karencruise.com BIOGRAPHY

Based in the beautiful Nechako Valley in Central British Columbia, Vanderhoof singer/songwriter, Karen Cruise lives with her husband and two children. The area has a strong agricultural and forestry base, plus, being so close to the rugged wilderness, provides her with a wealth of inspiration for the creative process of her songwriting.

She has been singing since a young child, and began writing songs 15 years ago. After performing some of her songs live, many fans asked her if she had a recording of them, so she decided to get into recording her songs. She has recorded three albums to date and several singles.

Her style is modern traditional country, and her writing is about life experiences, and many have said that it comes from the heart. She has developed a large regional fan base, and a growing International one. She has been fortunate to have built a fan base that wants to own her music and as an Independent artist, has had extraordinary album sales with her fans always asking "when are you going to have something new?"

She also is a very charismatic performer, and enjoys being on stage and meeting with her fans. She puts on a yearly concert in her hometown of Vanderhoof called "Country in the Valley" where she invites special guests such as Wanda Jackson from Oklahoma City, Reese Klaiber from Alberta, and Mike Sanyshyn, an award winning Canadian fiddle player from Vancouver. During her concert, she holds a live auction with proceeds going to a charitable organization in her hometown.

In 2004, she will be answering her fans' call for new material, and will be recording a new album in Nashville with a top producer.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

1998 - Independent Songwriter of the Year, European Country Music Association
1999 - Northern BC, Woman of Distinction Award
2002 - Nominated for Traditional Country Music Award, BC Country Music Association