The singer and songwriter from Texas shines in her newest single, "2 PM." This song will give you LIFE.
"The gift of quarantine has definitely been time," said the 24-year-old musician. "Life moves so fast, and there are a million things to do, but in quarantine, I've had the time to breathe and re-center."
Social distancing did only give the singer an opportunity to take a step back, but it also inspired her to release her newest single, "2 pm." While music has always been a part of her life, Karis was hesitant to debut as a solo artist.
Nerves. Doubt. Hesitation. These were a few of the things that kept her from releasing "2 pm," which she finished nearly a year ago.
"Quarantine forced me to take the time to develop the song, and the strategy behind it. In a good way, everything came together," said Karis.
The song comes from a place of frustration, but also love. Funnily enough, Karis recalls writing it at 2 am in her bedroom in Malaysia. The song romanticizes the idea of a 2 pm person, one who's more than just a late-night text. While our generation is so ingrained in hook-up culture, Karis believes that this song will resonate with a lot of people who are looking for deeper connections. After listening to the song on repeat for this past week, I couldn't agree more with her.
"It's sort of an anthem for young people in love, and I think it will resonate with a lot of people," she said.
Karis Lee's path into music was born during her early piano lessons. As a songwriter, most of her songs begin with the music instead of the lyrics. Sometimes, people will send her beats that will inspire her. Other times, a word will come to mind and she'll quickly write it in the notes app on her phone.
"I come up with a chord progression, and then go from there," she explained. "I sing what I feel and let it flow."
Lately, Karis's songwriting process has shifted in focus. When protests against police brutality and racial injustice sprouted across the U.S. and the world, Karis turned to activism as a source of inspiration.
"As a black woman in this country, what's happening now is always with you," said Karis in reference to the BLM movement. "As an artist, this has definitely inspired me and my music."
From the very first word and all the way to the end, it's crystal clear that "2 pm" is charged with tons of emotion and meaning. There is no doubt that she writes from a place of truth and honesty–not only to the lyrics, but to her artistry as well.
Although not every day in quarantine has been spent writing music, Karis has definitely made the most out of the time indoors.
"A lot of people want to form deeper connections," said Karis. "That's where the idea of a "2 pm" person comes from. It's the kind of person we all want."
Stream "2 pm" on Spotify by clicking here.
Follow Karis Lee and her music on Instagram: @karisleemusic