Bio

David Karns is a Nashville, TN residing bassist, singer, writer and painter who is a living example of the creative arts. After years surrounded by music, drawing and sign painting in the small Midwest town of Sullivan, MO, he found a greater passion. At age 15, David discovered his absolute love of the electric bass guitar after receiving his first 4 string to help out his father’s gospel quartet. Though scholarships were awarded for skills on the trumpet a relocation to the Northeast coast landed David into a mentorship with two very important bass instructors, Dave LaRue and Lynne Davis. Utilizing the guidance of such advanced instruction he opted to pass on a traditional music education and accepted the opportunity to start his touring life lessons with Stryper frontman Michael Sweet. From there, the adventures continued with Warner latin writer Javier Mendoza, Power trio the New Soul Cowboys, River City Gang (Now Radio Romance), multi chart toping hits maker Anthony Smith, Broken Bow Artist Craig Campbell, UMG's Brandon Lay, in 2023 with Hannah Ellis and Danielle Bradbery and dates added in 2024 with legendary Pam Tillis. As a side project, David is also involved with instrumental group the Fluxu8ers that blend a progressive classic rock sound w/ Dixie Dregs stylings and the good songwriting structures of today’s modern and country music. This project really pulls from the color and spice of David’s artistic and culinary influences. 

His unique and distinct sound comes from years spent as a session bassist and can best be described as accurate and precise with clarity yet has the ability to emulate the fullness of some of the greats from the Motown and Gospel days. To achieve this masterful tone, David is working exclusively with Phil Jones Amplification, Warrior Hand Made instruments, Curt Mangan Strings, and Jeri Designs custom guitar straps.

David says when asked what’s next, "The journey has been great so far but the bar ahead just keeps rising. I am extremely grateful for all of the amazing experiences and people I have met so far and I am ecstatically looking forward to what lies ahead.”

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