ARTIST
Karla Davis is a soulful singer/songwriter from Monroe, North Carolina. Karla was a top 16 contestant on NBC’s hit show, “The Voice” season 2. Driven by the church, it was the choir that invoked her musical spirit. Karla grew up not only singing at church, but was also a phenomenal athlete. She played multiple sports through high school and went on the receive an athletic scholarship to play for the Women’s Soccer Team at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. “I was so focused on school and soccer that once it was all coming to an end I had to figure out something to fill in my time and that’s when I started messing around with the guitar.” Though Karla learned to read music in church as a child, she plays guitar completely by ear. “I didn’t start playing guitar until about three years ago when a friend of mine tried to teach me a few chords – miserable failure! My fingers were blistered and I was more frustrated than anything else," says Karla. I finally decided to try playing along with a song on the radio . . . and somehow I could". Her competitiveness and focus made her want to learn and keep going until she got it right.” Once she became comfortable playing guitar, she started putting YouTube videos up to see how others liked her sound.
Karla took a leap of faith in the fall of 2009 when she decided to move to Nashville, TN with her manager, Gabrielle DiMora. She began networking with writers and artists around town. She had been competing, round by round, in the Colgate Country Showdown and made it to the National Final on January 14, 2010 held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Through the decision of a panel of industry judges, Karla was named the winner of the Showdown and was given the title “Best New Act in Country Music”. “I was so grateful,” said Davis, “I was hoping that doors would open from the Showdown, and they did!” Karla was able to meet with major labels and take time to learn much more about what she really wanted.
In March of 2010, Karla decided to join forces with British Producer, John Eden, and Manager, Gabrielle DiMora to form 3 Chord Entertainment, Inc. “I met John before the Showdown and we talked about teaming up to make my album. John, myself, and Gabrielle knew exactly what we wanted and I felt, with all of my heart, that teaming up was what I was supposed to do.”
Karla has been inspired by such artists as Eva Cassidy, Ottis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Joss Stone, Bobbi Gentry, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Jason Mraz, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, and James Taylor. When asked of influences, Karla said, “I don’t know that I have any true influences...I have artists that I love to listen to, but I like being very unique and I don’t want to lose my individuality....I don’ t want to sound like anyone but myself.”
Karla is living by one of her favorite quotes from Gandhi, “you must be the change you wish to see in the world”. She said, “Music can change lives...I know it! I think everyone is here for a reason, and I’m more sure than I’ve ever been that I am supposed to use music to help people...it can happen, and I will spend everyday of my life, God-willing, to make a difference.”