The HER in the band

Karen Rentia Mario is born with an in-built talent. The microphone that she was holding to sing at a church choir helped her to explore her inner talent. She never feared society and always engaged in doing what she loved the most. Making her pitch perfect Karen Rentia Mario proved that what you desire can come true if you try working hard on it.

Being the only HER in the band Karen shares her experience.

Tell us about your journey as a singer?
I believe I got my voice from my parents who’ve been singing to me since day one, they’re amazing singers too. I was a part of my church choir where I first heard myself over a mic. I loved that feeling and that's where I realised that I should start working on my vocals. No vocal trainings yet but then I joined an opera choir, called ‘The Tabernacles’ for 3 years until 2015, I have learnt there's a lot more to music and hat I should prepare myself for. I have learnt to read music a little and my harmonies have improved. And now to see myself in front of a huge crowd makes my heart happy. I think I have a lot more to learn and a bigger crowd to face.

How did you get to form a band? Whose idea was it?
I've been randomly a part of a lot of bands in college, but when I met Nitin D’Souza, rhythm guitarist, who again I randomly sang a duet with, we formed a two-piece band called "TWogether", did a few covers on YouTube and performed at lot of places. One day a venue required a three-piece band. That’s when we met Obied Kariwow, our first percussionist and drummer and we became a three-piece band called “The Three of Us”. Later we participated in a competition called the “Spotlight” which was held at Heart Cup Coffee, Hyderabad and we won.

That’s where our journey began as a band, we later experimented with a lot of lead and bass guitarists to expand the band, until we found Mario Kabra an amazing lead guitarist who played for us for two months, we found ourselves growing as a band, getting a lot more shows and events and then we lost him to a horrible car accident in 2017, he was just 19, but blessed with the gift of music. Finally, we asked his best friend Ronit Micheal, a brilliant bass guitarist who was also music buddy, who has now become the core member of the band. And now we're called “The Three Of Us And Her”.

What was your family reaction when you chose signing as a career?
My parents have always been my biggest support, they've always been there whenever I was told I wasn't supposed to do music but find a better job. We did have arguments at times when the timings and the income of my career came into consideration. I've also done a few playbacks singing tracks for two movies as well as a lot of jingles and corporate company songs, events etc. They've supported me through it all.
Who was your inspiration? Apart from singing did you have interest in anything else?
My parents were my first inspiration. I also really look up to Shania Twain, Edsheeran and Bruno Mars as my inspiration.

Besides music I've always loved sketching and doing something creative. I graduated in the "Animation Design" course at Loyola Academy. There I learned to give life to a character, give life to art. It still satisfies me when I sit to work on art.

What were the challenges that came up to you as a singer?
Once you get out on field, there will always be a lot of people who pretend to be the best or steal your fame, or put you down or take credit. Be it the crowd you connect with on stage or off stage, or other musicians itself. That’s where you have to believe in yourself, taking it as a challenge to get better for yourself to be proud of, rather than trying to show off to the ones who put you down.

What are your future plans?
I aim at being someone recognised and known for my hard work and struggle in music. Just like my inspirations. By creating something that reflects me, my life, everything and everyone I come across in this world and beyond. I strive to make my near and dear proud of me and my hard work. And hopefully be an inspiration to someone. I've also finally been learning an instrument called the Ukelele, which has made it a lot easier to write songs. I'm working on myself and things around me to pen down the words in my head. And with the help of my band compose some good music that satisfies the path to my goals.