May 20’s Local Spins Fest will spotlight six, eclectic Michigan-bred bands. Today, our “seven-question countdown” spotlights much-beloved singer Kari Lynch, who launched her career in West Michigan.
“Comparison is a Killer and a Thief of Joy and Progress”: Words of wisdom from Kari Lynch (Courtesy Photo)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Today, we continue our countdown to Local Spins Fest 2023 at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids on May 20, with six female-driven Michigan bands performing. View the schedule below and get tickets, $20, themidtowngr.com.
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We’ve asked all six acts to answer the same seven questions in a Q&A format to give readers insights into what makes them tick. Today, we present Michigan country/Americana singer and songwriter Kari Lynch, a Nashville-based artist who also has released alt-rock music as a solo artist. Scroll down for videos. And check out last week’s Q&A with Lokella.
Local Spins Question 1: What’s one thing about you that most folks might not know?
Kari Lynch: I’m a writer of more than just songs. I write stories, screenplays and other projects as well. I’m working on finishing some other writing projects and creative projects this year, including a book I’ve been wanting to self-publish for a really long time. One of my biggest goals this year is to start publishing more of my other creative work and venture deeper into some other creative roles.
LS Question 2: In your wildest dream, which famous, internationally renowned artist or band would you most like to tour with or open for?
KL: This is always such a tough question and I’m going to break the rules, sort of, and choose two options. If it was with Kari Lynch Band on more of the country/Americana front, a huge (HUGE) dream of mine since I was a little kid has been to tour with Garth Brooks.
If you asked me to put together a dream tour of artists that are still here on on earth, man I would die happy if I got to be on a festival tour with Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Raitt and Coldplay (and I would, of course, add Tom Petty to this lineup if he was still with us).
LS Question 3:
KL: It is a recent one actually: Ruston Kelly “The Weakness.” Ruston is one of my favorite songwriters and his albums are some of the best songwriter’s albums out there.
LS Question 4: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your music career and what advice would you have to artists making their way in the business?
KL: Comparing my career accomplishments and timeline to others. Comparison is a killer and a thief of joy and progress. If you let it invade your brain and you spend time comparing your own progress, art, achievements and timeline of success to others, the only thing you will get from it is sadness, frustration, exhaustion, anxiety, imposter syndrome and wasted time. When you let comparison drive you, nothing you create or do will ever feel like it’s “enough” and you’ll just be in a constant war with yourself feeling like you’re falling behind. Being caught in the comparison loop makes it really difficult to actually enjoy your achievements and allow yourself necessary breaks.
It is definitely OK to be inspired by the work of others and maybe even be inspired to work harder by the progress of someone you admire, but you’re not in competition with anyone and you don’t have to change who you are or mold yourself to fit someone else’s definition of success in order to be successful. (See also: “Take breaks from social media.”)
Engaging Audiences: Lynch (Courtesy Photo)
LS Question 5: What’s the best concert you’ve ever seen (and when and where did it take place)?
KL: The first one that comes to mind, and I really didn’t mean to do this because I already mentioned him earlier, but it was when I saw Ruston Kelly at the Ryman. One of those shows where you are engaged from the first note to the last. Not one moment I felt tired or was ready to go or not captivated. I’ve actually seen him play the Ryman twice and both shows were absolute slam-dunks.
LS Question 6: Complete this sentence: In the next year, Kari Lynch …
KL: … will write a lot of songs and stories, play shows that fill her cup, finish writing and (hopefully) finish recording & producing her next album (Part 2) and KEEP LEARNING and creating.
LS Question 7: What can fans expect from your set at Local Spins Fest on May 20?
KL: My hope for every show is that every person in the crowd feels engaged, allows themselves to fully exist in the present moment and feels that they are just as much a part of the show as we are. The guys and I will be playing all of the songs from my most recent release, “When the World Slows Down, PT. 1” and some KLB favorites from our previous records “The Other Side” and “Little Games” as well. Can’t wait!
VIDEO: Kari Lynch, “Monsters”
VIDEO: Kari Lynch Band, “Highway Honey”
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