"I’ve been singing and playing piano since I was three," says Karina. "My babysitter had a piano, and she started teaching me how to play. It wasn’t until a year later that I began getting professional lessons." While some have been quick to compare Karina Pasian to other performers including Aaliyah, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey, one listen to her self-assured debut disc is evidence enough that she is destined for success.
Karina remembers the first time she sang in front of an audience. "I sang Céline Dion’s ’My Heart Will Go On’ at a talent show. I was kind of nervous, but the audience loved it."
From that point, there was no denying that music would be her life. A few years later, after using the Prince-penned ballad "How Come U Don’t Call" for an audition, Karina Pasian was cast on a revamped version of Star Search. "That was such a wonderful experience," says Karina, who won the first round of the competition with a rousing version of the Jackson Five classic "I’ll Be There."
Working with an array of songwriters, producers and artists that include The Dream, Tricky Stewart, Gordon Chambers, Chris Brown, Carlos McKinnney, Lil Mama and others, Karina proves to be a breath of fresh soul. "I’ve recorded over 70 songs in the last two years," Karina says. "It was a period of real growth for me as I learned to focus and stay consistent."
Karina Pasian’s godfather, famed producer and businessman Quincy Jones, has also been a guardian angel for the young singer. In addition to giving her advice, the maestro included her in the "We Are the Future" charity concert in 2006. Considering the talents Jones has worked with, from Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan to Michael Jackson and Tamia, she is in good company. "I know I’m blessed to have someone like Quincy in my corner," she says.
A fan who embraces all forms of music, from the stylish pop of Brandy to old school jazz greats, Karina performed the standard "Misty" when she was at the White House last year. "Emilio Estefan, who has been a friend of my family for years, helped to put the show together, and invited me to be a part of it," says Karina. "Later, my brother told me that I was the first Dominican to play at the White House, and that made me very proud." Studying music and voice at High School for the Professional Performing Arts, the Washington Heights native was more than prepared for any challenges that arose in the studio. "I was blessed to have some pretty amazing teachers who prepared me well," she says sweetly. Refusing to fall into any cliché, Karina Pasian has recorded an album that is a reflection of her age and independent point of view.
Karina Pasian’s song "Sixteen" is a song of independence and admiration. "Ain’t no daddy’s where I’m from, its just mad mothers…why am I disrespected by someone I should call brother," she sings in a pristine voice. "I wanted to do a song about what teenager girls go through in urban areas. It’s not cool that boys think they’re being cute when they say nasty stuff to us on the street." Written and produced by The Dream and Tricky Stewart, best known for their work with Rihanna’s "Umbrella" and Madonna’s "Me Against the Music," the song "Sixteen" reminds one of vintage Brill Building girls like the Crystals or Little Eva with an electro-groove.
Another Tricky Stewart and The Dream track that will leave fans breathless is "Baby Baby," an uptempo song that is destined to be a dancefloor scorcher. "Though this is a fun song, it’s not just a party song," says Karina "It’s about guys who simply see young women as sex objects, but I refuse to be that girl." Indeed, like Aretha Franklin, she simply wants some respect. Sharing the mic with rapper Lil Mama ("Lip Gloss" & "Shawty Get Loose"), the two young stars connected in the studio. "Lil Mama was so cool, but it was her confidence in the booth that was really exciting."
Produced and written by Carlos McKinney, the sing-songy "Can’t Find the Words" embraces elements of jazz and pop while simultaneously creating a whimsical track that sounds like nothing else of the radio. Additionally, Karina’s favorite song "Winner," which highlights her elegant piano (her light touch on the keyboard reminds one of Erroll Garner) playing, is laidback and uplifting.
A beautiful young woman with more musical moxy than most sixteen year olds, Karina Pasian has constructed one of the finest debut discs in years. Melancholic and truthful, funky and real, blissful and bold, Karina’s album is the sound of a better tomorrow.
