#MusicExchange: Louise Carver to host first-ever live in-studio performance

Her live show, aptly titled “Virtually Yours”, promises to take audiences on a storytelling journey and reveal the catalyst behind each song. Wearing 12 different South African designer dresses and surrounded by South African art, Carver's performance will be a visual and phonic feast for the senses. Tickets for her show are on sale now from Computicket.

I have been wanting to do an intimate show, performing all my biggest hits for a while now and when Jazzworx approached me, I knew we were going to make it very special,” says Carver.

 She has been nominated for 11 SA Music Awards, produced six studio albums, one live album and was a 46664 ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

I chatted to Carver last week.

The new decade means:

Absolutely nothing to me at this point.

Fame is about:

Getting free things and better hotel rooms.

Retirement will happen when:

Not interested in that whole concept. I love what I do and hope I will always get to make music.

I don't do:

Heavy drinking anymore…sadly.

What does music mean to you?

It is my purpose, vocation and happiness. Without it, I would need to be institutionalised.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

There are two aspects I love; the writing of a song, that feeling when it is coming together and you are putting your emotions into the lyrics and melody, and then I love performing with other musicians and we are just in the zone on stage. That energy is very precious and I miss it.

Any funny moments on stage?

Too many! Not really funny though, more terrifying. I have forgotten lyrics at crucial moments on live TV, lost my footing and wiped out in front of a packed venue, had no electricity as the generator stopped working mid-show; live performances and embarrassing situations go hand in hand, but nothing that a couple gin and tonics can’t fix!

Your heroes:

Currently, it would be our health workers, as they are right in the belly of the beast.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Any working mother, homeschooling and running Zoom meetings - dammit, that must be hard.

What is your most treasured possession?

My home. I’ve been in my home for 10 years and it is my cocoon from the outside world.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Castle Lite or tequila.

What makes you stand out?

Hopefully, my voice and what I sing about.

Nicknames:

Lou, Weaze, Lou Lou, Weasel (for my mum only please).

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would be a psychologist specialising in behavioural disorders.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Jeez, that’s tough, right now it would be: Obsessive-compulsive (counts as one please), impatient, moody, fighter, optimist.

Favourite SA album of all time? 

Johnny Clegg - Third World Child 

What song changed your life?

“Spirit of the Great Heart” made me realise that this was what I would be doing with my life. Then, my song “Empty Fantasy” was the catalyst for me moving from my comfort zone in Cape Town to Joburg, and it was exhilarating.

Who do you love?

Luckily, my dude otherwise lockdown would be unbearable. I also love my three dogs, Elvis, Fern and Marley. Travel, music, great conversations, Cab Sauv, cheap chocolate, Kruger National Park, the list goes on.

What is your favourite word?

Howzit…obviously!

Favourite fashion garment:

My Lunar (South African designer) long red dress.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

I’ll give you some music slang; “Tell that cat that he’s no hack, he was in the zone and the set was killer. We took it from the top in soundcheck and he was in the pocket. We sold tons of merch after the gig.”
Translation: “Tell that awesome musician that he’s the real deal and was in that place where all thinking stops and the music is being channelled through you. We started from the beginning during the time where we checked the sound before the show and he was grooving nicely at the perfect, most natural tempo. We sold lots of cd’s and t-shirts after the performance.”

Your greatest achievement:

Getting two number-one Billboard hits in the States and meeting Nelson Mandela. Staying sane during this pandemic is also making the list, although I may lose it at any point.

What do you complain about most often?

The weirdos on social media and people trying to get up nice and close, breathing all over in a queue.

What is your fear?

Dying of corona is pretty up there at the moment.

Happiness is:

Barra Beach in Mozambique with a 2M beer in hand.

On stage, I tend to:

Forget about everything else going on and just sing.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

There’s always a pearl in the pile of pooh - meaning, “there is always opportunity in really bad situations”. Courtesy of my mum!

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Yes, I am involved with many animal charities in South Africa.

Wishes and dreams:

For this pandemic to end and for life to be full of travel and friends again.

Social media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter: @louisecarver | YouTube | louisecarver.com