Yes It's true, she grabs your soul and never lets go, both through her music, her words, and her spirit! Her words spit out inspirational thoughts along with the live and free-flowing beats of her band "Fluid". Imagery of her words pour into your head as she creates a palette of poetry right before your eyes. Karen Gibson Roc is spreading her affection of poetry with listeners across the globe. Her spirit is graceful and her speech is captivating. Her style is totally her own and she is all about respecting her individuality. She graces the stage with a fusion of funk and culture, and from being "Born Alone" to having a"Sweet Life", Karen is not afraid to share her expereinces for all to capture. Her music makes thoughts travel back to the era of the 70's, where free spirits were heard and love taps were given. Here she talks with us a bit about how it all started and how she keeps up her strength throughout this society we call life.

ymib.com: What mindstate were you in when you wrote your poem To Think”?

Karen: You know, that was so long ago, It's kinda hard to remember - but what I do remember is that I felt pushed around by the world and felt like I was always running into walls. I believe now that they were self created. Anyway it was a time of self discovery, of finding the self love that would hold me together. Whenevr I felt like I couldn't go on. Writing has always been a mirror for me and whenever I read that piece, I am reminded of how far I have come, and how much love I fo have for being a strong black woman in todays society!

There is no greater gift than to accept, nourish, and guide yourself on your individual path. I believe that this is the only way that one can pass anything along to the next geneation. We have to believe in ourselves before we can foster anything in anyone else.

ymib.com: What has been your most memorable performance and why?

Karen: Oh wow! There has been so many memorable moments. I love every singl time that I have stepped on stage to express this wonderful God given talent. Honestly I can say that every one of them is extremely dear to me, but I must say, opening for Ursula Ruker and Sonia Sanchez at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for "Def Poetry Plugged In" almost a year ago to date was quite exciting. The one thing that tops all of them was for a benefit for the Marshall Fields(the department store) in Chicago and Minneapolis. Walking off the stage after my piece when Patti Labelle hugged me and sai that I was awesome. That had to be the greatest feeling! I kept asking my husband Phil Roc to pinch me because I tuly thought I was dreaming. I also shared the bill with theCommodores and Sheila E!

ymib.com: Your presence on stage is very strong, have you always been comfortable while perfoming on stage?

Karen: First of all, thank you for those kind words! As a matter of fact I was very very shy as a child, but the day I starte performing, the bug dug deep into my soul and has not given me a chance to ever second guess myself. I am alive when I am on stage. I think performance is truly healing and soul stirring. It is a chance to share with the spirits that encourage beauty!

Someone asked if I liked performing more than recording in the studio and that seemed like a strange question to me. Ofcourse I said performing is a lot more important. That is why I decided for my second project to be completely live.

ymib.com: Do you remember your first poem that you wrote, if so,what was it about?

Karen: I can't remember the very first one, bit I want to think "Final Climb" was definately one of the first:

Life it seems is living up to the standards of others

To follow the shoes of your forefathers and mothers

But can it be that you see yourself as unique?

In the eyes of society-

Something of a freak

Because to you

True happiness is to be free

To let nature take its course and let you be

Some people have to understand that for some it takes longer

For their individuality and character to become stronger

Some people might think these ideas are wrong

To others

It’s their only means of survival to help them to go on

And to dream about that final day or time

When they can put down their staff

Because-

They have finished their final Climb

Karen Gibson Roc (C) 2000

ymib.com: What feeling do you want the listeners of your words to have after one of your shows or after listening to your album?

Karen: A feeling of total abandon and freedom to chase their dreams at all costs. To fulfill the souls desire and journey no matter what the world says, and most of all, to find a peace of the heart that has eluded them for years!

ymib.com: Where can our readers often catch one of your performances?

Karen: Anywhere around New York City at preset. I hope to be touring overseas in 2007!

ymib.com: How would you describe yourself?

Karen: A little nutty and energetic, and friendly and trustworthy. I am a lover of life and try my best to honor my soul before anything else.

ymib.com: Favorite Affirmation or Inspirational quote?

"You may shoot me with your words

You may cut me with your eyes

You may kill me with your hatefulness

But still, like air, I'll rise..."

~Maya Angelou

ymib.com: How do you relax on your time off?

Karen: Playing with my guitar and writing. Staying close to home and spending time with my husband.

ymib.com: What has been your biggest challenge & biggest reward of being a poet/musician?

Karen: The biggest challenge I have faced and still do is to stand in the face of negative words. To stand strong when people encourage a failure mentality, and of course, y biggest rewad of being a peot/musician is simply being in love with what I do and who I am!

ymib.com: Any additional comments or advice?

Karen: "Refuse to die unfinished" - Lyrics from "Sweet Life" from the album "5&2Fish"

Photography By: Crawford Morgan

Karen Gibson Roc: www.Karengibsonroc.com, www.myspace.com/karengibsonrocandfluid.