IAR student Karmen Michael just released his new album titled ‘It’s Possible’ in July 2008. Karmen’s Pop/R&B music is theatrical and inspirational, “Music is not my way out…it’s how I get out!” Karmen was also a competitor in IARecords’ Next Level competition and will have a song on the upcoming Next Level 5 album. Raised in Texas, Karmen moved to New York City at age 19 to pursue his dream as a musician and entertainer. Within weeks, he was performing at local clubs, open mic nights and lounges throughout the city. Karmen created his own label, Kreative Music Group, and taught himself how to produce music, create an image, and book and manage shows. He was also working full-time in a field unrelated to music, so he decided to attend IAR, “What I know for sure is that your gut never steers you wrong. When I arrived here, it felt like I was meant to be here. I still feel like I made the right choice.” He quotes Mesta Bish, one of his teachers at IAR, “This business is about who you know and what you are working on.” Karmen states he is privileged to have met and established relationships with many of the staff and students and, “I will leave here with a rolodex of talented engineers, producers, artists, and musicians.” After speaking with the Dean of Faculty, Noel Smith, Karmen joined the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) which hosts the Grammys and is now the student rep at IAR, “It has given me access and contacts that are out of this world and I can get other students signed up.” For more information on Karmen Michael check out myspace.com/4karmenmichael.