Karl Wilson’s as English as John Steed drinking Earl Grey at a village cricket match, and so is his music, but the driving force behind his ambition lay thousands of miles to the West. One random, reckless trip to New York changed everything.
All set for a comfortable career arguing for a living – not as a traffic warden, but as a lawyer – Karl realized this wasn’t the life he wanted to live. Fuelled by an irresponsible dream and the knowledge this moment could pass him by, he packed a backpack, grabbed his guitar, and headed for the airport. He acted out every bored worker’s daydream of tearing off their tie, telling their boss where to go and walking out into the sunset.
As he adapted to the rhythms of his new home, he spent more and more time honing his guitar and piano playing, which involved hanging out in the small acoustic and folk clubs of the East Village and Lower East Side, drinking coffee and jamming with strangers. But he didn’t just perform in cafes. He played on the subway. He played on the streets. In fact, he’d play anywhere just to experience a live audience, whether it had paid to hear him or not.
He soon became a fixture in that part of New York, and the songs that feature on his debut album, Eleven Songs, started to take shape. The risk had begun to pay off – Karl had been determined not to return home until he had a plan. Now, one year on and with a body of work ready to be sculpted into an album, the next step was clear.
Arriving back in the UK, he hooked up with producer Jack Ruston (Tom McRae, Kubb, Jill Jackson) and began to work on the debut LP. It’s full of raw, intimate and fragile songs borne of an uncertain time, which perfectly reflect the circumstances of their birth. They remind the listener that sometimes, just sometimes, when you gamble, your numbers can come up. Something Karl knows only too well.
Hey there Karl - thanks for the message - we loved having you too. You are welcome back any time and we'll be throwing you some dates shortly..it was a terrific night and very pleased that you were a part of it. Look forward to seeing you soon, PAS
Hey Karlyyy willyyyson im watching u at the moment live on the computer because i couldnt come to ur gig sorrrrryy!!! it sounds as good as we hve seen it before :D u havent done my fave yet :( ' ITS NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR GOOD GIRLS LIKE YOU' but i want 'WHITE DOVE!!!' XXloveyoulots talk to you soon x
hi karl, thanks for the comment...really enjoy your tunes, lyrics & engaging sound too,..sadly my Wimbledon jam is no longer...as they couldn't afford to keep it going inspite of great vibe etc...however, hope to start another soon...will keep you posted! All best for gig tonight... xx
I enjoyed your set at the bedford last night via webcast will try and get to the Bedford for the sept gig. Any news yet on when the Album may be available ?
bloody hell mate....looking good and sounding fab...i've been talking about our chat today to my friend over dinner...i have a list of people who might follow me over there...pied piper ashton
hey cous have i told you recently that you are a hottie mctottie with the voice of an angel. i miss you loads and love ya to bits xxx dont forget me when u get to the top
WB = write back lol and ohh right you quit facebook ohh lol OH BTW great gig last night.. i was soo happy to see you.. like first time this year! lol=laugh out loud if u didnt know that ahaha;) oh n mum told me that you were gunna send my the lyrics and chords to 'White Dove'so thats nice of yaaa... so yer im gunna add you again on facebook lol and then see you at my house very soon cus i know ur dying to see me and mum again soon hehe xxxloveyou and WB!xx
