Exclusive Interview with Karen Lee Batten
Karen Lee Batten is a Country Music Singer, Songwriter and Recording artist from British Columbia, Canada.
She started all the way back in 2003 as a “Canadian Idol” top 10 finalist. It was in 2014 that Karen Lee Batten really got in the Spotlights with her second album “Cause a Scene”, hitting the number one spot in the Canadian Album Sales. Karen Lee Batten is a famous Country Music singer in British Columbia ever since, confirmed by winning the BCCMA 2020-“Fans Choice Award”.
Would you like to know more about Karen Lee Batten? Find the exclusive interview with Country Singer Karen Lee Batten below and don’t forget to keep an eye on her website and Social Media.
Interview Published: December 11, 2020
Why country music ?
~ Country music speaks to the soul. It has lyrics that make you laugh and cry or laugh and dance, make you fall in love, and give you empathy. For me, country music has meaning. No matter what kind of day I’m having, there is always a song that can speak to my soul.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Pink & Johnny Cash – two strong voices from two different genres eras. They would each bring different elements to a song and while they would each have their own individual moments to shine, I think they would also give equal focus to each other.
Karen’s new music video of the Single “Too Strong”. Released in 2020 and co-written with Johnson, Merrett and Chad Kroeger.
Do you think that an artist can put politics in their music or should they stay far away from it?
~ The great thing about music is that lyrics can be interpreted differently in a song rather than if you just came out and said the words or posted them on social media. But since artists can easily influence others, I believe we need to be super careful as to how we use that power and make sure it’s for the betterment of our future and that of our children. We clearly have enough fear in our current events that we don’t need to instill more of it in the world.
Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Willie Nelson! He has been through a lifetime of ups and downs, and is still kickin’ it, making music, and connecting with his fans. I would love to write a song with that guy, or have him write one for me!
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ My entire family and any friend or friend of the family who has known me since I was little calls me “Karie”. On every Birthday card, Christmas card, text message or email, it’s always Karie, never Karen. To this day! Oh, and I have no idea why!
Give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and tell us why.
~ Well, unfortunately some good songs get overplayed and then we tend to say, “Oh my word… if ever hear that song again.”
So with that said, I would have to say “Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw is up there, and then maybe “Our Song” from Taylor Swift. Even so, I really don’t think they care that much because that overplaying has made them truckloads of money!
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would?
~ “What is a food that you like that others would find weird?”
My favourite sandwich is …. Ready?? Peanut Butter, Mayonnaise, and Lettuce toasted on sourdough with salt and pepper. Its not my fault, it started when I was young and it’s my Dad’s fault. It’s his favourite too!
Who is your number one female country artist ever and can you tell us why?
~ Wow, that is a really hard question! I feel like I have gravitated towards different ones for different reasons and at various stages of my life.
For a long time, I’ve admired Martina McBride. She sings strong songs, and sings them with so much energy and power. She’s also a strong mother and wife.
Then there’s Dolly Parton because she is just Dolly Parton. There is no one that could come close to being her. She is her own lane.
Kacey Musgraves – because she has just beaten all odds and fought her way to the top with her own look, own style and own sound.
Miranda Lambert, she has been through hell and back and is still on top and has never tried to be someone she’s not.
And of course Loretta Lynn, a woman who married and had 4 children all before her first single. Then went on to be one of the best songwriters of all time.
Sorry, I know that’s not one!
Johnny or June ?
~ Good question! I would have to say Johnny. Because I can’t even imagine what the world would be like without that voice.
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ I don’t get “nervous” but I do get excited. It probably feels similar but the difference to me is that I want to get on that stage so bad, so that’s what I like to tell myself when my heart is racing!
For rituals, I do a lot of breathing, I stretch out my neck and back. Small vocal warmups and then I try and have one of my besties beside me to talk to me about anything that can distract me or make me laugh.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and can you tell us why?
~ I would say I have two moments that really stand out.
The minute Canada voted me into the top 10 on “Canadian Idol”, that was pretty amazing being on live TV and hearing that you made it.
I would also have to say the first time I heard my very first single play on radio. I felt a little sick to my stomach, so nervous, so excited, so surreal. I was sitting in my producer’s car and we just sat there and listened to the whole thing in silence.