SOULFUL...that's what singer and songwriter Karyn Allen is! Her sound is one that has been extinct in the ears of listeners for over two decades. It takes you back to that of a 70s sound, with a twist of the 80s R&B era, enhanced by timelessness. There are no limitations on her interpretation of life through song. A wise person once told her that "you are only two places in life...that's coming out of something or going through something." Karyn realized that what occurs in between is a lesson that only life can teach! Her approach to songwriting is based on that foundation; it"s how the cycle of life molds and shapes who we are. "Music should make you feel good or heal something that makes you feel bad." That's what her philosophy is when it comes to the music that she makes.

Karyn Allen is the youngest of two children, raised by a single mother. While growing up, she vividly recalls listening to her mother play "old school" songs by the likes of Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, The Temptations and The Commodores...just to name a few. For her, that was "Saturday morning clean-up the house music". Her mother would play music to help the time pass quickly while cleaning the house; but for Karyn, it created the foundation of her sound. If you were to ask her what "Saturday morning clean-up the house music" she's listening to, it would be Jill Scott, Kem, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, classic Madonna, Culture Club, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and The Commodores (sounds a bit like her past). Her father, a musician and band director, exposed her to all types of music. That love of music and exposure to it has helped to make her music universal. Karyn's music and lyrics captivate any audience, because no matter who you are or what you are, there is something that she says that we all can relate to. She will absolutely say that her sound encompasses all genres from Rhythm and Bluess to Classic Rock, Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop and even Country.

As a songwriter, Karyn Allen absolutely engulfs you into the story that she is telling. Whether it is someone else's story or her own, her delivery of it is second to none. She will quickly say that writing is her first love and that it's her passion. In contrast, her delivery of those written works of art stand alone in an elite class, once interpreted into song. It feels as though you are having that exact experience, even if you are not. What a powerful gift this young lady has been given as a storyteller through music! One of her most influential songwriters is Lionel Richie; she loves his honesty in every song. Karyn firmly believes that identifying with true feelings is the best way to have healthy relationships with others. Those feelings may encompass anything from extreme hurt to extreme joy, but she feels that they should never be compromised. Her music is honest, thought-provoking and nourishing! It feeds every hunger and thirst that the person listening to it has. Karyn Allen's music is definitely food to your soul!

Her debut album entitled "The Karyn Allen Experience" takes you on a journey from joy to pain and from love to hurt. It will make you want to dance on songs like the new single "Shawty, Shawty" and "Take You Higher", or you'll find yourself crying on songs like "Unbearable" and "The Way Life Goes"! She named this album "The Karyn Allen Experience", because she wanted to provide her audience with something that only she could deliver. Mingo Allen, CEO of Gifted Pen Entertainment, her record label says this about her, "Karyn's voice is timeless and smooth like velvet! Her music will touch your soul and melt your heart...it's all a part of The Karyn Allen Experience!" If you've never heard her voice, you've definitely missed a treat. This album is a classic that will be played for generations to come!

Influences

Man, there are so many...Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Teddy Pendergrass, Lionel Richie (man he can write a song), Earth, Wind and Fire, The O'Jays, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, and The Isley Brothers.

I love old school Hip Hop like Salt-N-Pepa, Whodini, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Queen Latifah, Dougie Fresh, Too Short, Slick Rick, N.W.A., OutKast, Uncle Luke (for all my "bootie-shakers", "Pop That P----" was priceless!), 8Ball and MJG, and Snoop Dogg.

Recent influences are definitely Jay Z (as a writer, his lyrical content is ridiculous; I'm a HUGE fan), Faith Evans (the girl is BADDD), Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Robin Thicke, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Sade and Kem.

I make music that is good for your soul! No matter where you are in life, I have something that caters to your soul. For a SOUTHERNER, it's like a meal at the Waffle House that includes a waffle, two scrambled cheese eggs, sausage patties, and hash browns scattered, smothered and covered with a cup of coffee. For those on the WEST COAST, it's like chicken and waffles. To my NORTHENERS, its' like catfish and spaghetti. PHILLY...can I get a cheese steak? It's just good food...food for hungry souls!