The Kaz Experiment was born in the early days of January 2022, as an experimental musical project of artist and singer/songwriter, Karen Harding. With a predominantly instrumental style of musical composition, The Kaz Experiment acts as an outlet for Karen to creatively explore the expansive possibilities available within the creation of sound and expression. ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ is a deeply relaxing instrumental track based around a soundscape created with a light piano melody and the ambient sound of strings. The song is designed to stimulate the sense of the quiet tranquillity felt at the end of the day, as you’re watching the sun retract back behind the line of the horizon.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey The Kaz Experiment, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Thank you for the opportunity 😊
Music was always a big part of my life.. I was that child that was always putting on performances for everyone coming to my home.
I began playing piano when I was 6 years of age and throughout my childhood was in every choir or musical opportunity possible.
Music, for me, was always about passion and expression.. I never saw it as a possible career, and it wasn’t until Covid started that I began to share my music with the world. The pandemic gave the me opportunity to reflect on what I loved in this world and to connect with other artists.
I began understanding that I had something I could share with the world and I’ve received an amazing response since I have.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
I am absolutely known for taking way too much onto my plate!
I don’t have a partner or children, so that definitely allows me a lot more time.. However, as well as music, I currently work a full-time job in the accounting industry, I run a platform for musicians (Sounds On The Couch), I do PR work for other artists and I create my music.
It is a lot.. but.. I love the work I do with my own music and with other artists and I think it’s that passion that keeps me going. I am always looking forward to exploring that new musical adventure.
Your latest song is 'When The Sun Goes Down'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
The Kaz Experiment is a side musical project that I established at the beginning of this year, aside from my main singer/songwriter music. I love creating instrumental, classical inspired music that can make you feel, without the lyrics creating a direction.. you can just feel.
‘When The Sun Goes Down’ is the third self-written, composed and produced single I have released through this project.
When I wrote this song, I was feeling overwhelmed by all the expectations around me. Life after the pandemic was going back to ‘normal’, and I was having a difficult time adjusting.
This song was a way for me to find my inner calm and peace.. a reminder that each day the sun rises and then it goes down.. the world will keep turning.. all is ok.
The instrumentation in the track is extremely simple.. just piano and strings and there is a dysregulation within the melody, which represents the feeling of chaos moving towards a sense of calm.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for all your support.
It’s absolutely amazing, as an artist to connect to so many beautiful people, all over the world through creativity.
I am continuously blown away hearing all your stories and having the opportunity to share in small moments of your lives.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I cannot imagine a life without music in some form. If it wasn’t a career, music would still be in my life.
That being said, I have a lot of passions.. I would definitely find a way to be creative, whether it be through art or a creative business.
How do you know when a work is finished?
This is a good question!
I think you just feel that it’s done in you’re bones.
In the past, I was absolutely a perfectionist, but the result is that you never get anything out.. there is always more you can do to art.
When I feel that my work is finished, I get it out.. it’s better to share it, than keep it locked away.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
I’m not a regular performing artist these days.. I have been focusing more on the creativity of writing and recording.. However, I always love the intimacy of performing in small local venues. I love the ability to really connect with listeners through the vulnerability shared.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I do.. formally, I work with a vocal coach, who is also a life coach. She has had an incredible impact on my life and my pursuing music.
Within the work of discovering myself, my songwriting has become so much more authentic and I have been able to share a lot more of myself.
Beyond formal coaching, there are so many inspirations around me that help me to grow and learn each day.
Who is your favourite musician?
This is a hard one, as there are so many incredible musicians. Everyday I am inspired by the amazing independent artists that I am honoured to share through my platform.
When it comes to music that inspires me most, I would say any music that truly allows you to feel something. For me, I am so inspired by songwriters like Leonard Cohen or Tracey Chapman that have a way of cutting straight to the heart with their storytelling.. both in lyricism, but also in composition.
What are your plans for the future?
I just want to keep exploring to see what’s possible.
Music is an adventure for me, and I look forward to seeing what unfolds.
The next step for me, for my main musical project is my first EP, which is in the final stages of production. I look forward to sharing it with you all.