Following the release of her stunning live performance for Free Bird, we were blessed with the opportunity to talk songwriting and musical aspirations with artist and singer Keren Botaro. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Keren – thanks for the interview, and congrats on the new release!
Thanks for having me!
What does the song Free Bird mean to you?
I wrote Free Bird at a time when I was going through a breakup and felt like I wasn’t myself. I was still dealing with the pain and the aftermath of that tumultuous relationship and I wanted to be free of these energetic chains. I wanted to be who I was before it all happened and I wanted my ‘wings’ back. It’s a sort of a plea or a prayer to be free of the pain if you will.
Does the EP in full offer a conceptual thread or cover a certain aspect of your life?
The EP was written when I was going through a personal rough patch and I was using music as a healing tool to bring myself back to myself and to remember my personal power. That’s what the song Fire is about. So, yes it is a snap picture of that time in my life.
How has growing up in Tel Aviv helped shape who you are as an artist?
I think growing up in Israel shaped a big chunk of my musical taste. I was influenced by American music, of course, but also by Israeli, Spanish and Italian music and a lot of the European music that was played on the radio when I was growing up. Then when I moved to NYC I discovered Jazz, Classic Rock and Blues… So my music became a combination of all these styles.
You’ve already toured extensively and shared the stage with some impressive names – what have been some of the most outstanding or memorable experiences you’ve had as an artist so far?
I would have to say that opening for Melissa Etheridge in 2017 was really a memorable event for me. Not only was the show completely sold out, which was amazing, but Melissa was so warm and inviting – we spoke back stage and she actually heard my music and knew who I was. Her audience was so welcoming and loving. It made me think of how an artist actually attracts the type of audience that matches their energy.
What are your plans creatively throughout the rest of 2019?
I’m in the process of writing the next venture. Probably a whole album this time (since I only released EPs so far). And working on booking some shows in the fall of 2019.
What’s the best thing that could happen for you as an artist right now?
I would love to write more songs that I’m excited about and be able to share them with as many people as I can reach. And getting into the music festival circuit would be a great achievement for me as well – there’s something about the open air, outside in the sun combined with live music that makes me so happy.
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Stream the music on Spotify. Find & follow Keren Botaro on Instagram or visit her Website.
