Interviewed by Karla Ash
With Dream to Extreme, singer/songwriter Karli Bonne
has recorded an album that covers the entire spectrum of modern
Christian pop styles - from hip-hop to dance to adult pop. But
while a number of her lyrics express spiritual themes, Bonne
can be best described as a crossover artist, balancing faith-based
concerns with everyday thoughts and an overall love for different
kinds of music.
Karla Ash: In terms of wanting to be a singer, where did
it all start for you?
Karli Bonne: I can't remember when I didn't. I started
putting shows on in my garage in Queens at the age of five. All
through school I wrote, sang, and cast my own plays. I sang in
the church choir. When I entered public high school everything
changed. All the private school walls were down, and I was a
sheep amongst wolves. I stopped going to school for a year. I
discovered rock and roll and all its many perks. There was no
turning back. I managed to finish school six months early. Yeah,
I wasn't stupid, just lazy with better things to do. I realized
I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. I went to
community college and discovered acting, musical comedy, and
pounded the pavement for five years modeling. In between there
was always a cover band job my originals took off in the '80s.
I knew then I was a songwriter and performer, and I couldn't
- wouldn't - do anything else.
Ash: According to your online bio, you were part of the
New York rock scene in the early '80s. What did you learn from
that experience on a professional and personal level?
Bonne: I learned very fast that I was not the only
one with stars in her eyes. I cleaned bathrooms at Danceteria
so I could sing in the talent shows. You couldn't survive with
just a dream; you had to work at it. I believe that's where the
term poseur came in. The clubs were filled with people who had
the look, but that was it. Don't ever believe you can make it
on looks alone. There are dirty jobs to do, even dirtier if you
are willing. When things didn't go the way I wanted I fell into
the poseur pit with the others. Drinking, drugging, trying to
fill that hole inside of me that music and performing used to
fill. I still pursued my dream but not with the same ferocity
I once had. I once in a while cross paths with the old crowd.
Some are still on the same barstool; some have families. We all
grow up eventually. Professionally I have grown into a true performer.
Personally, honestly, I believe I have been given a second chance.
This has always been my destiny and even with all the wrong turns
I have made I can't change fate, and I can't change my heart's
desire. I was born to do what I'm doing and that's it. It doesn't
bother me to be performing every holiday, having no vacations,
spending a week in bed from sheer exhaustion. This is my life
and I will keep pursuing my dream as long as it takes.
Ash: When did you decide to enter the field of Contemporary
Christian Music?
Bonne: 1998. I was born again that year. After two
rehabs and enough AA under my belt I searched for something more.
The black hole inside me was deeper than ever. Yes, I found Jesus,
or should I say Jesus found me. I'm not ashamed to say it. I
really had an experience at the altar. I wouldn't make something
like that up. I have been too cool to say stuff like this. Truth
is truth; I haven't had a drink or a drug since. I love going
to church, and I am a real mom to my kids. Now I write songs
of inspiration instead of death and destruction. I know some
people think changing over to Christian music is a cop out, but
let me tell you it is just as competitive; it is a business like
any other art form. I have to be true to myself. You can love
my music or hate it either way; I'm going to write what reflects
me and what is on my heart. I do have some negative songs because
being a Christian doesn't give you a get out of life free card.
We all have disappointments and heartaches to face; I am just
stronger spiritually in dealing with the storms when they come.
Right now I consider myself a crossover artist. I want everyone
to listen to my music, without a label on it that would keep
people from listening. I want to share my story with the world
not just a few churches.
Album Review:
Karli Bonne - 'Dream to Extremes'
Reviewed by Karla Ash
You have to love an album with no boundaries, that isn't afraid
to break any stylistic barriers. In time, having a broad creative
palate like Karli Bonne's will become the norm as people's tastes,
especially that of the youth, are reflecting a certain amount
of restlessness and curiosity. On Dream to Extremes, Bonne does
it all - gritty rap-metal on "Going Global," buoyant
disco on "New Ways," adult pop on "Me." Of
course, the cynical will say that she's simply trying to corner
the market, assault various demographics simultaneously. Whether
there's truth in that is irrelevant because the songs are excellent
and, besides, would you rather have an album where everything
sounded the same?
"Am I so predictable?" Bonne asks on "Me."
The answer would be "No" in huge neon colors. Once
"Going Global" kicks in like an angry stray dog after
the danceable opening cut, it was hard to see where Bonne was
heading. Nevertheless, it's never a bumpy ride; the sequencing
is slick and professionally done. I am hesitant on putting the
Christian tag on those even though it is a Christian album. But
it's one that can be enjoyed by people of various beliefs, which
was Bonne's intent.
Visit the website at: http://www.karlibonne.com