Karl Karlsen + Musician in London, EN

SEEKING

ABOUT

I have been a lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player in several cover bands over the last 30 years. I do play some lead guitar, although more often than not this is generally outside my comfort zone.

More recently I have performed as one half an acoustic duo, but this is not where my heart, and true motivation, lies. I'm more old-school than new-school, and love revamping old tunes and given them a modern lift.

In my teens I used to practice and hone my singing style by singing along with Level 42 (Mark King/ Mike Lindup), Wet Wet Wet (Marti Pellow), and The Pogues (Shane MacGowan), and one day maybe I would love to do my own version of Fiesta, but that song definitely needs trumpets to sound authentic. Later in my 20s I sang along with The Beatles to enhance my vocal range.

I particularly love songs that use simple melodies, along with catchy rhythms to deliver that addictive tap-your-feet-get-up-and-dance type energy when performed in front of an audience.

Some examples include:

Fabulous - Charlie Gracie
All Shook Up - Elvis
Bad Moon Rising - CCR
Proud Mary - CCR
Come On Let's Go - Ritchie Valens/ Los Lobos
Let's Say Goodnight - Los Lobos
Gimme One More Shot - Dr Feelgood
Come On In - The Blues Band
I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles

A typical band line up has been two guitars, bass and drums but I have also worked with piano / accordion players, sax players, upright bass players and backing singers.

At the peak of gigging I carried almost 50 songs around in my head, and never once used any cheat sheets as relying on these detract from the performance, which is ultimately what it's all about.

I'm now looking for the right group of musicians to bring to life some quality entertainment.

Screen name:

Karl Karlsen

Member since:

Jan 12 2024

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years playing music:

30

Gigs played:

50 to 100

Available to gig:

1 night a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Beatles
Elvis
Chuck Berry
The Mavericks
Los Lobos
The Pogues
Barenaked Ladies

Instrument experience:

Vocalist:

Expert

Rhythm Guitar:

Advanced

Acoustic Guitar:

Advanced

EQUIPMENT

Fender Stratocaster

No amp currently as I am looking to get back in to the music scene after some years of absence, but previous amps include the Vox AC30, Marshall DSL, Peavey Classic 30 and a Mesa Rect-O-Verb (my favourite).

MUSIC