On July 15 singer Karl Wolf performed in Ottawa as part of the city’s Lebanese Festival, a celebration of Lebanese culture. Straight out of a radio interview and while signing autographs for eager fans, Wolf took the time to answer questions about his Lebanese heritage, his new album and reveal his biggest fear to the Charlatan‘s Victoria Abraham.

The Charlatan (TC): How does your Lebanese culture influence your music?

Karl Wolf (KW): Very much. I mean, my dad was an Arabic drum player and he used to play the Arabic guitar, which is called an oud. Hearing my parents play music influenced me. I definitely wanted to do something fresh. I definitely wanted to touch on my Arabic roots and make something different.

TC: Why is your album called Bite the Bullet?

KW: [Stops to sign autographs for female fans, laughing] Basically when I started off nine years ago I always wanted to be a solo artist. I would send songs out to record companies and they would turn me down. Now that things are working out, I have made it happen. I’ve proved them all wrong. Being focused on succeeding, finding other ways to shine and moving on, that’s "bite the bullet."

TC: You have worked with a lot of artists such as Akon and Snoop Dogg. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

KW: I’d like to work with Sade. She is a phenomenal singer, so fresh and original. I used to be a huge fan of her old work so I’d like to collaborate with her.

TC: Your song "Africa" is huge. Why did you choose to remake the 80s classic?

KW: When I was about 10 years old, that was the first song that when I heard the chorus I was blown away by the harmonies. When you are 10 years old you do not know anything about music, really. But I thought ‘it’s making me feel like I’m falling in love.’ Puppy love is what it made me feel. I looked into it and realized that it was the harmonies in the song that made me feel that way. I guess I always wanted to make music that was reminiscent of that feeling.

TC: What is your biggest fear?

KW: My biggest fear . . . A great white shark. I am not afraid of anything else. [Laughs] I used to be a surfer so I am fascinated by the ocean. I love everything to do with the water. The great white is a predator. It scares me.

TC: How has the transition from working behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer to being a solo artist affected you?

KW: First of all it’s a huge difference being an artist. You have to be prepared. You have to prepare your image. It’s almost like you have to be an extrovert. When I’m a producer, I am behind the scenes. I don’t care what I look like. What is picked up on the recorder is not your image, it’s your vibe. I love the change. I always wanted to be a solo artist.

TC: You have been named one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful Arabs in the World" by Arabian Business Magazine. How does it feel to have such a title?

KW: It’s amazing, honestly, because you know they look up to you. It was kind of a shock ’cause I did not think the business world was keeping an eye on me. Not very many people know this but I own two companies. I am probably the youngest guy on that list. I entered at number 93. [Laughs] So don’t mess with me!

TC: Who do you admire most in your life?

KW: I guess I would say my mom. She is amazing, she is so strong, she is spiritual, you know? She gave me a lot of confidence when I was young and really supported me, no questions asked. So yes, my mom . . . or Michael Jackson.

TC: Why have you chosen to make albums in English rather than in Arabic?

KW: English was my first language. Arabic is a second language for me. I incorporate it by using traditional Arabic beats. I try to infiltrate it. I don’t really know how to express myself in Arabic. It would not be honest in Arabic. I think in English.

TC: You’re performing in Ottawa tonight. What is your favorite thing about performing?

KW: Just interacting with the fans. When you write a song and it plays on the radio or your video plays on TV you do not get to see the reactions to it. But when they are there vibing with you, it’s the best feeling in the world.  It’s deeper than winning an award. It’s making people happy and that is what I want to do.