Lauren Villarreal, known in the electronic music world as Karmuh, is a versatile producer and DJ hailing from Dallas, Texas. Karmuh’s meteoric rise began with her debut track “Help Me”, featuring Madnoiz, which swiftly made waves and earned her recognition among the Texas electronic music community. Her distinctive musical style artfully fuses elements of experimental bass and new-age hip-hop, creating a sonic landscape that is both mesmerizing and innovative.
In our exclusive interview, we had the privilege of diving into the Karmuh experience and exploring her profound impact on the dynamic Texas dance scene!
The Artist Behind Karmuh
EDM Texas: Your journey in the electronic music scene has been both fascinating and inspiring! Can you take us back to your early days and share what initially drew you to electronic music? Karmuh: I've been a dancer my whole life. I have been in competition cheer and dance since I was a young girl. I was introduced to the scene by a high school friend who showed me Borgore and I fell in love with the music instantly. With my skills in dancing and my love for music as a whole, it didn't take long for me to pick up go-go dancing gigs. From there on out, I knew I was meant to be involved in this beautiful industry one way or the other.
EDM Texas: How has your connection to electronic music influenced your creative journey and what keeps you inspired with this dynamic musical landscape?
Karmuh: Electronic music has connected with me spiritually. It has gotten me through the highs and lows of life, and for that I am grateful. I've been inspired by the consistent evolution of the electronic music scene and I love seeing bigger-tier artists using their platform to make a positive impact. I'd love to use my project as a way to spread love and light through each and every individual who has the chance to indulge in the Karmuh experience.
The Karmuh Experience
EDM Texas: What elements and emotions do you aim to convey to your audience, and how do you go about creating that unforgettable Karmuhe experience? Karmuh: Dancing has always been a big part of my life. That's definitely one element I'd like to add to my sets in a more uniform fashion down the road. You'll catch me behind the decks every once in a while doing my thing. I'm a performer. I like to share my emotions through the music I'm playing or releasing. I like my audience to go on my journey with me, but ultimately I'd like to convey a sense of euphoria, fulfillment, and bliss. If I can make someone else's life just a little bit better through my music then I feel like I've succeeded.
EDM Texas: How do you utilize low-end frequencies to create a distinct mood or vibe in your tracks and sets?
Karmuh: For me, personally, low-end frequencies are the new wave. There's something about the manipulation of bass that really does something for my spirit. I feel like this newer age of experimental music is more for the dancers and less for the headbangers. Don't get me wrong if you want to headbang, you're more than welcome to, but I feel like making music you can feel in your body over just hearing in your ears definitely plays a role in the vibe of my sets.
EDM Texas: How do you strike a balance between experimentation and familiarity to craft a style that’s both innovative and accessible to your audience?
Karmuh: I've said it since I first started DJing, I want to make "hot girl" electronic music. I like to incorporate vocals from musicians that I enjoy and also artists from my childhood. I feel like my taste in music is pretty universal considering I enjoy all genres which in turn, resonates with my fans.
EDM Texas: Your music is known for its “wubby hard hitters” that really resonate with your audience. What makes these wubby hard hitters such a critical part of your musical identity and how do they contribute to the overall experience of your music and sets?
Karmuh: It's not a Karmuh set without a wubby hard hitter or two! Every time a song drops I immediately make a gnarly bass face and use my fingers to imitate the sounds. It's almost as if the music becomes a part of me and if I can make somebody else make those same faces and movements, then I feel accomplished! On top of the wubz I've also begun to incorporate sounds that give almost a magical fairy vibe. I've always considered myself a weird person, so it's just natural my sets follow in the same direction.
Karmuh’s Impact on the Texas EDM Scene
EDM Texas: You’ve been an integral part of the EDM scene in Dallas. Can you share with us how your presence and music have influenced and contributed to the local EDM community? Are there any specific collaborations you’ve been involved in that have had a notable impact on the growth and vibrancy of the Dallas EDM scene?
Karmuh: Outside of the Karmuh project, I am a co-founder of iSkream Collective, which is a promotion company here out of DFW. My involvement with the company is what kick-started my project in the first place. Being able to showcase other artists and building a platform to chase their dreams has actually influenced me to chase my own. It also opened doors to meeting other groups of genuine individuals. Working with teams like Full Grind Entertainment, DFW Rave Fam, Baked Up, #TilTheDirt, and 1220 Ent to not only play but to curate shows, has been very humbling for me. I personally feel like it's brought together a lot of different demographics of people who may have never crossed paths. It honestly makes me very happy.
EDM Texas: How do these connections impact your music and career and what do you value most about your involvement in this vibrant community?
Karmuh: Without the people I have met today, I honestly don't even know if the Karmuh project would even exist today. The support I receive alone is enough to make anyone want to pursue their dreams. It's honestly what drives me. What I value most is the beautiful energy when we're all together. I feel so whole when I'm surrounded by all the love, music, and laughter.
EDM Texas: Is there anything else you want the community to know?
Karmuh: If I could end on any note it would be that if you have a dream, chase it. You're not "too old" to do whatever it is that inspires you. You are here for a reason. Be that reason and be that light. Blessed be. <3
Karmuh’s journey in the electronic music scene reflects her deep passion and connection to music and dance. Her message of pursuing dreams, regardless of age, resonates with all, and her music invites you to be a part of the Karmuh experience, where music becomes a transformative and unforgettable adventure.
Follow Karmuh on her social outlets below:
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