After sitting out in the cold for about 10 minutes after our interview was supposed to begin, I was finally able to enter Asplundh and meet Bari Koral (the opening act for Blue County). She apologized for her lateness, and said that her sound check ran over, She still had a lot to do and it pained her that this interview would have to be a short one. Marisa Gothie: Hi, Bari. It is interesting to me that you have proclaimed yourself an “indie girl” and named your third album after that. What exactly is an indie girl?
Bari Koral: An indie girl is someone that is free-wheeling and self-aware. She does things that go against the grain.
Q: Iʼve read that you were originally interested in television, and that you were even a researcher for “Court TV.” It sounds like you really veered off the path and found a new dream away from your studies in college. What is your advice for college students going through the same dilemma?
BK: They shouldnʼt worry! That is OK! If they end up doing something different than they originally planned then they just come out knowing more than one thing.
Q: Do you have a favorite experience from touring or singing?
BK: Well, Iʼve worked with a lot of different people…stars and not stars. Every experience has taught me something new.
Q: Is there anyone in particular you would like to work with?
BK: Well, Iʼve performed with great people like Lenny Kravitz and Norah Jones…that was fun. But I would really like to do something with Van Morrison. [Laughs] So if you could hook it up, let me know.
Q: Iʼll keep it in mind. I know that you have done theatre also. What is the difference between performing theater and performing concerts?
BK: The main difference is that I was part of an ensemble. I shared everything with someone. Now, the success is all mine. But when things go bad it is a disaster!
Q: Speaking of individual success, congratulations on the nomination from CampusAwards.com on “Favorite Female Singer.” How did it feel to get that nomination and recognition?
BK: It was a nice gesture, but Iʼm not into being a glory hound. Iʼm not at all award conscious. I think it comes down to a popularity contest. But still the gesture was a good one.
Q: OK, last question Bari: Are you working on anything right now?
BK: Well, my third album was just released and I finished my first novel. In fact, I am just waiting for it to get published. Excerpts are available online.
Q: Thanks for your time.
BK: Youʼre welcome. Check out my Web site (www.barikoral. com) and feel free to send me an e-mail.
And off the indie girl went to rock the stage at WCU with Blue County.