Karen Waldrup a wonderful discovery
Interview conducted on August 05, 2019
by Dan Locke
New Orleans native, Karen Waldrup, is a triple threat musician, songwriter and recording artist known for her thrilling performances and nostalgically new style of country music.
Waldrup has spent the last few years touring the world performing thousands of shows everywhere from Long Beach, CA to Dublin, Ireland and is now a true viral sensation with her social media videos gaining mass appeal.
Karen has also spent the last few years building a worldwide audience through her charismatic online video content. In June, she traveled to Europe to connect with some of her international fans in person. The viral sensation, who’s had over 250 million online views, played sold-out debut shows in London, England, Schaan, Liechtenstein and Stockholm, Sweden. The shows drew fans from all over Europe including Scotland, France, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Estonia, Austria and Ireland. Her pre-show VIP experiences were also at capacity.
Dan Locke: So you grow up in New Orleans. How was live music like while you were growing up?
Karen Waldrup: Well, it’s in the heartbeat of the city so walking around the French Quarter as a young girl hearing the singers and players on the streets was really filled with excitement to see and inspired me I think. The very essence of New Orleans is music so it was and is a huge part of who I am.
How old were you once you started singing?
As old as you are when your face is as high as the soap holder in the bathtub. I remember standing that tall and singing and thinking “I wonder if I can sing?” I must have been pretty dang young.
Why didn’t you pick up the guitar until you were 16 years old?
I don’t know the answer to this. Maybe it was just because I hadn’t been around anyone that made me want to. When I heard another member of my choir at church sing songs he wrote week after week, I wanted to write & knew I could myself. That was when I was 16.
Do you remember the make and model of that guitar?
It was an Ibanez. My dad bought it for me b/c I showed him I could play an entire song on guitar & that song was “Heartbreak Town” by Dixie Chicks. Then, years later my sister wanted to learn to play and that guitar was in the attic. She sold it to apply the funds to a new guitar…I think I’m still mad at her for that. But, our family shared everything so I know it was just because she figured I had gotten a new guitar so she could get one too and I get that for her. We both got to learn to play and that’s what really matters!
What is your favorite make, model and year of guitar now?
I LOVE my 2016 Gibson HP 835. It’s my new guitar and I LOVE playing her- she’s so easy to play and full of sound! When you play her, it just sounds like an angel…so I named her “Angel Fire”
You have a degree in marketing. I see you have taken good use of that degree on your website. What item do you sell the most of?
Ironically, CDs! Even though folks listen to music online, they still like having that signed copy & since I sign every copy we sell a lot of CDs of my former music and my new music both!
Since you are from New Orleans, I am going to ask about some bands. I would like you to say something about each band. (Here are a few responses below…)
Dirty Dozen Brass Band- YEEEEESSSS
Louis Armstrong- “When the Saints Go Marching In” is my favorite.
Aaron Neville- Moms favorite! Listened as a kid growing up!
Harry Connick Jr. – I’ll never forget seeing him at a Mardi Gras Parade in person when I was a little girl!
You appeared on Platinum Hit. Do you feel that shows like this and American Idol can help an artist career?
Yes, for sure! Platinum Hit was my first national exposure and it helped me take the first step on my ladder!
How was it to sing the National Anthem at a New Orleans Saints game?
It was such a rush to feel the excitement of the dome from the field. I asked God to help me enjoy it because that’s why I’ve always wanted to sing in the dome…because of my roots and my heritage. Standing there and singing was just such a treat and a moment of a lifetime!
You have sold millions of records. What is your favorite one to sing for a small group of friends?
My favorite song to sing for friends is always the latest song I’ve written. Always. I also like singing “The Saints go Marching In”
What is your favorite food to cook while you are home? And can you give me the receipt for that dish?
I like healthy spaghetti squash and veggies veggies veggies! I love cutting the spaghetti squash in half, cutting all the seeds out and covering it in olive oil. Bake 350 for 60 min. Bam, it’s like God’s homemade spaghetti. Each time I make it I’m blown away that it’s real! So amazing and yummy and healthy! I also like to make jambalaya and cookies…hehe.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Who knows! Only God knows that and I try not to worry about it too much. I try to make people happy today and I’m very thankful for each person in my life.
Anything in closing for your fans?
Join us online by following us on any of the social media sites or Spotify. We have such a cool “Waldrup Worldwide” community & you’re welcome to join anytime! Whether at a show or in a video, we have a really good time making music
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