First Love
Karina Pasian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what I feel you always seem to know
You find the words, when I need comforting
And dry my eyes, that's why I love you so
More than a friend you're my first love
I can always depend on my first love
I can't explain how close we are
When something's wrong, you know how to make it right
That's why you stay close to my heart
You are more than a friend you're my first love
I can always depend on my first love
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
(Just fine)
Cause you are my very first love
Sweet, my first kiss goodnight
You're the beat of my heart music
My very first love
More than a friend you're my first love
I can always depend on my first love
With you in my life I'm not lonely at all
And if there were tears (yeah) you'd catch them all
Cause you know my pain, and you know my joy
There's no secrets between us only pretty piano chords
You are more than a friend you're my first love
(Send chills up my spine)
I can always depend on (music)my very first love
Sweet, I can't deny
It's in my heart
Music, my very first love
I sing because I'm happy but music sets me free
You're sweet lullaby a first kiss goodnight
The beat of my heart music, my very first love
(Oh Oh Oh)
You are more than a friend you're my first love
I can always depend on my first love
You are more than a friend you're my first love
I can always depend on my first love
(Woah oh)
My first love
The lyrics of Karina Pasian's song "First Love" express deep appreciation and gratitude for a special relationship. The singer acknowledges that the person she is addressing has been there for her through thick and thin. She describes the intimate level of understanding they share, whereby they seem to always know what the other is feeling without even having to say it. The song goes on to further describe the depth of their bond as something more than just friendship. The singer recognizes this person as her "first love" and says that she can always depend on them.
The song's chorus repeats the phrase "you are more than a friend, you're my first love," emphasizing the closeness of their relationship. The final lines of the song express the powerful role that music has played in their relationship, as the singer says, "I sing because I'm happy but music sets me free / You're sweet lullaby a first kiss goodnight." Ultimately, the song celebrates a truly special connection in the singer's life, one that has endured through many ups and downs, and that she knows she can depend on for years to come.
Line by Line Meaning
You're there for me, through all of my ups and downs
You have consistently supported me through my good and bad times
And what I feel you always seem to know
You have a deep understanding of my emotions and always know how I feel
You find the words, when I need comforting
You have a way of comforting me with just the right words when I need it the most
And dry my eyes, that's why I love you so
You are always there for me, even when I cry, and that's why I love you so much
More than a friend you're my first love
You mean more to me than just a friend, you are my first love
I can always depend on my first love
You have always been dependable and reliable as my first love
I feel like I have known you all my life
Our connection is so strong that it feels like we have known each other for a long time
I can't explain how close we are
Our bond is too strong for me to put into words
When something's wrong, you know how to make it right
You have a way of fixing things and making everything better when something is wrong
That's why you stay close to my heart
You have a special place in my heart because of your unwavering love and support
With you in my life I'm not lonely at all
Your presence in my life has made me feel complete and not alone at all
And if there were tears (yeah) you'd catch them all
You would always be there to comfort me and wipe away my tears if I cried
Cause you know my pain, and you know my joy
You understand and support me through both my happy and difficult times
There's no secrets between us only pretty piano chords
We are open with each other and have a harmonious relationship like a beautiful piano melody
(Send chills up my spine)
(Our love gives me goosebumps of joy)
Sweet, I can't deny
Our love is sweet and undeniable
It's in my heart
Our love is deeply ingrained and eternal in my heart
Music, my very first love
Our love is like music, the first thing that I fell in love with
I sing because I'm happy but music sets me free
Singing makes me happy, but our love sets me free and fills me with joy
You're sweet lullaby a first kiss goodnight
Your love is a sweet lullaby that soothes me and gives me my first goodnight kiss
The beat of my heart music, my very first love
Our love is like the rhythm of my heart, the very first love that I have known
You are more than a friend you're my first love
You are not just a friend, but my first and eternal love
Woah oh
(Expressions of joy and excitement for our love)
My first love
(Reaffirmation of our unending love)
Contributed by Logan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.