Malibu Musicians Take Listeners on Search for the 'Truth'

BY KAYLA BROWN

The Karma Dealers, a Malibu based band, offer an enticing taste of blues and alternative rock & roll. With the sultry vocals and bass acoustics by Shannon Navarro, Mike Mitchell's melodic additions in vocal styling's and lead guitar, and solid soul drummer Austin Daniels, this local band is bound to wow the masses.

Born and raised in Malibu, Navarro and Mitchell, have been "performing music together for years." Their first band, reflective of the mystical waters of Malibu, called "The Mermaids", was just the beginning of their new flourishing group. Daniels later joined the duo, to make up the 3-member Karma Dealers band today.

Reaching back three years ago, to when the band was created, Navarro admits the inspiration behind the band name "Karma Dealers" is "really a mystery." "It just seemed to work perfect for our music and the new band we were creating."

The realness behind their soulful tunes is reflective of the bands mantra, "Karma Dealers always tell the truth when they play music." Navarro adds, "This is pretty much the root of our music, we come from our hearts and souls."

It's the bands heavy blues influence within alternative/ rock music that makes the Karma Dealers unique. According to Navarro, it's Mitchell's "blues slide guitar in different opening tunings that creates a depth and sound that is very 'Karma Dealers.'" Another x-factor is the band's live performances. "Each show is different and alive. We approach each show in the moment; there's no set list, no rules, its art and music in the moment, and the audience feels this, and it's very exciting. They become a part of the show."

Over time, the Karma Dealers have successfully "developed [their] sound and have songs that have been connecting to people." But their recent inclusion of the prime venue, Canyon Club, is a prime contributor to their flourishing success. A mere 15 minutes away from Malibu, located in the Wizzins Center in Agoura, Navarro believes Canyon Club is a "great place to go out to, for a hot date, and a night out, dancing, listening to good music and dinner."

However, Navarro notes, "a lot of Malibu locals and people around Southern California have no idea that this awesome venue exists. Its like a hidden gem with great sound, a great stage, great food, with great artist/musicians." According to the Canyon Club website, "You will never have a better night, the night you come to The Canyon."

Which is ostensibly why the Karma Dealers are "stoked and excited" to be the scheduled opening act for "The Motels" at the upcoming Canyon Club concert on Friday, July 27. "With the singer Martha Davis, this concert is going to be awesome!" The Karma Dealers go on at 7 p.m., and tickets are $25. For more information visit http://www.canyonclub.net

With no set target audience, merely people who "get Karma Dealers, and feel our music", all interested in following the band, their music, and performances can visit the following social media sites: http:/ /www.facebook.com/KarmaDealers; https:// twitter. com/#!/KarmaDealers; http://karmadealers.tumblr.com; http://www.youtube. com/karmadealers

To listen to live shows and rehearsals visit: http:// soundcloud.com/karmadealers

As the Karma Dealers continue the journey in seaarch of stardom, their following is continuing to flourish.

Navarro says, "What is exciting is our audience is now coming in. I guess it's like they say, "If you build it, they will come."" And it's apparent "they"like the truth the Karma Dealers keep on dealing.