Col’s Chat – Locals through my Lens – Rebecca Karlen

Col’s Chat –

Locals through my Lens

Rebecca Karlen

I suspect that if we were to list Rebecca’s family tree, we would find a full orchestra in there. Such is the understatement of her opening line, “I come from a musical family”.

Rebecca was born in Sweden and even at an early age it seemed that her path was lined with musical endeavour.

“My father was a jazz guitarist, my grandmother was a classical singer, my great grandfather, Hilding Rosenberg, was actually Sweden’s first modernist composer.”

Rebecca was given a violin for her fourth birthday and learned to play via the Suzuki Method; which teaches music like a native language, emphasizing listening, imitation and repetition.

“This allowed me to learn very quickly, but my violin playing stopped for a while when we moved to Australia and Tamborine Mountain, where there was no violin teacher.”

Aged 15, Rebecca rediscovered the violin and didn’t look back.

“I preferred the violin because it was a more social instrument; I enjoyed playing with others, whereas the piano was a little solitary.”

In her teens, Rebecca was missing her extended family in Europe, so returned to live with her grandparents in Switzerland for six months.

“I learned French and practiced violin daily; I was totally immersed in music.”

At 17, she returned to Australia to study music at UQ and then the Conservatorium. She spent some years finding her own voice.

“I stopped to look at what I could bring to music and what I could draw from my own experience. I was able to find something that was uniquely me and make me more versatile and flexible in my musical choices.”

Rebecca is very passionate about young musicians not being tied to one musical discipline.

“Don’t be tied to one style. It is vital that you look to broaden your scope. Be curious, listen and be receptive to extend yourself as a musician.”

So how does the future of live music look for young people, considering the decline in smaller live music venues in Brisbane?

“Ultimately people want – need – to connect and live music builds a connection between not only friends, but also the musicians themselves. It’s going to be difficult to convince people to leave the comfort of their homes and invest in live music. The continued rise of music festivals is a good indication of people’s enthusiasm for live music, but it’s difficult. We have to convince people to look at where they choose to spend their money, and offer a sense of engagement and excitement from going out.”

As if to prove the point, Rebecca has recently taken on a role as coordinator of the Topology Creative Hub in The Gap.

“I have always wanted to help provide a space for creatives to find a home at a grass roots level. It brings meaning to my life when I can share music with people.”

The Hub has quickly become part of the bourgeoning creative community here in Brisbane western suburbs, and Rebecca’s enthusiasm overflows.

“We need more music and creativity in our lives, especially in the world we live in today. We need to encourage creative thinking, and I am passionate about a space that inspires, and fosters creativity and connection.”

To find out more about Rebecca and her band: www.estampamusic.com

To learn more about the Topology Creative Hub: www.topologymusic.com/creative-hub

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography