Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Finch.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The youngest of four, I grew up surrounded by a wide variety of music. My brothers both played guitar in rock bands and had rehearsals at our home. My sister and I spent time harmonizing together on folk songs. There was always music flowing from the stereo, classical, broadway, country, rock, motown. Anything we were interested in was okay. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to perform. I took a drama class in school and was in all the plays. My favorite thing of all was singing because it came from the heart. It was just a great emotional expression. As a teenager, I was really drawn to powerful female vocalists like Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, and Janis Joplin, the one who really resonated with me. I wanted to be a rock star like that, someone who really got into your soul. Even though the music was such a passion, I was raised to believe it was a hobby, not a career option. I was kind of a lost soul searching for an acceptable career choice.
I moved to Virginia and after working at a few restaurants, landed a job as a plumbers apprentice, unheard of for a woman in the 1970’s. I enjoyed the work and thought this was going to be my career but got laid off when the work ran out. I went to work at a club that had live music most nights and was often invited up to sing. The first time I received a standing ovation was an indescribable joy. I sing from my heart and sometimes I just disappear into a song. This was one of those nights you could hear a pin drop while I was singing. When I finished and that applause erupted, I felt like I was floating. My feet were no longer on the stage. Experiencing that heart connection with the audience was an amazing feeling I wanted more of. I decided to move to California for the ocean and more opportunities. On the way, I stopped to visit my brother in Colorado and I am still here. It was a rough start here. In my first few years, I moved eleven times and had almost as many jobs. Eventually, I met my husband and we had a daughter. I landed a job with Boulder County Housing, working in the maintenance department, where I remained for twenty-five years.
Pursuing my music took a back seat as I focused on enjoying a vibrant, active, Colorado-style family life. Music was woven in through attending festivals and shows and a lot of dancing. I started volunteering for Planet Bluegrass and E-Town, which I still do today. When my daughter got older and more independent, I started having some jams at the house. I went to a few song circles and open mics and got to know more musicians. I did the occasional show at local venues, which was a lot of fun. It was when I hit my fifties. I decided I wanted my music in the forefront of my life. The family was raised now. It felt like it was my time to pursue my dream. I joined some singer/songwriter groups and started writing songs on a more serious level. At first, my songs felt silly and simple, but the more I wrote, the more comfortable I got with the process. Plus the music community in this area is very encouraging and supportive. My performance and playing style have a definitive bent towards soulful blues but a lot of my songs are not blues songs.
My songs are usually powerful, driven and straightforward. I stepped up my performances and started playing benefits, weddings, and tons of open mics to broaden my music circle. I launched into playing solo shows at different venues that are a mix of originals and covers. People tell me that they love my powerful vocals and the sound of my Steel guitar. It was in signing up to play at a Woodstock tribute show. I put together a band to play Janis Joplin. That performance went over so well. We decided to become a Janis tribute band. This was fun for me because it was like reconnecting with my teenage self. People have commented many times that I remind them of Janis and her music resonates with so many people. Our band is called Purely Pearl and although we don’t perform often, it’s always to a sold-out room. I retired two years ago with a plan to work part-time as a handy gal/pet sitter to finance my music endeavors. I was preparing to tour but then Covid hit so I started doing weekly live streams and played outdoor shows.
Last summer, a group of musicians, desperate to play with others, met at a park in Longmont, Colorado and our band Contagious was born. We have a great time entertaining ourselves and others by playing a variety of covers with a lot of harmonies. I’m grateful for this chapter of my life where music can be at the center. Music may not have been able to take the lead for a long time, but it is a dream I couldn’t let go of. I am seeing how far it takes me, and I hope that inspires others. I have been doing a bit of recording and working with people to get a better presence on social media, which is a big hurdle for me. I continue to write and perform online and in local venues. I hope to be touring next year if things open back up. Music brings me so much joy whether I am dancing to other bands or performing myself. My hope is that I am spreading the joy that I feel to others. I can’t imagine my life without it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Where do I start with this one? It has been a long bumpy, curvy road. Struggling against the message that I could not make a career out of music. Struggles with low self-esteem, feeling like I had to fit a certain image to be a front person on stage. Overcoming substance abuse. Then just feeling I had to put the dream on hold, work a more stable job to make sure my daughter had everything she needed growing up. Now my biggest challenge is technology, you have to stay present in social media, and you need music, videos, and bios online ready to send to prospective venues. I did not grow up with any of this, and it is the hardest part for me. I used to go to venues and deal with them in person to get bookings, but very few places work that way anymore.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I perform as a solo act doing originals and covers, I am known for not only my powerful vocals, but people love the sound of my steel slide guitar playing. I play straight-up acoustic guitar also. I am part of a nine-piece cover band born during the pandemic called “Contagious.” We are based in Longmont. Find us at venues up there, lots of harmonizing and fun with that group. One of the things I am best known for is my Janis Joplin tribute show, we are called “Purely Pearl.” I think something that maybe sets me apart comes from what my audiences tell me they like which is, the passion and fun I bring to the stage and how I engage with them.
What matters most to you?
Having gratitude for my life everyday, sharing my joy with the world thru my music. There are times I should have been dead but, I am not, and on top of that, I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, I am healthy, and I have people that love me. Anything over that is a bonus. Remembering that helps me to stay right-sized and happy. Music is my passion and a gift from my creator, who put me here to create! I need to share it with others.
Contact Info:
- Email: iluvtosing2@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenFinchMusic
https://www.facebook.com/Purely-Pearl-122845622444815 - Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-793846108
Image Credits:
Melissa Maugeri
Jane Manly
Dennis Driscoll
Carol Gonzalez
