Five Minutes With: Vancouver-based Saxophonist Karla Sax

Originally hailing from the UK, Karla Sax, an accomplished saxophonist, currently calls Vancouver, BC, her home. Recognized for her groundbreaking fusion of jazz and contemporary saxophone melodies, Karla has established herself as a dynamic and adept musician. Her performances have graced numerous prestigious venues, including several esteemed five-star hotels in Mallorca, Spain. Notably, she had the honour of opening for the renowned John Legend at an exclusive event in Reno, alongside DJ Akamissdj. Adding to her list of accolades, Karla Sax has showcased her talents for the Canucks and made notable appearances on television. Renowned for her presence at some of the most happening events in Vancouver, Whistler, and Victoria, Karla’s original compositions, produced by Bach Music and released under her label Atlast & Miami Beats, have amassed an impressive 7.5 million streams on Spotify. Karla Sax’s performances seamlessly blend elements of jazz, Top 40 hits, electronic house, lounge music, and tropical house, illustrating her remarkable versatility and adaptability across diverse musical genres.

Karla Sax
Photo by: Clint Trahan

Name:

Karla Sax

Genre:

Tropical House, Lounge, House, Top 40, Jazz

Founded:

2013

# of Albums:

I actually have two Christmas albums out on Bandcamp from a few years ago! All of my original singles are on Spotify. Covid gave me the opportunity to delve into writing; there’s always a silver lining in everything.

Latest Single:

‘Paris Memories’

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

I have a few! My saxophone teachers, Campbell Ryga and Jack Stafford played a huge role in shaping me as a musician. I immediately idolized them, and have held them in the highest regard ever since. They introduced me to various well-known sax players from the past such as Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond (one of my fav’s) to name a few. I also loved jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. I definitely listened to The Spice Girls too! I grew up with a lot of music in our household, and one piece that sticks out is ‘Baker Street’! I still love playing that song.

Favourite musician now:

I can’t narrow it down to one, I have loads. Artists such as Jimmy Sax, Bjork, The Beatles, Donny Benet, Deep Chills, Dua Lipa to name a few.

Guilty pleasure song:

It depends on my mood…some days I am partial to classical music, some days it’s top 40, and other days it could be the Mamma Mia soundtrack!

Live show ritual:

A run in the morning, meditation, healthy lunch, and getting myself in the zone.

Favourite local musician:

Nikita Afonso

EP or LP?

Spotify

Early bird or night owl?

A bit of both

Road or studio?

Both

Any shows or albums coming up?

Coming up is the Crème de la Crème Wedding Showcase on Feb 18th at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Spotify | Bandcamp

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

New Fuji

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

West 4th, because it is my beautiful neighbourhood, and they have supported me as an artist by hiring me for many events. Thank you to the West 4th BIA!

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Pacific Spirit Regional Park. I love to be in nature and surrounded by the quiet calm of trees and woodland paths.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Guilt & Co

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Long and McQuade

 

About Emilea Semancik 193 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: