KLB

Our June Fresh Find artist is British Columbia’s Karen Lee Batten who recently released a new album, Cause A Scene and is currently in the process of wrapping up a western Canada Radio/TV tour. Check out our interview with Karen Lee to learn more about her and watch her explosive music video for “Cause A Scene” below!

TC: What made you choose to pursue a career in country music?

KLB: Honestly, the fans… country music has the best fans and listeners, and for me the biggest rush I get is getting on that stage and singing with everything in me to those watching back. If they love what I’m given’ then I feel like I have done my job. That is my very favourite part of what I do.. it’s country music fans that keep me going!

TC: Who were some of your earliest musical influences?

KLB: I grew up listening to old country.. Waylon, Johnny, Kenny.. but actually had my own love for Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette.. and yup.. a little Whitney!

TC: Can you tell us a bit about your new album Cause A Scene?

KLB: It’s a collaboration of songs that make me feel good! Everything from the party track “Cause A Scene” to the heart felt ” Life Worth Living” to the two stepping’ “Big Love.” I wanted to love every word on this album.. and so far.. I do! You hope to have an album that gets played for years and years.. and I wanted to make sure that I loved singing those songs for years and years too. It’s all of me.. wrapped up in 11 songs!

TC: How would you say Cause A Scene compares to your previous album Every Moment?

KLB: Everyone goes through different stages in life and it’s the same thing with albums. One may reflect one time in your life and the next may seem different after a few years of growth. This album is definitely a little more emotional and I feel like I have opened up a whole lot more on this current release.

TC: What has been one of the most memorable moments to date in your career?

KLB: I would definitely have to say that Canadian Idol was a huge moment for me. The crazy process of a live competition for 8 months is a once in a lifetime chance and a huge experience to look back at! What a whirlwind..ha… but a good one! I would also say opening for the Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich and Emerson Drive would be three pretty cool experiences I’ve had. Just to be asked to be on the same stage as some amazing acts like these is truly an honour and makes an artist like myself just strive to be better and better.

TC: What have you got coming up this summer that fans can look forward to?

KLB: I am just finishing a Western Canada radio/TV tour this week. Then I am home to open for Aaron Lines at the Sun Peaks Music Fest. I’m playing Dawson’s Creek Music Fest and the Gone Country Cancer Fundraiser with Chad Brownlee, Brett Kissel and One More Girl. After that, it’s off to the East Coast for more TV and Radio. THEN… it’s the band and I off and running across Canada to play this album for as many people and places that we can! We will be at the 2014 CCMA’s as well!

Website: http://www.karenleebatten.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenlee.batten
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karenleebatten