audiences with her latest EP, Endless Summer. Infused with the nostalgic sounds of synths, drums, and guitar riffs reminiscent of the 1980s and early 2000s, the EP masterfully captures the essence of summer. With each track, listeners are transported to sunlit coastlines and open highways, where the music becomes the perfect soundtrack for reflecting on cherished summer memories.

Through evocative lyrics that paint vivid coastal scenes, Karisa’s songs immerse listeners in a “California dream,” where the transition from day to night symbolizes the fleeting nature of these golden moments. Whether dancing barefoot on the beach at sunset or cruising with the windows down, Endless Summer is a must-have for every sun-soaked adventure, seamlessly blending into the soundtrack of your summer.

Sending us to an ‘Endless Summer’ trip, Karisa joined us for a refreshing interview.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take three CDs with you (assuming there was a solar-powered CD player), what would they be?

Karisa: “That’s a tough question, I love so many records. I think my top three would be Melancholy and The Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins, The Bends by Radiohead, and Green Day’s American Idiot. These all hold a special place in my heart!

How would you describe your own music?

“I always have a tough time summarizing or describing my sound. Because it is pop music but with an alternative take. I take so much influence from rock, pop-punk, new wave, synth wave and euro-dance. My music has dualities to it but for the most part I would say it is upbeat with melancholic undertones… I like to capture the feelings of joy and happiness but undermine them with a sense of sadness and longing, knowing that those good times inevitably end.”

What is the story behind your stage name?

“My stage name is my birth name, Karisa, which is pronounced like Kar-ee-sa. Most of the time I hear people mispronounce it and it drives me crazy. It’s a Greek name and means a lot to me because it’s a part of my heritage. Growing up I didn’t like my name, but now I feel so blessed to be given something so unique.”

How would you describe your creative process?

“Usually, my creative process starts with a lot of thinking. I like to try and find inspiration around me by either going somewhere or brainstorming ideas in my notebook. I build collages using images I find and stickers to create a vibe and visual direction. This helps me to sort of build the story that I want to tell in my next project. I want the lyrics, the visuals, and the sounds to all come together into an experience that I hope evokes emotion in my listeners. I’m really obsessed with creating a different world through my art.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“In terms of my sound I would say it’s a mix of many artists. From The Cure, New Order, The Beatles, Avril Lavigne, Lana Del Rey, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead. I’m definitely leaving out so many other influences because there are too many to list! I’d say the artist that really motivated me to explore music was Avril… Seeing her being unique and doing what she wanted pushed me to do the same.”

Cover Art for ‘Endless Summer’ EP, Photo by Kallista Dalamagas and Yvonne Opallinski

Tell us about Endless Summer. What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments that stand out?

“This EP took a lot of work to create. We spent so many hours in the studio sorting through sounds, messing around with different plug ins and pushing for inspiration through long nights. I had a vision that I wanted to bring to life, and Luke (CL3VR) helped me make that a reality. He shared my vision and after dozens of long evenings and nights we finally found sounds we were happy with. We had a deadline in mind for when we wanted this project out and didn’t want to take no for an answer. It’s meant for midsummer. We wanted this to be a summer EP that captured everything we love about this time of year.

“Between working and life we managed to grind this out. I can’t really pick one moment in particular that stood out to me, because there were so many of those times when I heard the perfect sound or we came up with the perfect melody and lyrics, and I was like, YES, this is it! This is what we needed to find. Those are the best moments, when you feel like all your hard work is finally coming to fruition.”

If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be?

“If I’m being totally honest, I’m sick of how money-centric the industry is. It seems like everything always goes back to maximizing profits over the actual art. I believe in making a living as an artist and I think that’s so important. I just wish money wasn’t so insidious— I think money can be made simultaneously with the art being put in the foreground.”

What is the story behind naming the record Endless Summer?

“This EP was made with the desire to capture the wonders of summer. Through each track you explore a different aspect of summertime memories and emotions. So we thought, this EP is going to be an ‘Endless Summer.’ Anytime the listener turns it on they will be transported back to those moments and those memories.”

Tell us about your experience going it alone as an artist. How hard is it to get your music distributed, promoted, shared, etc.?

“Being independent is so tough. I imagine every path in the industry is not without challenges and heartache, but it is definitely tough navigating things. I’m thankful to have Luke by my side every step of the way, and friends and family who support me and help me make the right choices. It’s easy when you’re independent to fall for traps and false promises. So having people around you that have your back is such a special thing, and I am so grateful for them!

“The hardest part for me is figuring out social media. I always want to make content that is true to who I am and what I do, so it takes a lot of time figuring that out.”

If you had an unlimited budget, where and with whom would you record your record? What about production and mastering? And why?

“That’s such a tough question, I feel like there are so many brilliant and talented artists I would love to work with. But either way Luke would be with me! He is my co-writer, co-producer, and sound engineer. We are always in sync and I feel like our dynamic is a once in a lifetime thing. We work together so well.

“I would love for us to be able to travel somewhere warm and work at a studio near a beach or somewhere with amazing sunset views. Nothing inspires me more than nature, like the sun and the ocean. I love watching lights dance off of water and see how the world changes as time goes by. Seeing more of the world and being in a new environment would definitely be inspiring!”