Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Magallon.
Hi Karina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Houston, TX. I am a first-generation Panamanian in the US. At home, I would learn about my culture and speak Spanish. While at school, I would speak primarily in English. I grew up in a multicultural community in Houston before moving to the outskirts of Houston when I was 13. Since my mom is an ESL and dual language teacher, she began to teach me how to read and write in Spanish, and every year since I was a baby, I would visit the country Panama for about a month to see my family and learn about my heritage. I have been doing music for as long as I can remember. I learned to play piano and guitar at a young age. I also was in a children’s touring choir and I was performing a lot in church and around my community when I was in high school. When I graduated college, I went to Belmont University in Nashville to study music. I actually ended up switching my major to another music degree but then I went through a life-changing experience with anxiety and depression that helped me to introspect and come to terms with what I really wanted with my life. And that is to become a music artist. I don’t view it as a negative thing because it changed my mindset and prepared me for the blessings that were coming. When I overcame anxiety and depression, I launched my first artist project with music under my name. It was a bit scary to do it at first but I took a leap of faith and knew inside me that it was the right thing to do.
Ever since then, opportunities and blessings have come into my life. But then the pandemic hit right after. However, this was not a setback for me because the power of the internet allowed me to connect with people all over the world including my main producer 4NALOG who has produced so many songs with me. Even though it was such a strange and hard time, it also gave me the time to develop my skills as a songwriter, I learned to edit music videos, do vocal engineering/arranging, etc. Last year, I moved to LA and the journey has been worth it. I’ve been a finalist in several songwriting competitions including the Grammy U Songwriting Showcase and semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition. I have also been collaborating and performing my music in venues such as the Mint and the Hotel Cafe. My favorite part is being able to touch other people’s lives with my music and be able to create a beautiful experience through the art. Now I have a new project I am launching this year starting off with my song “Lucid Dreaming” that just came out. It’s a romantic Spanglish song about being in a long-distance relationship and missing the other person so much that you start dreaming about them. I know there is much to come and I am excited to see what comes next!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am a very positive person and that trait of mine helps me to keep motivated when times get rough. I have a mantra hanging in my room that says “Believe you can and you will”. Keep going even when times are tough.
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it was been an exciting adventure.
I think that everything that’s happened to be has been beneficial in helping me grow and become more and more of the person I am.
My key is if one door closes, try the back door, and if that doesn’t work, try another door, eventually one will open, give you an opportunity, and a bunch of doors will open as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A lot of people know me because of my whistle notes, Spanglish rnb music, my curly hair, my heart and determination. I also think it is unique to see a first-generation Panamanian making it in the music industry. Panamá doesn’t get much representation in media, but it is a country with rich culture, beautiful terrain, and music.
My parents moved to the USA in their mid-twenties and they made a lot of sacrifices for me to be able to pursue my personal ledger. I believe in myself and I put my best foot forward when creating and working. My upbringing connects to a lot of people from my background and my hope is to inspire them to pursue their own dreams and not be afraid of them.
Also when I perform my music, I really do get transported back to the moment I created the song and can channel how I was feeling in the moment. When I’m singing the songs, it’s like you can see in my eyes what I was going through. I think it’s special to create that ambience and connection with the audience. It’s not about me. It’s about them. It’s about telling the story to make people feel heard and connect. And I think that’s what makes me unique.
My newest song Divina is coming out soon! It’s about reclaiming your feminine energy. It’s a Spanglish Latin rnb song and it’s my favorite song I’ve written! One of the highlights is the endings where I created an 18-part choir with just my voice. Can’t wait to show you!
For now, enjoy my latest single “Lucid Dreaming” about a long-distance relationship where you miss someone so much you start lucid dreaming. This song was also on Spotify Editorial Playlist “New Music Latin”, “Fresh Finds Latin”, and “Made”.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love LA because it is full of opportunities, adventure, and beauty. LA is such a unique place where you can learn about other cultures, and see new things every day. I’ve been here a year and I feel like there is still so much left to explore. I also like being a part of the music scene here. To be surrounded by so many creatives here is so much fun and helps the creative process a lot. One of my favorite places to go is Santa Monica beach and recently I’ve been into hiking. It’s been raining so much in Los Angeles so much is blooming and it’s so beautiful! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karinamagallon.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/karinamagallon
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/karina.m.music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/karinamagallon
Image Credits
Images: Sweet Jon Productions
