While living in Japan 10 years ago, Nina Karl lived a double life. She was a teacher in the days but once the sun went down she transformed, literally, into a rock star.

Cutting a double shift has prepared Karl (real name Karlene Levy) for her current gigs as a solo act and member of harmony trio LMG. She is currently working on songs she hopes to compile for a debut album.

Recently, she commented on her hectic routine.

"It gets difficult at times but it can be done. LUST (male vocal group) has shown that," Karl said.

Drummer Paul Kastic and Mario Lawrence of Music Factory produced songs for Karl's pending album. Her latest song, Hard Cry, was produced by Wayne Marshall (not the singer of the same name) and released by Cash Flow.

An album would be the icing on the cake for Karl who has been in the music business for almost 15 years. She got her start as a backup singer for reggae acts in Montreal, Canada, where she lived during the 1990s, but it was not until she moved to Japan that music took over.

"There's a market for female reggae singers there, because there aren't many of them," Karl explained.

During her five years living in the land of Geishas and Sumo wrestlers, Karl says she fronted a tribute band called Blue Mountain, performing covers of songs by rock bands like the Eagles and soul standards from Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner.

Recording

Shortly after returning to Jamaica in 2000, she began recording. Her first song, What Am I Supposed To Do, was produced by Anthony 'Michigan' Fairclough of Michigan and Smiley fame.

Karl has also recorded songs for Chris Meredith, bass player for Ziggy Marley, and toured Europe and North America as a backup vocalist with Sly and Robbie, Richie Spice and Kenyatta Hill.

She joined June Cole and Elaine Walters in LMG six years ago. The group recently completed a European tour with roots singer Junior Kelly.