Sag Harbor resident Carolina Kohn is a multilingual vocal artist, pianist and guitar player.  From jazz to rock to pop, her performance style ranges from sultry and sophisticated to gritty and powerful.  Born in New York, yet raised in Uruguay and France, Kohn brings South American and French flavors to her music. In addition to being a strong lead vocalist, Carolina is also a songwriter and recording artist who has just finished her self written and produced EP with her band CARMA.  KDHamptons recently discovered Carolina on Instagram so we reached out to find out more about this talented artist who will rocking out in the Hamptons all summer long. 

KDHamptons: Where do you live and what do you love about the Hamptons?

Carolina Kohn: I moved to Sag Harbor about three years ago after graduating from The New School for business & design.  Having lived most of my life in Uruguay by the beach, and being able to spend a lot of time enjoying nature, I felt right at home when I came here.  I love that it has a great sense of community and such an artistic unique population.

KDHamptons: How long have you been performing?  Do you write most of your own music?

Carolina: I’ve been performing since I first laid my hands on a tutu which was when I was about six.  That was also about the time I began to play the piano.  Later on in high school I landed the lead in Crazy for You and Aida and really fell in love with theatre.  Being part French, I ended up moving to Paris for college when I was 18 and that’s where I picked up the guitar.  I was strongly influenced by the late night jazz, minimal and rock scenes.  I am currently collaborating with french underground DJ, Mathieu Blardone, and will be releasing the remix of my song Rocket soon on my band CARMA’s soundcloud. ( http://soundcloud.com/carmaband )

I write most of my own music.  I find songwriting really cathartic.  Sometimes when I write, I’ll play a riff I’ve been feeling lately and then jot down the first things that come to mind without thinking.  Then months later, when I’m detached from the moment, I’ll realize that those words weren’t really random at all.

KDHamptons: What inspires your songs? Who is your favorite artist?

Caroline: I’d say life experiences inspire my songs, mostly, as well as my crazy imagination which really has a life of its own.  My boyfriend Mark Schiavoni from the Montauk Project has also influenced my songs greatly in the past three years.  I love being able to share my passion for music and life with him.  We’ve been working on a studio band called CARMA for a while and are developing a secret project for this summer.  Stay tuned!

I like to listen to everything, depending on my mood.  Some of my favorites are Radiohead, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse and Lana del Rey.  I also love discovering new indie artists on Soundcloud and Spotify.  Lately, I’ve been listening to The Temples, Flume and Hindi Zahra.

KDHamptons: Where will you be performing this summer? 

Caroline: This summer you will find me playing occasional acoustic sunset gigs at Sag Town on Saturdays in Sag Harbor and Montauk as well as playing private parties and events.  I just recently played in one of my favorite restaurants, Fresh in Bridgehampton.  Not only do they have an amazing organic menu but also support the local music scene by featuring various artists on a weekly basis.  I will be playing there again this summer, the exact dates will be announced soon online. Next week I will be playing an amazing open house in North Haven that Mala Sander from Corcoran is hosting.

Sag Town

KDHamptons: Who would you dream to duet with?

Caroline: I would have dreamed at having the chance to duet with either Amy Winehouse, Ray Charles or Louis Armstrong.  I have a strong sense of nostalgia for other times before my own.  I wish I could time travel and collaborate with various artists through time like Billie Holiday or Edith Piaf.

KDHamptons: What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?

Caroline:  It starts with a fresh juice from the Montauk Juice Factory or Provisions.  Extra ginger please!  Followed by a picnic at a secluded beach spot I’d say sometime in the middle of August when the air is still, dense and sweet.  As the afternoon drifts on, I’d float out on a little boat and soak up the sun maybe go for a paddle board!  Later that night, after a long bike ride around Navy Beach or a candlelit yoga session with Caitlin at Yoga Lila, I’d get together with friends, have a bon fire and play music until sunrise.

Navy Beach

KDHamptons: How can readers book you for events?

Caroline: The best way to book me is to email me at carmasound@gmail.com. If you want to stay up to date with me and any upcoming performances, follow me on Instagram @carmaband Please feel free to check out my pages:
http://soundcloud.com/carmaband
https://facebook.com/carmatheband
Here’s a taste of the acoustic set:
1) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oGg228h-LH8
2) https://www.facebook.com/aliza.corder/videos/896318067098636/
* Photos of Caroline in this feature by Ian Cooke