Karen Bishko

Karen Bishko is a British singer/songwriter best known for developing the concept, music, and lyrics for the musical Single, which was presented at the New York Musical Festival this summer. Her lyrics often present a humorous perspective on life's challenges, especially regarding love. Having formerly worked as a professional portrait artist, Bishko has always been creative in her artistic pursuits.

Karen Bishko was born in London to South African parents. Her Paternal Grandmother performed classical recitals and was a piano teacher. She has a BA degree in History of Art from the University of Manchester and a BA degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martin's School of Art. Bishko also studied counseling at the Metanoia Institute in London, but at twenty-four, felt too young to start seeing patients. Much later, she realized that writing heartfelt songs about the trials of life was the creative outlet she truly loved and felt was her calling. Karen has always had a creative approach to penning genuine songs, as conveyed in her musical, Single.

In 1993, Karen Bishko was one of the original students on the BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary series, "The Living Soap". Soon after, she began her work as a portrait painter until 2005. It was around this time that Graham Gouldman of the English art rock band, 10cc, listened to some of Bishko's songs. It was not long before two more English musicians, Jess Bailey and Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, heard her songs and encouraged her to focus her attention on her music.

Bishko recorded an album entitled "Singles for Singles," which was released on iTunes in 2009. Her song "Chocolate Cake" references 10cc. In addition to working with Jess Bailey and Gary Kemp, she has worked with producers such as Stephen Lironi (Jon Bon Jovi, Hanson) and Yoad Nevo (Jem, Goldfrapp).

One of the most defining moments thus far in Karen's career has been opening for the English pop group, Take That, on their Beautiful World tour in 2007. She performed at the massive 18,000 capacity London O2 Arena and Manchester Arena, solidifying her decision to pursue music. Her manager, Paul Burger (former President of Sony Records Europe), further encouraged her to continue with her music, and she decided to create a musical out of her songs. As a result of her storytelling skill, Therapy Rocks came into existence.

Bishko followed her endeavors to create a musical. She developed the concept and lyrics for the musical Single, which had undergone several title changes- its first being Therapy Rocks, then Still Single, until its current title was established as Single. Therapy Rocks was performed as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2010 at the Off-Broadway theater, the Urban Stages Theater. Directed by Thomas Caruso (Matilda The Musical) with Boko Suzuki (Rent, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera) as Music Director, the show was sold out, and therefore, it was extended.

Theatre reviewer Oscar E. Moore said: "What a great score. Possibly some songs that could make it from the show and onto the charts. Character-driven, atmospheric, and rousing- every song serves the show's intentions, leading up to an incredible finale, 'Gonna Be.'"The cast featured Rachel Stern (Shrek the Musical), who won Festival Best Actress Award, Joshua Davis (Beautiful:The Carole King Musical), Dee Roscioli (Wicked), Allie Schulz (Grease), and Adam Halpin (Daddy Long Legs, Glory Days).

The then-titled "Still Single" was presented as a staged reading at the Roy Arias Theatre in April 2014. The reading featured Melissa van der Schyff, Tom Pelphrey, Catherine Porter, Peter Davenport, and others. Later, in June 2014, Single was presented at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York with performances by Melissa van der Schyff (Bonnie & Clyde, Big River), Allie Schulz (Grease), Claybourne Elder (Road Show, Bonnie & Clyde), Ryan Duncan (Shrek the Musical, Altar Boyz), Catherine Porter (Next to Normal, Cougar the Musical), and more.

As stated by Tom Vaughan, the director of What Happens in Vegas and Doctor Foster: "It is the most honest musical I have ever seen. I believe in Karen, I believe in this story, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to get it (the movie version) made." A screenplay version of the stage play is being developed with Vaughan attached to direct and writer, Nat Bennett.

Single was presented at the New York Musical Festival in August 2016. Before the festival, Bishko's song "Gonna Be" had been mentioned as the third song on TheaterMania's list of the top five songs from the upcoming New York Musical Festival that people need to hear. Critic, Zachary Stewart, went on to say: "Retooled and revised, Single promises to be one of the highlights of the festival."

After the presentation of Single at Summer 2016's NYMF, the piece received favorable reviews. One such review by Suzanna Bowling read:

The book is witty and smart, with men laughing more than women. The lyrics mature, quirky and poetic. The music is like a new shoe that feels comfortable and welcomed. There is a feeling of fun and optimism even though they are based on the bad luck of the draw in love and dating. This show comes from the heart and we’ve all either been there ourselves or know someone who has.

A review done by MR Anderson from Theater Pizzazz also reflected on the musical:

Hands down, one of the heaviest-hitting rock comedies of this festival is Single...Nat Bennett & Karen Bishko’s book is hysterical, easily some of the funniest scene material in the NYMF. With a head-banging, diverse score with music and lyrics by Karen Bishko, Single is beyond tight in its execution...Overall, the show is quick, hilarious, and affecting. Single is a riot with a heart of gold.

Karen is currently living in New York and wrote five songs for a new musical, Shadows, directed and co-created by the award-winning choreographer, Joey McKneely (West Side Story). She is now further developing Single at The American Theater Group (ATG) in New Jersey, where Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) serves as Artistic Advisor.