Karina Rykman

Bassist Karina Rykman joined Marco Benevento's band as a replacement to Dave Dreiwitz (Ween /Joe Russo's Almost Dead) in 2016 and since then, has developed a permanent and powerful presence in the band, playing headlining shows, festival sets, and opening for bands such as Vulfpeck, Dispatch, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Guster, and more. Karina is Maggie’s guest this week and the two discuss growing up in New York City, where she became obsessed with The Allman Brothers, what it means to have ‘broad musical ears’, and the wisdom she gained from a mentor that helps her deal with imposter syndrome.


Aside from her gigs with Benevento, Karina’s musical résumé has almost grown too large to keep track of, but includes highlights we’d be remiss to exclude: a performance on the Today Show with Julia Michaels, a now-famous soundcheck at Madison Square Garden with Phish, playing in the backing band (in front of Howard Stern and co. at Radio City Music Hall) on America’s Got Talent with a flame-spewing helmet on her head, gigs with the Everyone Orchestra alongside members of moe., The Disco Biscuits, Soulive, Robert Randolph, + many more) and finally, the formation of her own band.


Karina put out two singles in 2019: Plants and Elevator, as well as two more in 2020 (City Kids & Dirty South) – the songs have garnered six-figure streaming numbers + air time on Satellite radio. A few live highlights include opening for Khruangbin at The Capitol Theatre, playing moe.down and Hulaween, and a plethora of headlining shows for ravenous fans. The group has welcomed special guests including Nels Cline, Robert Walter, Skerik, + more. This is just the beginning for the young NYC-based bassist.


Salute the Songbird is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Maggie Rose. Produced by Austin Marshall, Maggie Rose, and Kirsten Cluthe with production assistance from Grace Roemer and Kip Baggett. Edited by Matt Dwyer. Music by Maggie Rose. Graphics by Mark Dowd.


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