Karina Rykman: ‘I’m like a jukebox. I’m like a weird chameleon. I’m a music junkie!’

My guest today is the bassist, songwriter, bandleader and all around awesome human being Karina Rykman. 

A self-taught bassist and guitarist, Karina started playing in bands in and around New York City when she was barely a teenager, and was touring as a member of legendary keyboardist Marco Benevento’s band while still attending college. 

The stint in Benevento’s band prepared Karina for forming her own trio and hitting the road, a period during which she caught the eyes and ears of some major players, among them Phish guitarist and band-leader Trey Anastasio. 

Last year, she released her debut album, ‘Joyride,’ a dizzying collection of psychedelic indie, alternative and jam-based tunes that made my top 10 list of rock albums for 2023. Anastasio co-produced the album, and lent his inimitable guitar stylings to half of the tracks. 

Throughout ‘Joyride,’, Karina’s bass playing reveals the depth and breadth of her musical influences, and her always vibrant, sometimes playful, and occasionally dreamy vocals lead the listener on a journey through her colorful imagination. 

Listeners in the Buffalo, NY area will be able to catch Karina and her trio as part of the Rail Rider Jamboree Festival on Saturday, March 23, at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Learn more and grab your tickets at railriderjam.com. 

Welcome to Why Music Matters, Karina Rykman!