“I wanted people to be taken somewhere so that they could go on a journey,” Harding explained when I asked her what she wanted listeners to experience with her debut album, Take Me Somewhere. This album represents the pinnacle of her musical journey and labor over the last decade. And this is merely the beginning for the British singer-songwriter. 

The record, according to Karen, has “90’s vibes with an old-school feel.” The album is full of relatable songs that will make you feel happy. She has provided an album that touches on things we all go through, from love to heartbreak and even moments of doubting ourselves, with my personal favorites such as Other Side of Love, Wrong Places, Take Me Somewhere, Say Something (remastered), and Wild Wild Water. 

She said, “Wild Wild Water is about feeling like you don’t know what’s to come, you’re scared to take a risk, and you’re scared to jump into it.” This song was written and produced by her shortly before signing with Ultra Records. It was serendipitous because she was unsure whether she wanted to sign with another label at the time. This was all because of her previous negative experiences. 

Karen’s musical aptitude and talents were recognized in the UK when she debuted in 2014 with her smash hit “Say Something,” produced by MNEK. She described the condition she was in while creating it as “no pressure.” This all changed when she signed with her first record label. “I released my second single, Open My Eyes.” And I knew it wasn’t working out for me or the label.” Despite the fact that they split “amicably,” it was her decision. Karen had an honest chat with herself and had the courage to go since she knew it wasn’t going to serve her in the long run. 

She remained unsigned for the following two years after breaking relations with her label. But this was a blessing in disguise since she would be able to regroup and find the ideal team that understood and supported her creative and business goals. “I really learned about myself because I actually set goals with the team that I wanted for myself and they would help me accomplish,” Harding explained when asked what her previous experiences had taught her about the industry and herself as an artist. 

“In life, it’s all about the team,” Harding explained. 

Karen stated that she has waited a long time for this label. “If I released all the songs I love, then there would be like seven albums,” she said. But she didn’t because she and her team wanted to give her time to create something that would serve as her debut album for fans. 

“Under My Heart with Digital Farm Animals is one of my favorite songs on the album. I’ve always liked that song. It gives me such a burst of energy. Tim and I had such a natural session, and we wrote it in like two hours,” Harding said as she walked me through the album’s track listing. All of the songs are undoubtedly her favorites, but she highlighted a few that have a deeper meaning for her and the album. 

And for the fans, she included Say Something (remastered), which is the song that first drew me to her. “Say Something is another highlight because it was recorded in 2014,” Karen said. The vocals have remained unchanged, although the production has altered three or four times. When we were working on the record, it was almost ready to go to press, but I changed my mind and said it needed to be replicated.” 

Karen, a mother of two, has begun a new chapter in her life, both professionally and personally, and she is making a statement. Her art and this album express the ability to never give up, to follow one’s intuition, and to remember that there are people out there who will believe in you and truly understand and support you as you go there.