Karen Fowlie

Balancing a baby on her hip and managing a phone with her free hand, Karen Fowlie is one of the few independent musicians who has made a successful balance of a full personal life with her career in today’s do-it-yourself music industry. Fowlie is in the process of releasing her first CD, Pushing the Edge, produced by Dale Penner (Nickelback, Matthew Good Band, Holly McNarland). In addition, she will be showcasing at the New Music West Festival next week with her band of veteran Vancouver musicians: Elio Martelli (Doug and the Slugs), Rob Stevens (Bif Naked), and Don Powrie (Grammy winning band Skywalk, Lois Lane).
“Life is what happens while living the dream”, says Fowlie from her residence overlooking the Howe Sound. Fowlie was married to actor Steve Thackray a year and a half ago and little Dylan Rio (now 11 months old) quickly arrived to the loving couple. “My day consists of being a full time Mom and then cramming career driven phone calls into nap-time, lunch-time and evenings. I’m often working until midnight.” It’s true that Fowlie does not fit the lazy musician stereotype. Prior long term goals have demonstrated Karen’s tenacity as she’s earned a BA in Psychology/Sociology as well as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Music is Karen’s passion: a classically trained guitarist, vocalist and member of the Vancouver Bach Choir, Fowlie has tirelessly studied musical form and structure. She then set off into the song-writing world armed with her sweet yet powerful voice and an ear for composition that inspires addictive hook-laden melodies.
Karen’s new CD, Pushing the Edge shows her prowess. It’s an exciting alt. country/rock collection of songs which delve deep down into human emotion and emerge with what’s best in hand.
Karen will be releasing her first single “Tell Me” to commercial radio (DMDS) in the coming week. The song looks at childhood bullying/prejudice and it’s possible affect in later life. The song has a strong rock-gospel melody which shows off Karen’s dynamic four octave range and also features a live string performance, penned in part by Fowlie.
It’s an uncharted path through today’s music world and Karen Fowlie appears to be one destined to survive. Says Fowlie: “I’m booking a holiday!”
Karen Fowlie can be seen live at the New Music West Festival, Wednesday May 14, 2008 at the Penthouse Nightclub 1019 Seymour Street, Vancouver BC. Requests for interviews, songs or the new CD may be directed to: [email protected]
“Smokin’ Voice” – North Shore Outlook. “Pushing the Edge” is Fowlie’s debut CD due to be officially released June 2008. The album was produced by Dale Penner (Nickelback, Holly McNarland, Matthew Good Band) and has now received distribution by Warner affiliate (Pacific Music/Adagio Music).