Karisa takes a chance on romance in her new single Sin City — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The emerging Toronto artist’s latest single is a dreamy exploration of love and nostalgia. Karisa weaves memories of a past relationship throughout the track, infusing ethereal synths with a hint of ’80s new wave flair, enriching her signature synth-driven sound.
Karisa opens Sin City with airy, atmospheric synths, portraying a story of love, lust, and heartache with bittersweet longing. Her rich soundscape captures a dreamlike state, guiding listeners through the emotional rollercoaster of taking a chance at love. “This is my first song about actual heartache,” she explains. “I drew upon some of my own experiences with heartache and the feelings of missing what was.”
That feeling of yearning is reflected in the sound. Karisa’s vocals, inspired by the emotive styles of ABBA, blend seamlessly with the lush synths of the 1970s and ’80s evoking the wistfulness of past memories with a modern twist.
Her goal is to convey both joy and longing, reminding fans that it’s OK to reflect on what was and to embrace those memories. The song is rooted in the sin and risk of Las Vegas, with Karisa “creating a story of gambling on love.”
Co-produced by her boyfriend CL3VR (Lucas Vuco), Sin City features hypnotic synths and lush melodies that intensify the emotional depth of the track. The song delves into the tension between chasing desires and indulging in a casual fling, reminiscing on past relationships in a new light. Karisa offers a vintage nostalgic feel while injecting a fresh modern twist.
Karisa’s journey began when she joined the school choir and got her first guitar at age 14. She began releasing music in 2020 with her debut EP Vaporcoast, and most recently unveiled her EP Endless Summer, released earlier this year. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, she leans into music and painting to allow her creative side to help her overcome challenges. Known for her retro visuals and blonde bombshell aesthetic, she is inspired by artists like Avril Lavigne, Don Henley, New Order and ABBA. These influences help inspire her to create music that blends the vintage new-wave synths with modern alt-pop and dance beats.
Check out Sin City above, hear more from Karisa below, and join her on her website and Instagram.
