In a late 1970’s living room in Mackay, Australia, seven year old Karen Jacobsen saw Olivia Newton-John on television and knew what she was meant to do with her life; to become a professional singer and move to America.

Driven to follow her dream and born to light up the stage, Karen moved to New York City with one suitcase becoming an award-winning Singer and Songwriter.

And she has done just that and so much more…

Karen has shared the stage with Norah Jones, performed at Madison Square Garden, her songs have been featured on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack and her voice is used in millions of devices around the world as the voice of Australian “Siri”.

Her musical memoir, “From Mackay to Manhattan” pivoted from it’s USA tour schedule to a regional Australian tour as a result of a spontaneous move back to Australia during COVID- 19.

A Club member since 2019, Karen says, “it has been a revelation to be part of IHSC. A number of the songs in my musical memoir were written in the club, and without this structure, it could have been years before I wrote this show.”

Her 10th studio album “Ready For What I Came Here For” is Karen’s newest project to celebrate, featuring 8 songs that she has written in the Club that gloriously align with her pop-driven cinematic songs with a message brand.

Karen says “Writing songs is a magical experience. Sometimes it’s a reflection of my life, or someone else’s experience, or the state of the world. There are times the song brings an answer to a challenging moment in my life.

Songs can inspire, they can heal, they can bring comfort or provide escape. I put my heart, my soul, my very essence into my songs and experience shining a spiritual light on the world when I sing.

This has been a pivotal time to participate in this songwriting club. My inner artist is rejoicing, as I take time weekly to write for myself.

Running a business, having a travel schedule, a young son, a husband who travels for business as well as managing commitments and life priorities means songwriting has been pretty low down on the list. Not any more. I will shout this opportunity from the rafters!!

Being able to build a songwriting practice in a safe and confidential space is a revelation. As a big pop ballad writer I am surprised by how many mid and uptempo songs I have written week after week. I am just writing what arises. I’m continuing on and inviting songwriter friends to join me.

I’ve written songs since I was 7, but to prioritize in this structure has improved my quality of life immeasurably. I’m in love with my creative process and what I’m on the planet for in a way that transcends words.”

We invite you to connect with Karen, enjoy her videos and songs, and continue to be inspired as this magnificent artist and woman shares her music with a message.

Image credit: T. D’Herville

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Watch “Ready For What I Came Here For” Music Video

Listen to the Album here