Karina Semków
Vocals - Singing is the main carrier of emotions in music. It is a natural instrument, the purest form of self-expression.
Karina Semków is the female lead vocalist of The One Ahead. Together with Szczepan Wojsa, she co-writes the lyrics for the songs and collaborates on composing the melodies for the band’s music.
How did your adventure with music start?
Music has always been my greatest joy, and I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I can’t count how many school and extra-school vocal competitions I took part in… I attended vocal classes at the municipal cultural center. Even as a very young girl, I sang in a band every weekend at special events. I worked this way for 12 years – a long time and a lot of hard work.
Over the years, I have developed my vocal skills, gained self-confidence and traveled all over Poland – a very valuable experience.
After years of singing at the proverbial chop (even though I loved doing it!) I became burnt out. Gaming every week, busy weekends, sleepless nights, and from Monday to Friday school/studies/work – and so on. I felt like it wasn’t developing me anymore. I was standing still, so I finished this stage.
Why singing?
Singing was the most accessible to me and, above all, the closest to my heart. Once, as a child, I got a keyboard, then a classical guitar. I also had a very short episode with the alto saxophone. I taught myself to play instruments. Instruments helped me create my first texts and songs. I played for my own use, as a complete amateur. Despite everything, singing (at every stage of life) was the greatest passion and solace for me. Singing fueled me. Singing allowed me to experience 500 times more. Singing – simply!
Why did you decide to take part in this project?
I guess it’s a little destiny. After years of covering for money, I took a long break from singing – at that moment I really needed some peace and quiet. Once I gained some distance… I started to miss him. In my free time, I sang more and more often. I returned to writing lyrics. I also resumed public performances and one day… it all started with Adam, who accosted me right after my recital at the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity in Lubomierz (The One Ahead played then as the star of the evening). He said they were looking for someone to provide backing vocals for their new album – that was exactly what I was subconsciously looking for at that moment! Very quickly I felt that The One Ahead’s music was my vibe. Later, the guys offered me a guest appearance at a concert in Lwówek Śląski, and then a permanent cooperation – and that’s how I stayed :-).
What is your biggest dream related to music?
I think I have just started to fulfill them. The opportunity to participate in the creation and performance of original songs together with talented people – that’s it!
Do you have any favorite artists, does this change over time?
My first serious musical obsession was The Doors and Pink Floyd – both of which will never leave my personal list. However, I absolutely do not limit myself to specific styles. I listen to various artists – both popular and little-known ones.
When it comes to top vocalists: the monumental Aretha Franklin, the inspiring Freddie Mercury, the excellent Frank Sinatra, the touching Eva Cassidy, the unique Björk, the soulful Stevie Wonder. Among the Polish ones, I can mention Czesław Niemen and Natalia Przybysz and her imperfect sand in her voice.
Top lyrical trio: Bob Dylan, Grzegorz Ciechowski, Agnieszka Osiecka.
What do you like more: playing concerts or working in the studio?
Live is closer to my heart! I love the living organism that is a concert – each performance is a unique exchange of incredible emotions between us and the audience! What I also love about concerts is how unique they are.
The studio, however, is tedious work. Recordings require a lot of patience. However, when we hear the final effect – believe me, there is no greater joy and satisfaction!
From your point of view, what connects you and what divides you?
I won’t be too revealing – we are separated by age and different experiences. We also have different personalities – but there is a common denominator around us, thanks to which I felt freedom and comfort from the first meeting with the guys. We undoubtedly have a common passion. We also share a great desire to improve our playing and singing skills.