Meet Karma Hydra

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karma Hydra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karma, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Navigating the world of music has been both challenging and rewarding for me, especially considering my relatively short time openly operating as a public artist, songwriter and producer. After ten years of pursuing a career soley in visual art, I decided to honor my lifelong dream of making music instead of only consuming it.

The journey, marked by moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, has led me to discover ways to overcome these feelings and emerge as a more confident and realized artist.

Initially, I found myself torn between my passion for singing and the seemingly more attainable goal of pursuing visual art. This internal conflict intensified as I perceived myself lacking the conventional traits associated with mainstream success in the music industry. The pressure to conform to a certain image left me feeling like an outsider, detached from the feminine pop star appeal and mainstream tastes.

In high school, these insecurities reached a point where I abandoned my musical aspirations entirely. It took time and self-reflection to reignite my love for creating music. The turning point came when I immersed myself in a supportive community that embraced my uniqueness. Performing became a transformative experience, fueled by valuable feedback from peers and the genuine appreciation of locals.

Sharing my music online became another avenue for validation, with comments affirming the impact of my work. However, I acknowledge the importance of not solely relying on external validation. I am actively working on creating music for the sake of self-expression, even when feedback is scarce.

Central to my journey is the ongoing process of building confidence-not only as a creator but as a queer individual belonging to multiple marginalized groups. The support from like-minded peers has played a pivotal role in dispelling the imposter syndrome I often succumb to. Knowing that my creativity resonates positively with others reinforces my belief that I am not merely playing pretend. Through collaboration and shared experiences with fellow creatives, I have found a sense of belonging that goes beyond any preconceived notions of what a musician should be.

Accepting feedback, both positive and negative, has become a crucial part of my growth. I strive to apply constructive criticism realistically, avoiding self-shaming or excessive self-praise. The journey is about solidifying the confidence and assurance within me, without letting it morph into arrogance.

In essence, my path to overcoming imposter syndrome involves embracing a supportive community, valuing internal validation, and continuously evolving as a musician and individual. This journey has taught me that my unique voice has a genuine impact, fostering connections with others who appreciate the authenticity I bring to the table.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Karma Hydra, a trailblazing queer alternative artist and a true multitalent who seamlessly blurs the lines between sound and vision. Influenced by the gritty, pulsating beats of hard techno, dark house, and rap, I forge original tracks and immersive visuals that resonate with a raw, authentic energy.

I began creating and recording music in 2016, merging my ten years of visual art and design experience with both motion and static graphics to enhance my musical expression.

It’s thrilling to perform in inclusive spaces, connecting with locals and like-minded peers, creating memorable experiences beyond just music.

Three songs I either created or featured in are set to be placed in an indie film directed by a woman of color. Looking forward to the film festival circuit and hearing my work on the silver screen.

Those interested in keeping up can follow me on TikTok (@karmahydramusic) IG (@karmahydramusic) and on FaceBook (https://www.facebook.com/karmahydramusic)

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The ability to create despite resistance and push past discomfort, diminishing my ego and adopting the role of a perpetual student and maintaining a relationship with my inner child have been the most crucial skills I’ve had to adopt to grow as an artist.

Embracing the challenges and forging ahead, even when faced with self-doubt has allowed me to reap delayed rewards I would’ve never accessed if I quit.

Acknowledging that there is always room to learn and grow has fueled continuous improvement. This humility has opened doors to new perspectives and collaborations, enriching my artistic endeavors.

Fostering hope and honoring my authentic self have kept the passion alive in my work. Embracing the unbridled creativity and curiosity of my younger self has infused my creations with a genuine and heartfelt essence.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace discomfort, be a perpetual student, and nurture the connection with your inner child. These qualities will not only contribute to personal growth but will also enrich the authenticity and depth of your creative expressions.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Neon (@neon_nick1) has played a pivotal role in my journey, making live performances feasible with a limited catalog. Through collaborations, she has diversified my discography and introduced me to like-minded artists, fostering a supportive community. Her consistency and talent serve as a constant inspiration, urging me to approach my art with the same dedication.

Brook$ (@brooks.svge) has been an unwavering pillar of support, serving as a partner, friend, collaborator, and manager. Over the years, she has not only encouraged and challenged me to be tenacious in my pursuit of creative expression but has also guided me in understanding the business side of the industry—an area where I’ve faced challenges.

The progress I’ve made in music owes much to the guidance, encouragement, and support of Neon and Brook$. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping my skills, qualities, and knowledge essential for success in my artistic endeavors.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Karma Hydra live at No Scrubz Worldwide Polaroids by Monika (@wavy.view/@wavymonii) Karma Hydra by Johnathan F Johnson Photo retouching and creative editing by Karma Hydra (@karmahydramusic)

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