Americana singer/songwriter Karlie Bartholomew returns with her most vulnerable release yet called “Haunted House,” available everywhere now! The track is a poignant exploration of memory, longing, and the ghosts we all carry with us.
From the very first line, “In my head, there’s a haunted house / The ghosts of my past rent the whole thing out,” Karlie welcomes listeners into a deeply personal space. With her signature folk-inspired storytelling and soft, soul-stirring vocals, she crafts a world that’s equal parts melancholy and magical.
“This project was so much fun to create,” Karlie shares. “I recorded and played every instrument myself in my bedroom, except for the electric guitar, which was performed by my husband, Daniel Schimmel. The lyrics were inspired by a line from ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin, where a character describes her mind as a haunted house when talking about loved ones who’ve passed. I hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as I loved making it!”
With “Haunted House,” Karlie transforms lingering emotions into poetic lyricism, inviting listeners to sit with their thoughts, face the things left unsaid, and leave room for healing and hope.
About Karlie Bartholomew:
Karlie Bartholomew is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter whose music blends folk-inspired storytelling with honest, emotionally resonant lyrics. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Karlie discovered her voice through music at a young age. While shy as a child, she began writing songs early and jumped at every opportunity to perform—starting with elementary school talent shows.
Following in her father’s musical footsteps, Karlie taught herself to play guitar on his retired six-string in high school. Deeply influenced by artists like Joni Mitchell and Elliott Smith, her songwriting is rooted in authenticity, intimacy, and rich emotional landscapes.
“My songs focus on storytelling, hoping the listener can see themselves in my music,” she shares. Her smooth vocals and introspective lyrics create a sound that can quiet any room.
In 2017, while studying at Berklee College of Music, Karlie was selected as a featured soloist for the school’s commencement concert, honoring Lucinda Williams. She performed for an audience of over 7,000 people—including Williams herself, Lionel Richie, Todd Rundgren, and Neil Portnow—before graduating with a degree in Professional Music, with focuses in Contemporary Writing/Production and Performance.
Karlie released her debut EP A Way to Start in December 2021, following the singles “Brooklyn Park,” “Back Bay,” and “May.” The project received acclaim from both press and listeners, procuring coverage from Nashville Noise, Tinnitist, Grubs and Grooves, New Music Weekly Magazine, and more. Music City Melodies wrote in a review: “Karlie Bartholomew may be a newcomer to releasing music, but she is already a star in our eyes.” BuzzMusic followed with: “Her vocals melt like butter as she soothingly tours us through descriptive lyrical motifs leaping from this sonic canvas.”
She is currently writing and recording new music, with her latest single “Haunted House” released on April 25, 2025.
For more information, visit www.karliemusic.com and follow Karlie on Facebook, Instagram @karliemusic, TikTok, YouTube @karliebartholomew and Spotify.