Karl Vostal
ABOUT KARL
Everything begins with an idea and evolves with experience.
Click on an image/video to learn more about Karl.
Karl was born on October 25, 1996 in Royal Oak, Michigan and currently resides in Metro-Detroit. He is a recent undergraduate alum of University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, receiving a B.S. in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with Sustainable Engineering minor in May 2024.
Beginning his music talent in 5th grade band class with the baritone, Karl fantasized over classical music and other music genres. In 6th grade, he switched to the tuba since the class needed a tubist. Little did he know that he and his powerfully developing lungs would give goosebumps to those who witnessed his artistry. Fast-forward to his last year in high school, the control of his John Fletcher-like lungs beautified both Holst's "Song Without Words" and Mussorgsky's "Great Gate of Kiev."
As a tubist throughout his K-12 education, Karl was a bass aficionado in the classical music realm. Though, on November 8, 2012, his music expertise dramatically changed for the better: he experienced his first Bassnectar concert. The roaring lows and glistening highs reproduced by the professional audio system gave him ecstasy. This magical moment mesmerized him to the point that not wearing hearing protection was unfortunately an eye-opener to how massive a sound can be manipulated.
Karl founded 2K-808 and the Noetical Music label in November 2022 when he released his debut EP "Solstice." Since then, he has released a second EP "Night of the Dead (Equinox)" in November 2023 with his debut mixtape and third EP coming soon. 2K-808, Karl's electronic music performer name with an emphasis in bass music, is primarily inspired by his nostalgic classical music era as a former tubist during K-12; and, production quality of his past interest in Bassnectar music and events.
Amateur Olympic Weightlifter - Barbell Snatch of 145-lb (66-kg) at +109-kg
At the age of 18, Karl began his journey of strength training. At the age of 19, he joined the Crossfit world and competed in his first Crossfit Open at the age of 20. Soon after learning the Barbell Snatch and Barbell Clean and Jerk, he switched over to Olympic Weightlifting. With several more years of training experience, at the age of 27, he exceeded the 135-lb benchmark of a one-rep-max Barbell Snatch (145-lb max, shown in video) at +109-kg. After overcoming difficulties with learning this complex movement throughout the years, the Barbell Snatch has become his favorite movement of all the strength training movements. Even more so, as he foresees a future rookie Olympic Weightlifting competition for his weight-class, his new current goal is to reach the next benchmark of 225-lb at +109-kg.
Amateur Powerlifter - First Powerlifting America comp. at No Frills Raw Strength - Men's Raw Open at 105kg (weighed in at 118.8kg)
On February 2, 2025, Karl competed at his first powerlifting (and strength) meet. The energy and support that everyone brought to the meet, even between the athletes, empowered him to earn two new PRs in Squat and Deadlift that he thought he would never accomplish due to a lower back injury. And even more so, a few athletes suggested that he make those PRs his openers for his next meet because they looked way too easy for him (and they felt easier, too).
PRs and main lifts:
Squat: old PR since 2017 - 102.5kg (225lb); new PR since first meet - 122.5kg (270lb)
Bench: met 2019 PR for second attempt of first meet - 102.5kg; failed third attempt with 105kg (231lb)
Deadlift: old PR since 2017 - 137.5kg (302lb); new PR since first meet - 150kg (330lb)