By Constantine Amirakian
I have recently been thinking about an interview with some Armenian singer but could not decide who with. Frankly speaking our “stars” have become too predictable. All of them are “real patriots, like classic music, listen to Komitas, love history, participate in all campaigns driven by patriotism”. In short, they are uninteresting. So, I decided to look for someone outside Armenia. However, “rabiz” music rules abroad as well. At last I managed to find a young and promising singer. Karine Ohanian lives in Belgium, her stage name is Karine’ or K.O. Despite her heavy schedule, Karine agreed to be interviewed by News.am.
Q: Karine, were you born in Armenia?
A: Yes, I was born in Armenia and lived there until 1996. I went to school in Armenia, had music classes and went in for figure skating. When I was 12 we moved to Belgium.
Q: Were you happy to move to Europe?
A: No, I could not get used to new life. Changes were difficult for me, everything was different. I did not know the language, did not have friends. I was a new comer and foreigner for my classmates. For about a year I did not want to unpack my things and almost every day said I wanted to go back (smiling). However, everything changed in a year. Children usually get used to new things sooner than grown-ups. It was easier to do when I learnt French and Flemish. I also managed to learn English. You know, children learn languages fast.
Q: How did you manage to enter show business in Belgium?
A: It was too hard. I was very active at school. I always took part in all events. Here, they keep track of talented children and mention it in a personal card. If a producer or model agency needs some information, school is providing it. When I was 16, I went to model school and restarted piano lessons. I got an offer to sing in “Crash 5” group when I was 15. It was a Belgian variant of Pussycat Dolls but the group existed only for several months. Simultaneously, I have been working as a model so far. You know, it brings money. However, I have recently been busy with my music career. I was offered to write soundtrack for “Aquarelle” Belgian film and it was a turning-point. I sang the song called “Almost you” at the film premiere. I usually write my songs myself. I sing Rap, R&B and Ballads. But, frankly speaking, most of all I like Ballads, whereas two other styles are more profitable.
Q: Are you popular in Belgium?
A: Not throughout Belgium, but I am working on it (smiling). My producers Pierre Kazadi and Gy Vacu assured me that I have to sing in English more to have an access to Hollywood and the American market. I got an offer to work with American R&B singer Ne-Yo. I know Snoop Dogg and sometimes we meet at some events.
Q: What kind of people are they? I mean celebrities.
A: They are talented, interesting and a little bit strange. I think that all talented people are queer. I learnt a new style of rhyming from Snoop Dogg. I write lyrics of my songs but he is a professional and gave me some advice. I try to use it.
Q: Is it easy to get ahead in show business?
A: Show business is cruel world. It is like being in Armenia, if you do not strike up acquaintance, you cannot get ahead. You should have talent or someone who will promote you using his contacts. I experienced many disappointments. Sometimes I just hated everything but I pulled myself together. I have strong will it helps me to overcome all difficulties.
Q: You spoke of Armenia. Are you interested in the Armenian show business?
A: Not much. Sometimes I look for Armenian Rap or R&B on Youtube but everything I find is something like 90’s style. I think that this kind of music is moving according to 90’s rules. The difference is clear.
Q: Do you know that there are almost no pop singers in Armenia? Singers perform during weddings and rich clients of the restaurants are trend-setters, as the majority of them want to listen to songs about their friends, mothers, fathers, relatives, girlfriends, grandchildren and so on. Singers are singing because the clients are paying.
A: I am not well-aware of the Armenian life. For instance here in Belgium, people do not invite singers to perform at weddings. People are more modest here. In restaurants generally you can listen to slow music. Here, singers earn money going on tours. If they sing badly no one will buy a ticket to their concert. As to the Armenian show business, once I had a chance to sing in Armenian to become very popular among local community. But in this case I would become just one of the Armenian artists singing in restaurants. It would be impossible to get more. If a person wishes to present his art he should work a lot.
Q: Have you ever written songs in Armenian?
A: Not yet, but I want to have some Armenian tunes in my songs. I am proud that I am Armenian, I always tell Belgians about it but I do not communicate much with the local Armenian community. There are a lot of Armenian girls in Belgium, but I am the only one in show business. But local Armenians do not like it, they look askew at me. I wanted to visit Armenia this year but failed to do it because of heavy schedule. I have not been to Armenia for 7 years. I plan to release a CD in the near future. Presently, I am busy with recording songs but decided to visit Armenia after that. I will meet my relatives and may be present my CD.
Q: What songs will be on your CD? Dou you think they will be hits?
A: There is a song that will definitely be a hit. I have written the lyrics of Got to be you track. Ron Caroll, who is very popular in Europe, was also involved in work at CD. He is very professional and his involvement is right form the commercial viewpoint. It is my first CD and it must have some names of popular people, as consumers rely on poplar names rather than on new comers. I think that K.O. love song will also be a hit. I hope people will like it and the number of my fans will increase.
Q: Do you miss Armenia much?
A: To tell the truth, no ( I just could not hide my surprise, as usually people say “yes” even if it is not true).
Q: And why?
A: I miss my relatives, miss them too much but not Armenia. I am proud that I am Armenian but I dislike Armenians’ behavior. In Europe all people are equal, their social status is not so important, whereas in Armenia people first pay attention to your appearance, clothes and car. I do not like this. People are not friendly towards each other. Europeans are cold but are tolerant and friendly.
Q: What do you think is the reason?
A: I think may be well-being. Belgians are well-off, while Armenians have to think how to earn their living, that’s why they are all a little bit nervous. I hope that situation will change in the near future.
