Karson.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2023
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Green glitter falls onto the table as KARSON. appears before me in a puff of smoke, accompanied by their manager, Berklee undergraduate Jillian Manahan. The agender glam rock artist moved to Boston from a “tiny little village” in Wisconsin this past September, seeking the progress of the East Coast.
In their hometown, they were the only musician they knew and one of very few queer people and people of color living there. As a result, they spent most of their life closeted: it wasn't until last year that they started experimenting with their gender expression and “really understanding who [they are] as a person…it felt very comfortable and very affirming.” Making music is something that helps them come to terms with their identity while paying homage to their culture. Their “identity as a person of color and [as] someone who’s queer is directly based on the way that my parents raised me, you know, with music.” Currently, most of the music they’re making is glam rock and hip-hop, a direct result of hearing the music their mom played for them as a child: “As much as I feel like I dont go to my roots, I really do, all the time. My first dream was to be a pop star at like 2 years old…[Music has] just always been around me, and it made it easy to be like, ‘oh this is who I am, this is the music I should be making.’” Their mother’s influence doesn’t stop there: the glam rock artist even credited their comfortability experimenting with gender expression to her, explaining that “as much as she doesn’t realize it, [she’s] very queer in her expression,” and emphasizes how much they appreciate her continued support.
[Click Link to Read More] - Five Cent Sound
There’s nothing wrong with donning your rose-colored glasses and sinking into something familiar for a little while – be it a cherished TV show (The Office, anyone?), a favorite book, or in Karson.’s case, a stack of DVDs that might otherwise be gathering dust in the family attic. There’s safety in certain spaces, and everybody deserves to have their cozy nook – be it physical or mental. But what if those same things that might offer sanctuary are also triggers for all the memories we’d rather suppress and hold back? When the past brings up more pain than it does joy, there’s nothing rosy or romantic about nostalgia; like a scar, the past is always there, an ugly mark that we’d rather not look at, but one we also can’t get rid of. Visceral, searing, and raw, Karson.’s “90s DVDs” is a smoldering, angsty pop/rock reckoning with a past we’d rather not relive. It’s an intimate exploration of the emotions we imbue in ordinary objects – and how something so seemingly innocent can open up a whole can of worms.
[Click Link to Read More] - Atwood Magazine
Discography
THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE
01 TEENAGE BEAUTY QUEEN
02 GLAMSTARR
03 BAD NEWS
04 THE CHASE
05 BLOOD THINNER
06 DR. DOCTOR
07 VIDEOPHONE
08 SHRINK
09 THE ACCIDENT
Photos
Bio
Karson., a Boston-based artist, producer, songwriter, and engineer, is a creative force known for their rich vocals, enigmatic lyrics, and experimental production. With a musical style that seamlessly blends funk, disco, punk, hip-hop, and glam rock, Karson. has carved out a unique space for their art.
Born into a Puerto Rican family and raised in Green Bay, WI, they were surrounded by the rhythm of salsa and reggaetón, poetic lyricism of Wu-Tang Clan to Missy Elliot, and glamor of Queen and David Bowie. Karson.’s musical journey began at age 9 when they started freestyling with their older brothers, transitioning to music production at age 11. Motivated by a desire to emulate 00s pop artists and fueled by a need for an emotional outlet, Karson. began taking their craft seriously at the age of 14.
Music quickly became something they excelled at, offering an avenue to transform personal narratives into auditory experiences. They delved into all aspects of music production, mastering skills in producing, mixing, mastering, writing, engineering, and recording. As their burning passion for the artform grew, Karson. dedicated more time, energy, and resources to music, ultimately parting from traditional school at age 15. Karson. continued to hone their skills and they embraced the role of a storyteller, using their music as a medium to convey their personal experiences.
In 2019, Karson. released their first song “DIFFERENT” which quickly found its spot on Spotify’s Editorial playlist “Alone Again”. Since then, Karson. has captured the attention of audiences across various platforms, amassing over 2.5 million total streams across all DSPs. Their music has made a home on prominent Spotify Editorial playlists such as "Gaming Lounge," "Fresh Finds," and "Outliers," showcasing the wide-ranging appeal of their sound.
In the summer of 2023, Karson. unveiled their debut studio album, THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, a nine-track masterpiece that reflects the liberating flamboyance of glam rock and the uncanny romanticism of retrofuturism. The album had great success, accumulating over 400,000 streams in the first few months following its release.
Beyond their artistic endeavors, Karson. is deeply committed to causes that reflect their progressive mindset, using their platform as an outlet to create positive change. They strive to be recognized for both their authentic self and their artistic creations, reflecting their commitment to transparency and connection. Their music is a testament to their innovative spirit and the belief that greatness can be achieved with minimal resources. Karson. stands out as a beacon of rawness, vibrancy, and glamor that captivates listeners and encourages free thinkers to push boundaries and embrace individuality.
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