Brooklyn-based pop artist Souvenir has just released an emotional and lyrically-biting song, “Karma,” which is a major screw you to any and everyone who derives pleasure from making people feel like they’ll never be good enough. We had the pleasure of interviewing Souvenir, and here’s what he had to say:
Q: What’s the story behind “Karma”?
SOUVENIR: The song grew out of the main hook lyric “Karma’s not your friend and neither am I.” My producer/co-writer FLORIO and I wanted to walk the fine line between being bitter and hurt, and being liberated and free, and capturing that feeling in this big cathartic vocal chorus. We had both been wronged by ex-partners, friends, etc., and wanted to tell that story of moving on, but also realizing how toxic that person really was.
Q: What effect were you going for while creating “Karma”?
SOUVENIR: I’ve always sought to blend those classic 80s synth pop sounds with my more modern lyrics and melodies, but I’ve never really put out a song from this sort of wounded but healing mental space. It really felt like new emotional territory, and being influenced by artists like MUNA and Carly Rae Jepsen totally helped us find that emotive, nostalgic pop sound to express it perfectly in.
Q: How do you hope listeners will respond to this song?
SOUVENIR: One of my favorite lyrics in this song is “Everything comes back to you, except for me.” I think it perfectly captures that feeling of finally breaking free from someone who made you feel worthless and remembering your REAL worth. I hope listeners can feel empowered in that catharsis when they hear this song.
Q: Yeah, I like that line! At what point did you decide that you want to be a musician? How did your family react to this?
SOUVENIR: I’ve been singing and writing songs since the moment I could! Haha, my family was incredibly supportive of it right away- I was in voice and instrument lessons and musical theater all growing up. I was even lucky enough to go to college in a pop music songwriting program! That’s where I was really able to find my voice and set my path to where I am now.
Q: Which genre do you think allows you to express yourself in a way that most matches your personality?
SOUVENIR: Well I’ve been a pop head for as long as I can remember! I’m a double Sun and Moon Sagittarius so going out dancing and congregating with friends and strangers is in my veins! And especially as a queer artist, the escapism and universal emotions of some of my favorite pop songs really inspire me. Pop music and specifically nostalgic/dance pop is such a community builder and I love existing in that space. Telling my story while feeling connected musically to trailblazers from the 80s, icons from my childhood, and LGBTQ+ artists breaking into the mainstream today.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a musician and what do you think is a not-so-great aspect about it?
SOUVENIR: One of my favorite parts of being an artist is reaching people and connecting to them with my music, whether that’s seeing them sing along at my shows or giving them an outlet for their own emotions. Sharing parts of myself and having them mean something to others is so incredibly fulfilling.
I’ll be real- one of the things I struggle most with is self-promotion. While I appreciate being able to be in control of everything I do, I can burn out really easily when I feel like a slave to the algorithms and social media, curating the perfect online presence, and being the entire label all the time ^.^ It can really overwhelm and make me feel insecure. But I know there’s no one path to success and that keeps me motivated and pushing myself!
Interviewed by Zoey King
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