A Review: Louise Carver – Look to the Edge
With the music industry filled to the brim with much the same old formula for entertaining melodies and lyrical topics, it’s truly refreshing to sit back, relax and enjoy the heartfelt work of an artist such as our very own Louise Carver.
(Image by warrenski. Creative commons licence)
A True Artist
A fan since the start of her career, and a staunch supporter of true singer / songwriters whom dig deep within themselves to explore the very depths of their being, hearts and souls, it’s wonderful to lose myself in her stories that carry a multitude of raw emotions and views. Her latest album gave me yet another glorious opportunity to do just that!
As someone who’s always looking for the different angle or viewpoint in life and ways to understand who I am, what I’m made of and the ways of the world, I have a true appreciation for those artists brave enough to do the same. Louise Carver is one such artist and a true gem amongst us. Being an artist is not just about being creative. It’s also about being brave enough to delve into that which makes us human and vulnerable…. And then share it.
Look To The Edge
True to her style, Louise Carver has produced yet another work of musical art, but with a new and improved twist. Like every artist, and human being walking this earth for that matter, should, her new album Look To The Edge, produced by Brian O’Shea & Marius Brouwer at
Pop Planet Studios in Johannesburg,is a collection of stories showing growth within life’s situations, circumstances, and changes. Each song takes you on a journey forwards, exploring and learning in the process.
“I chose the album title because the phrase means to never compromise and to keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be,” says Louise. “Making this album, I was constantly outside of my comfort zone and although that’s often times scary, I now feel that I have really grown as a musician and songwriter through this experience.”
“Stepping out of my comfort zone and into my power,” is how she sums up this new musical direction of hers. It well and truly is, but without any hint of losing her uniquely beautiful sound. "My first single, ‘Warrior’ expresses my shift in energy and attitude perfectly. 2010 is a huge year for South Africans – it’s time to stand into our power and speak from a place of strength and pride. ‘Warrior’ is my way of communicating that message.”
Like a flower opens in bloom, so has Louise Carver with her latest offering. The album is a beautiful arrangement of the blossoming of a singer / songwriter’s voice and style, as well as accomplishing a harmonious balance between vocal and lyrical exploration and broadening creative boundaries. This is particularly evident with the album’s first radio single, ‘Warrior’, featuring Zulu Boy.
“I am so proud of ‘Warrior”’, says Louise, “I wrote it to empower myself and anyone else who has felt humiliated or disempowered. The lyrics come from an inner strength and self awareness I’ve developed as a musician and having Zulu Boy feature on the song just takes it to a new level. I hope ‘Warrior’ will become a war cry for everyone who wants their voice heard!”
Bits & Pieces
- Louisecredits her ‘Home’ tour and the recording of ‘The Home Tour Live’ with encouraging her to explore her African roots for making of this album.
“The Home tour made me realise that I cannot live in this bubble any more. Working with people like percussionist, David Klaasen meant a door had been opened. I’d seen the other side and I wanted it in my music – especially the percussion element of African music.”
- She has achieved Top 10 Airplay hits with her singles: ‘Home’, ‘Empty Fantasy’, ‘Impossible Love’, Didn’t Mean To Call’, ‘It Don’t Matter’, ‘Time Is A Healer’ (Justin Vee remix), ‘I’d Say Yes’ & ‘Harder Than I Thought’.
- She has been nominated for three SAMA Awards (Best A/C English album for ‘Silent Scream’, Best Female & Best A/C English Album for ‘Saved By The Moonlight’). She received an award for ‘Most Stylish Entertainer’ at the 2008 SA Style Awards and is Youth Ambassador for the Independent Electoral Committee and has received a number of achievement awards.
- Louise opened for Michael Bublé on his South African tour.
Singer / songwriters unravel the mysteries of life’s tricky bits and pieces in search of reason and understanding. The lyrics penned on this album are largely written like fleeting thoughts pondering the meaning within the stories and identifying their appropriate emotions. Louise Carver’s latest offering is a magical blend of creative exploration and the journey of storytelling.
With ‘Look To The Edge’, Louise aims to achieve an edgier electronic/pop progression with an infusion of South African rhythms and percussion into her sound. Louise is a firm supporter of South African artists and aims for her latest album to strongly appeal to both South African and international audiences. I do believe she will accomplished just that and then some!
More...
- Check out Louise Carver’s official website for information and future gig dates.
- Catch Louise Carver live at Tanz Café on 22 May 2010
- For more information or bookings, contact Grant on 011 463 3128
