Karly C’s “You’ve Seen Heaven”: A Ballad of Faith and Bereavement
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In a world often saturated with fleeting trends and ephemeral melodies, Karly C, the indie singer/songwriter and country recording artist behind Quirky Cowgirl Records, is poised to deliver a poignant and deeply resonant offering. Her newest single, “You’ve Seen Heaven,” a fervent, faith-filled ballad that tenderly embraces those navigating the profound sorrow of loss, is set for release on Friday, May 2, 2025, across all digital retail and streaming platforms. (Presale/Pre-save begins April 18, 2025.) This 29th studio recording, a testament to Karly’s evolving artistry and emotional depth, promises to be a powerful and comforting anthem for those grappling with grief.
“You’ve Seen Heaven” is not merely a song; it’s an intimate conversation, a heartfelt dialogue between a believer and a departed loved one. The track is imbued with swelling string instrumentals and Karly’s ethereal yet powerful vocals, creating a sonic landscape that evokes a sense of transcendence. The lyrics, hopeful and ardent, seek solace and reassurance, painting a vivid picture of heaven, a realm of light and peace, as envisioned in our collective imaginations.
Karly C, the song’s writer and co-producer, reveals the deeply personal genesis of “You’ve Seen Heaven.” “I wrote and recorded it as a tribute to my aunt. The song fell from the sky; I started with a few chords and a simple melody, and somehow, the lyrics started flowing as if she were guiding me,” she shares. This intimate connection to the song’s subject matter lends it an undeniable authenticity, a raw emotional honesty that is sure to resonate with listeners.
“While this song is deeply personal to me, I truly believe it’s for anyone grieving and missing someone who is no longer here,” Karly continues. “I hope it brings comfort and peace to anyone who needs it, no matter the time of year because there’s no season for missing someone.” This universal message of comfort and solace is encapsulated in the song’s evocative lyrics:
Cause you’ve seen heaven
What’s it like
Are the roads made of endless clouds
Are the angels dressed in white?
Do you tell stories
About your life?
Do you ever come to visit
Besides in my dreams at night?
The song’s sonic palette is a masterful blend of 90s country nostalgia and modern contemporary production. The soft, melodic foundation is enriched by layers of guitars, keys, strings, pedal steel, and fiddle, creating a warm and enveloping soundscape. Karly’s vocal delivery, tender and emotional, climbs with a cry, conveying the raw vulnerability and longing inherent in the song’s theme. Her performance on the keys, alongside her husband Mike Matisa on guitar, and contributions from Nashville A-list studio musicians Mike Johnson (pedal steel) and Tania Hancheroff (background vocals), further elevate the track’s emotional resonance.
“You’ve Seen Heaven” follows the success of Karly C’s 2024 singles, “Today I Get To Say,” a personal and celebratory track written for her wedding day, and the cross-over hit, “Dreaming About You.” The country radio promotion campaign for “You’ve Seen Heaven” will be spearheaded by Jennifer Blair, with an impact date of May 19, 2025.
Track Info:
- Written by: Karly C
- Produced By: Karly C & Mike Matisa
- Label: Quirky Cowgirl Records
- Distribution: DistroKid
- Digital Streaming Release: May 2, 2025
- Radio Promotion: Jennifer Blair
- Radio Impact Date: May 19, 2025
- Run Time: 3:35
About Karly C:
Karly C, born Karly Coleman in Hamilton Square, NJ, is a genre-bending artist who defies easy categorization. A self-taught guitarist, piano player, recording engineer, and producer, she seamlessly blends country, rock, pop, and punk into a unique and electrifying sonic tapestry. Her musical influences are as diverse as her sound, ranging from iconic vocalists like Celine Dion, Adele, Lady Gaga, and Sia to the powerful female voices of 90s country and 80s rock, including Joan Jett and Heart, with a touch of pop-punk akin to Avril Lavigne.
Karly’s career trajectory has been marked by consistent growth and innovation. She launched her career in 2016, co-writing and performing five songs for the hit television show “Dance Moms” (Lifetime). In 2018, she signed a production music publishing deal with Warner Chappell/BMG, releasing her debut 10-song collection, “TAKE ME AS I AM.” The title track achieved significant pop radio success in 2019, earning heavy rotation on SiriusXM’s Venus Channel.
In 2020, Karly established her indie country label, Quirky Cowgirl Records, and released a string of successful singles, including “You And Your Whatever” (2020), “Another Drink Or Three” (2021), “I Was Gonna Love You” (2022), and “You Made Your Bed” (2023). The latter two singles garnered significant traction on the MusicRow chart, supported by substantial airplay on non-reporting stations.
“You’ve Seen Heaven” marks the beginning of Karly C’s 2025 waterfall series, with additional releases planned throughout the summer. This new single is poised to solidify her position as a compelling and emotionally resonant artist, one who is unafraid to explore the depths of human experience through her music. With “You’ve Seen Heaven,” Karly C offers a beacon of hope and comfort, a testament to the enduring power of faith and love in the face of loss.