Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Karli Webster listens to feedback following her blind audition on Season 13 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Prior to The Voice, Karli Webster had limited performing experience as a singer. She hadn’t released music.

Both figure to change after the splash she made on the show.

Consider the following.

* Karli scored the highest charting song from the fourth night of the Season 13 blind auditions with her cover of “You’re So Vain.”

* In the battle round, she and Addison Agen teamed up for a Top 40 iTunes hit with their re-creation of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” It was the highest charting song of Season 13 to that point.

* That made Karli one of just two Season 13 artists to crack the iTunes Top 200 in the blind auditions and the battle round.

Karli, 20 at the time of her audition, was eliminated during the playoffs that just aired last week. But that show was pre-taped. She’s already started performing around her hometown of Santa Clarita.

In fact, her first performance back home with The Band Lexington was so successful, an encore performance has been scheduled for Dec. 1.

Here’s what Karli told Voice Views about her experience on The Voice and her music moving forward.

Voice Views: I know everything we’ve seen on the show was filmed a while back. What have you been doing musically since then?

Karli: Since filming for the show I’ve been booking as many gigs as I can! I had very little solo performing experience prior to auditioning for The Voice so my experience on the show really allowed me to learn just how much I want to be a performer and how much I love being on stage. I’ve been playing with a band locally and really just taking every musical opportunity that comes my way.

Karli Webster performs during the playoffs on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Karli: My favorite performance on The Voice was my blind audition. At the time I had absolutely no idea what good was going to come from the show, and I love looking back at that performance after the incredible experience I have had. Having the opportunity to sing a song by an artist I’m named after and so highly admire was such an honor and I am so proud of that performance.

Voice Views: Where do you see The Voice experience leading you musically? Is original music in the works? If so, what can you tell me about that? What can fans expect in terms of sound/genre?

Karli: The Voice is an extremely, EXTREMELY incredible stepping stone in the direction for me to pursue a music career. Although I’ve been a dedicated college student, I’ve been able to see that I can actually pursue music full-time, and I’d love to make that my whole life.

I’ve always been a songwriter and hope to release my first album within the next year. My songwriting style tends to be inspired by the story-teller style of writing. I love telling stories, and I’m heavily inspired by the styles of old folk story-songs, and artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Bob Dylan.

Much of my songwriting inspiration comes from listening to the stories of those around me and branching off of that to create a story that is interesting, relevant, and relatable. I want my music to speak to everyone, deeply, just like the songs written by the artists I so deeply admire.

In terms of genre, I tend to lean more towards an alternative pop/folk sound. I grew up listening to 70’s music, bluegrass, and Britney Spears — all at the same time. And somehow I hope combine all of the music that I love into one timeless, unique sound that people enjoy.

Voice Views: Other than the friends you met and made while participating in the show and the hometown support, what do you think will stick with you about The Voice experience?

Karli: Every moment that I had working with Miley was an absolute dream come true. From singing with her around the piano, or laughing with her about life, she made every moment an unforgettable one. She is such a genuine person with a heart of gold, and her love for her artists and for music is so evident and radiant that every opportunity working together was absolute magic. I couldn’t be happier with my experiences with Miley and The Voice, as it was truly a dream come true, and far beyond my expectations.

Here are Karli’s social media links:

Instagram
Website
Twitter: @karliwebster
Facebook
YouTube