Weyburn singer Karissa Hoffart’s album, “Life of Mine”, has started to get traction with three singles already released to country radio, with the general release of the album set for Oct. 17.
This is her first album, and features songs she has penned along with co-writer Drew Lawrence, drawing on her life experiences.
“They basically showcase my life, and life experiences with its ups and downs,” she said, noting they are mostly in a country style with touches of folk, and one song leans towards rock.
She has been singing since she was about 15, and about 10 years ago she started to write her own songs.
“I honestly share a range of experiences that I’ve been through in order to help other people. It really is about making people feel the music and the lyrics,” said Karissa.
Many listeners describe Karissa as genuine and true to her passion of singing. Her songs enlighten you, bringing you emotions that were once forgotten.
The country recording artist grew up in the badlands country of Minton, and said they could only get country radio stations there, so she grew up listening to old-time country and rock’n’roll music.
Her long-time favourite singers are Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, and she tries to emulate Martina McBride as a singer she looks up to.
As she grew up, she discovered a natural passion for singing, and family and friends encouraged her to take voice lessons to develop her abilities.
She works hard on the farm and the same goes for her music career. Karissa is also a registered nurse who works at the Tatagwa View long-term care centre, and she has shared her love of singing with the residents many times. She aims to sing there at least once a month, and sometimes if she has time she will sit down with residents and sing for them.
From opening for Tenille Arts last December to releasing her first album, Karissa does not hold back from her dreams and brings a big voice to the country industry.
Previously she performed on the main stage at Craven Country Jamboree, Casino Regina, and at Telemiracle for many years now. Supporting and uniting communities of Saskatchewan, Karissa hosted her own drive-in concert in August 2020 at the Clear Lake Park south of Minton, close to the U.S. border.
Coming up on Sunday, Oct. 4, she will be doing a drive-in concert at Oungre Memorial Regional Park, starting at 3 p.m., and people can listen from their vehicles or set up a lawn chair within arm’s length of their car.
Tickets are $30 in advance for a carload, or $35 at the gate. Those interested in getting an advance ticket or in ordering one of her CDs can go to her website, at www.karissahoffart.com.
