Say it to her face - interview with Louise Carver

By Ruth Cooper

25 Jun 2013

25 Jun 2013

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Can you tell us about the recording process?

Louise Carver: "Say It To My Face" took two-and-a-half years to complete because I was adamant that I wanted more than one producer on board. I was determined to do the vocals in a relaxed setting in Joburg, as I have my home there and I have always hated flying to a studio to do vocals as the pressure is so intense to crack it in that specific time. Three of the producers (Including Pascal & Pearce) live in Cape Town and the fourth, Joe Bermudez, lives in Boston. We mastered the album in London at Metropolis studios and the distribution is handled from Joburg. I had a very strong vision for this album and who I wanted to work with. So patience coupled with determination was very necessary.

The title of your album alludes to some behind-the-back talking. Is this the case?

LC: I got the title from one of the songs on the album. The song is asking your ex-partner to have the courage and balls to tell you why he has decided to end the relationship - instead of just disappearing into the fog. I thought the title was so much bigger than just that one scenario of it resonated with me, as I have become more confident and less afraid to tell people what I think and feel. It's an empowered statement that shouts out: "I am able to handle whatever it is you have to tell me."

Electro Focus

This album shows a much more definite steer towards electro. Why this choice and was it an easy transition from your previous more acoustic-style sound?

LC: I started in rock music at 15 years old and then left for London and did dance music - three of my tracks made major waves in Europe (with two going to number one on Europe's dance charts). I also had a number one with Warrior in South Africa, which I released in 2010 and another number one last year with Days Go By, Pascal & Pearce. I have never left electro music; it just hasn't always been my focus.

How has the reaction been to your new direction in sound from your fans?

LC: So good. My fans are hugely important to me it has been a very long relationship together. I played some of the new tracks at the start of my Say It To My Face Tour at Tashas in Morningside and everyone came to me afterwards to say: "Yes, we love."

What was it like working with DJ Joe Bermudez? How did that partnership come about?

LC: Joe is a fantastic, talented soul and we got along instantly. He came to South Africa with David Guetta to do some shows and heard Days Go By with Pascal & Pearce. He instantly got hold of my manager and sent me the instrumental for Sunrise, which is now on the album. He then flew me over to work on my new single, Not Tonight, and I stayed with him for 10 days. Boston is such a great city and the guys in studio were very cool to work with.

From Russia with love

What was it like playing at the Estrade Club in Russia?

LC: There are no words to describe the experience. I had a number one dance song in Russia, I'd Say Yes, and didn't even know it. The guys who brought me over have been looking for me for six years. When I sang that song, the entire crowd of over 1000 people got very emotional. For me, it was surreal.

Any surprises planned for your Say It To My Face Nations Tour?

LC: The idea behind the tour was to create an intimate up-close-and-personal atmosphere in a beautiful venue with great food, wine, Bombay Sapphire Cocktails (entitled Say It Too My Face) a show and a packed goody bag. I want to spoil my fans the same way that celebs and the media get spoilt at events. BlackBerry is the title sponsor but YSL (I am their ambassador), Cadbury's San Pelligrino water, De Grendel wine, Grazia Mag and Bombay Sapphire are all on board, so the goody bags are rather heavy.

Why the decision to partner Tashas restaurants for your tour?

LC: I performed at the Tashas White Party in January and had such a great time. Natasha (the owner) and I chatted afterwards and agreed that we worked super well together. I love that there is usually a line of people outside of Tashas during the tour; the restaurant is just for me, the media and my fans - very old Hollywood.

If you could be characterised as an animal, what would it be and why?

LC: A goshawk. It is graceful and free - just enjoying the beauty of the sky, but when it needs to defend itself or eat, it is one fearless, independent bird!

What's next?

LC: After the tour, which ends on 4 July in Tashas Gateway, Umhlanga, we will release the second single, hopefully do music video for it; I will be promoting the new album both here and abroad. I'll probably be back in Russia before the end of the year, as I have signed with agent over there. I have a new track on Pascal & Pearce's forthcoming album and I love what I do, especially performing live, so I will keep pushing musical boundaries and representing my country.

Say It To My Face Tour Dates

27th June - tashas Constantia (CT)
28th June - tashas Constantia (CT)
4th July - tashas Gateway (Umhlanga)

To purchase your tickets visit http://www.graziadaily.co.za

www.louisecarver.com