Artist Biography

It was evident that Karsten Durand was destined to collide with music when, at age three, he started his first band singing lead, heading up the rhythm section of a Snoopy drum set, and periodically filling in on air-guitar. At age five, he walked into a music store with his parents, pointed out a piano and said, “that’s the one I want, right there”.brbrAt elementary school he fell comfortably into the spotlight and was, even then, a commanding presence in school plays and pageants, the band and the chorus. At age 12 Karsten auditioned and was selected to join the Atlanta Boy’s Choir. At age 14 Karsten played keyboard in an adolescent “punk-rock” band that competed in local talent showcases and garnered some minor accolades. Karsten later went on to graduate from the now Grammy awarded, DeKalb School of the Arts.

brbrAs a graduation present, Karsten was given his first keyboard. Though the tones were laughable, they opened the flood gates of possibility and Durand begin to discover his voice as a songwriter.brHis music has appeared on benefit compilations for the Million Mom March and Camp Sunshine and as the opening theme for the teen television show, Campus Live (FOX, Atlanta).brbrFive songs from Karsten Durand’s debut album (Stream of Consciousness) won awards from the Georgia Music Industry Association. Including Circle The Moon, which took 2ND Place in the organization’s 1999 International Songwriters Contest.brbrThrough his active involvement with a variety of organizations as a keynote speaker, Karsten has been in front of nearly 3 million people. He has appeared in hundreds of schools and communities in over 40 states as well as in the U.K., Belize, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, St. Maarten and the Virgin Islands. Other performance credits include; singing the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves; pre-game show for the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome; halftime shows for the Atlanta Hawks; events at Six Flags (Atlanta, GA) and Sea World (San Antonio, TX); GMIA songwriters showcase at the Celebrity Rock Cafe in Atlanta; concerts and conferences in Germany, Italy, Austria and Cancun; command performances for former First Lady Nancy Reagan and for the Pope while on tour with the Atlanta Boy’s Choir; ....and dozens of karaoke clubs.brbrKarsten Durand continues to prove himself as a performer and a composer. Future aspirations include soundtrack placement and a guest appearance on Sesame Street alongside the Muppets of whom he’s always been a huge fan.

Artist Mission

Music Influences

Alternative Links

• Visit Karsten's website
  
• Karsten live on "Good Day Atlanta" tv program
  Karsten performs his award winning song "Last Minute Apology"
• Karsten live on
  Karsten performs his award winning song
• Entertainer
  Multi-talented performer
• The Collective Soul of Karsten Durand
  Songs, photos, albums