Karina Nistal recently teamed up with producer Prakitikos wo create an EP that crosses boundaries between cinematic and ambient electronic and an ethereal euro-dance that melt together to form a beautiful and vivid form of pop. The Divine Timing EP is built from sultry vocals and alluring synths that swell and breathe as songs play on giving them each a life of their own. The songs are lush with textured layers of soundscape that all create an atmosphere that engulfs you in the best ways possible. This release boasts a blend of both classic and new school songwriting and performance approaches and it all really works incredibly well. Vocals are alluring and smooth as they touch on an almost 90's feel while it all swirls around you and you find yourself being washed away with these tracks. Even the tracks with a heavier beat feel calming in a way. What's really great is the dynamic of how each song breaks itself apart from the rest yet still feels like a part of the same record just as they should. Prktikos and Nistal are something of a dream team as the songs all embed themselves in your brain and get you moving with the music within seconds flat. The combination of the production style bringing that slight throwback dance feel is nearly perfect for how the vocals are performed and it was as if this was meant to happen. There is something familiar about the record. Like you've heard it before somewhere. It's all quite wonderful. WIth such a powerful release we wanted to talk shop with Karina Nistal about the creation of this record and what may be up next for her. Here's what happened.
BuzzSlayers: Okay so let's start with the Divine Timing EP. This record puts out some outstanding atmospheres and dance vibes. Where did this EP come from?
Karina: Praktikos and I worked on this EP for 6-7 years. It was a collaborative effort of a combination of experiences that we were both going through. His were on a music production level and mine were on a lyrical level.
BuzzSlayers: I'm hearing several pop styles on this record. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Karina: We both have so many influences but we both liked Kosheen, Bjork, Everything But the Girl, Morcheeba, Sneaker Pimps, Massive Attack, Breakbeat Era, DJ Shadow, Thievery Corporation and so many more! I feel like we even dove into some new wave like Depeche Mode, the Cure, and New Order.
BuzzSlayers: So when did you team up with Praktitos for the record? How did that come about?
Karina: We had collaborated on a small project in 2014 where my friend Devi Genuone and I did some guest vocals. She is the reason I met Prak. I became an instant fan of his work. We stayed in touch and when he mentioned he needed some vocals, I offered to record for him. From there it was an effortless collaboration. We had projects we focused on separately but we continued to build our friendship and collaboration as a unit. BuzzSlayers: The EP sounds almost like a concept album. Is this true at all?
Karina: Not necessarily. I don’t think we had any idea of where we wanted to go with it but we both had a lot of the same ideas. We wanted consciousness and positive awareness to flow. We want to make the most of our humanity and raise the vibration of the collective through our music.
BuzzSlayers: How did all of this start for you as a singer and musician?
Karina: I started singing when I was a child. I learned early on that I wanted to perform and entertain audiences. I was about 12 when I wrote my first song. I dove into music and love all kinds of music because I realized music is expression.
BuzzSlayers: What sort of things inspire you to write?
Karina: Life experiences inspire me to write. Love, heartache, positive affirmations, loss, and living in the moment.
BuzzSlayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Karina: I double up as an actor. I host a bike experience in downtown Houston. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and my cat Fe :)
BuzzSlayers: Who are you listening to right now?
Karina: I’ve been listening to a lot of frequency music, Abraham Hicks who is all about vibrations but musically I’ve been listening to lots of Kali Uchis and Kaytranada.
BuzzSlayers: Do you think you'll be putting any effort into live performances at all?
Karina: I definitely do. I love performing and the pandemic inspired me to stream more or just do short videos. Especially duets on TikTok!
BuzzSlayers: What's next for you as an artist? Anything new in the works?
Karina: I’m definitely working towards a new album or at least a few singles.
BuzzSlayers: Can we expect any music videos from you?
Karina: I have two new videos in the works too!
BuzzSlayers: This seems like it was a big undertaking. What advice would you have for other up and coming artists out there?
Karina: Don’t let the industry discourage you or your big vision. Just work on releasing one song at a time and build up to an album. Don’t just release the album and stop promoting it. Always plus your work however you can. Marketing will always be the most important part.
BuzzSlayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to ans of the music? Karina: Thank you for supporting me. Whether you’ve been riding with me for years or just recently I really appreciate the love.
