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As one-half of ALKE, Audrey Karrasch has had an interesting journey as an artist. She grew up in Reno and opted to move to New York in lieu of a college education. New York didn’t immediately work out for her, and she left the area for a spell before returning. She remains a New Yorker – even after competing on The Voice – and ALKE’s next live performance will be a Stage 2 gig at Rockwood Music Hall on Apr. 6.
While Audrey released an acclaimed EP called Forever Audrey last year, ALKE – a partnership with producer Jameson Flood – is her priority. I could not get Audrey to go on-record about it within our Q&A for Downtown, but reliable sources say that ALKE has substantial interest from major record labels and managers. For those looking to know more about what the fuss is about, ALKE can be visited here. and followed on Twitter.
You’re originally from Reno. What is it that brought you to New York?
Alke: I knew at a pretty young age I wanted to live in a big city. Los Angeles and New York City were on my radar. I loved the feeling of being in a big new city with so much to explore. I ended up in New York City with the idea that I could model to make money and still focus on music. Boy I was naïve! The competition was brutal, and that was okay.
I wasn’t really discouraged that I wasn’t cut out for modeling, I think deep down I really knew. Plus I’ve always only ever wanted to be in music. I didn’t go to college after high school, and I really wanted a ticket out of town. Life experience is what I was after. Along the way I made some amazing friends and memories. It’s all about the journey, right?
Right. Is there anything that you miss about Reno? My knowledge of Reno is fairly-limited to the show Reno 911, which I hear wasn’t even filmed there?
A: (laughs) Right, it wasn’t filmed there, but it was hilarious, nonetheless. I miss a lot of things about Reno. My family, the clean air, the option to drive to Tahoe. I think I took living so close to such a beautiful place for granted, but I love being able to call that home. Reno may have some mixed reviews, but I loved growing up there.
Where did you originally live in New York? East Village?
A: I lived in East Village, then Chelsea for a short while.
Things were not immediately easy for you upon moving to New York. What is it that kept you here?
A: Well, I can’t say I didn’t give up, because after a year and a half I moved to Charlotte for a year. I definitely wasn’t done with New York moving back shortly after, but Charlotte seemed like a nice change at the time. It’s not an easy place to live, and it felt like constant transition, but I also loved that lifestyle.
Where was the first gig that you ever played in New York?
A: I played at the The Bitter End many moons ago.
Where did the “ALKE” name come from? Do people call you that off-stage?
A: So in Greek mythology, ALKE is the spirit and/or personification of the abstract concept of courage. It’s pronounced like “Al KEY.” I’m not sure if people refer to me as that or not, but I wouldn’t mind. Without sounding too corny, I could always use a little more courage. Having courage has been a mutual theme for myself and Jameson, so when we decided to go by ALKE, it felt right.
Is it true that you were once a hand model?
A: (laughs) I do remember going on some castings as a “parts” model, however, I didn’t book any memorable or high-paying jobs. There was one casting I remember where I thought I was going in to model gloves or something – no idea though, I was clueless — turns out it was for a Venus commercial, and with the awful winters in New York, there was no way I shaved my legs that day…I had to walk in the room in shorts and act like I was shaving my pasty hairy stems, and it was probably one of the most embarrassing moments…Pretty laughable now that I remember all the super-pretty, tanned, and toned models lined up behind me, just looking at me in disgust.
In your “Butterfly” video, you’re performing solo on-stage. Will you be performing with a full band at Rockwood Music Hall?
A: Yes, the video is primarily focused on me, but ALKE is myself and Jameson Flood. We had a drummer for that show as well who was amazing. His name is Nick Ineck. If I could take him on tour with us tomorrow I would in a heartbeat. In New York we’ll be playing with a full band which I’m super-excited about.
Musicians aside, do you have a way of describing your live show?
A: Lots of energy, fun, goofy, moody, but never too serious. We like to have a good time but the stage is what we do it all for. We love to feel the music and we aim for everyone there to feel it too.
Is there a full-length album from you in the works?
A: I hope so. We roll with the punches. It’s important for us to always be creating, and always be releasing music. I’d love to have a full-length out by the end of the year, fingers crossed.
Rumor is that you’ve been courted by some major labels lately. Is that your ideal end game?
A: Must be rumors. (laughs) I personally have nothing against record labels. However, we’re realistic. I think for any artist it’s important to find the “right” deal and not just any. I’m really not partial to any label, we just want to find the team the believes in our music and vision as much as we do.
Record labels aside, what is it that you’re hoping to accomplish with your career? Are you the type of artist that wants to be on the road more of the year than not, turning out an album every year or two?
A: Luckily in ALKE, I think we have a really healthy balance and appetite for both touring and being in the studio. We love to create and we love to play out. If it’s possible to be on tour for more of the year, we’d jump at the chance. We make music on the go as it is, and what could be more inspiring than playing in a different city every night?
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
A: Difficult to say, because having free time makes me very uneasy. The only thing that placates my anxiety is creating music.
-by Darren Paltrowitz