Karime Kendra - Its A Family Affair - Interview By Martin Gavin

Karime Kendra - It's a Family Affair - Interview by Martin Gavin

Karime Kendra has soul music running through her veins and is all set for 2009 to be the year when she hits the big time. The Los Angeles-born singer lives in Kensal Rise and MARTIN GAVIN found out about her soulful family and prolific recording career.

Q. Why, and when, did you make the move from The USA to Brent?

I became a resident in 1998. Before that I managed to spend time here because I was signed to Talkin' Loud records. I think the move was based on the fact that my late mother, who was a soul singer in the 60s, had a following here so I felt drawn and knew I had to stay once I got a taste of Brent life.

Q. You've performed on seven albums over the past ten years with some singles thrown in too. You were also signed to Talkin' Loud records in the 90s

.I have worked with Roni SizeÃÆ’­s Reprazent crew, Red Snapper, The Unsung Heroes, The Next Men, Shawn Lee, Trunk Funk out of Sweden, Carl Ryden for One Phat Diva, Yellow records with Alf Borgman, Outside on Dorado, Tim Land on Hospital records,

The Killer Meters on Scenario Records and now on Breakin Bread.The Nigo album out of Japan and numerous songs have been released on compilations. I have been fortunate to work with fantastic people over the years. I have a bad habit of not keeping a list so I have to google myself sometimes.

Q. What's your favourite part of Brent and why do you like it?

My favourite part of Brent is Queens Park and Salusbury Road. I take my little girl to the park when the weather permits. We love the zoo and the cafe for mini-milks. The play areas are exceptional for the little ones with a wonderful paddling pool. Salusbury Road is cool because I love chai tea at Starbucks and Bakers and Spice for an extra special pastry or lunch. Its great. It almost feels like a village.

Q. Your late Mother, Ty Karim, is a legend amongst Northern Soul fans in the UK for rare 45s released in the 1960s on a small independent record label owned by your father.You must be very satisfied that their work is now featured on a new compilation CD from Brents very own KENT Records?

I always knew my mother was awesome as a performer but to know that other people felt the same is mind blowing. My dad wrote some fantastic tunes and it ÃÆ’­s wonderful to know that his work is still sought after 40 years. Having lost my mother prematurely in the 1980s and to have a body of work where I can hear her voice whenever I want is so special. To pass this music on to my daughter, also Ty, is incredible.

Q. You recently performed some of your parents 'biggest hits' from the 60s to packed venues in London and the North of England. How does classic soul music from that era influence your contemporary style as a singer?

I am influenced by my parents music because it's my legacy. The music from that era was all about the song. My dad has told me that if you don't have a song then you don't have a career, so I strive to write and co-write songs that are timeless. Performing their tunes recently has been an experience that I will never forget and will treasure. Look out for my own album next year.

JANUARY 2009 THE BRENT MAGAZINE

Martin Gavin 2008

"Up The Junction" (link below for details)

http//caledoniasoul.co.uk

info@caledoniasoul.co.uk

Photos of Karime performing live at last years Cleethorpes weekender can be found via the gallery

Published in the Brent Magazine Jan issue which also features a cd comp for the 'Complete Ty Karmin ' Cd