#MusicExchange: Louise Carver releases new single

Image supplied: Cover art for Take My Hand by Louise Carver

The Take My Hand tour will go from 7 April to 30 April. For all tour dates and to buy tickets, go here.

Written by Carver, Take My Hand celebrates life and being together again after lockdown and social isolation.

The energy of the song is driven by a sexy urban dance beat created by Simphiwe ‘Simz’ Kulla from popular SA Afro Pop/Soul band, The Muffinz. Carver and Simz recorded the single towards the latter part of 2021.

Upbeat and engaging from the start Take My Hand kicks off 2022 with a great celebration for Carver. “Everything about this euphoric song makes you want to dance, exhale and feel human again. I loved working with Simz because what we both bring to the table is completely different and unique, which makes for a great collaboration and fusion of sounds,” she said.

Take My Hand is also the first single to be released from Carver’s forthcoming and 7th Studio album due for release later this year.

I caught up with Louise this week…

What is your job description?

Musician/entrepreneur

What does music mean to you?

Music gives sound to your emotions. It heightens your experience on this planet. I would be in a dark place without it.

My music is about…

Life, the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s the only diary I ever need.

What is your motto?

I have a few but I use my mom’s the most, “There’s always a pearl in the pile of poo”. Love her to bits!

Fame is about…

Lots of things, but for me, it was just about being recognised and appreciated for my art. “All that glitters is not gold” rings true for me.

Retirement will happen when…

Never! I do what I love so why would I stop?

I don't do…

Lots of things, but bungee jumping leaps to mind (excuse the pun).

I would love to co-write with…

Black Coffee, Ed Sheeran and Sun El Musician.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

My piano at home or my fireplace in winter. I struggle to write away from home, as I feel so grounded here.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

I love the actual writing part especially when the song comes together without too much of a struggle. I also love working with producers and creating new beats and sounds. Live performance with incredible musicians is another part of what I do that I love and I have missed it so much throughout this pandemic.

The song you must do during every show?

Home and Empty Fantasy

Any funny moments on stage?

Too many to mention, but performing at 46664 to a massive stadium crowd plus an international TV audience with no sound coming out of my keyboard for the first two songs was pretty terrifying.

My heroes are…

Currently, whistleblowers in South Africa, and then anyone who rescues animals and the environment from awful humans.

My style icon is…

Cate Blanchett and Tina Turner.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

There are too many amazing people to just choose one, so let me rather say, anybody who remains ethical, kind and helpful even when the sh*t has hit the fan.

What is your most treasured possession?

My home, not necessarily the things inside, but the feeling I get when I open the front door and know that this is the one place on the planet that is mine to be 100% myself in.

It's your round; what are you drinking?

G&T’s!

Dream gig to do?

Radio City Music Hall - New York, or a Vegas Residency.

What makes you stand out?

Hopefully my voice.

Any nicknames?

Lou, Lou Lou, Wheazy, Auntie Wheaze (my nephew only)

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

I’d be a full-time entrepreneur. I have been since the day I took my parent's clothes and sold them outside on a little table. I was five.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Tenacious, kind, passionate, loyal, optimistic.

What are you streaming?

I jump around between different Apple playlists, wherever my mood takes me. I love listening to new releases.

Greatest movie ever made?

Out of Africa or the original Alice in Wonderland made in 1951. I have watched them so many times, I just adore them. I also love all Wes Anderson movies.

What book are you reading?

Just finished reading The Promise by Damon Galgut, so looking for a new book currently.

What song changed your life?

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

Who do you love?

My partner, my dogs and my family.

What is your favourite word?

‘Howzit’ would be the safe one to publish. There are numerous, colourful swear words I love to use.

Top of your bucket list?

Travelling to the island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya.

Your greatest achievement?

Staying sane in all the crazy and never losing sight of my dreams. I feel completely my own person, on my own special journey, doing it my own unique way.

What do you complain about most often?

Corruption and all the nepotism in the SA government.

What is your biggest fear?

So many fears, death is pretty high on the list. I have so much to do and see.

Happiness is…

Roadtripping with my dude to Mozambique with great padkos or laughing with a girlfriend over a bottle of wine.

On stage, I tend to…

Sing!

The best life lesson you have learned?

Go with the flow more and stop forcing things so much. I have learned to be easy with everything and stop trying to control all the outcomes - spoiler alert: It’s impossible and a waste of time.

What has been your favourite journey so far?

Barra Beach in Mozambique was incredible, like being in paradise. We rested, walked along the beach, met great people. I was so happy on that holiday.

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

Yes, I try as much as possible to help all animal charities but have a special relationship with the SPCA.

Wishes and dreams?

All the usual things that a person hopes for, health, contentment, travel opportunities etc but I also hope for some good positive change for SA, as we really need it.

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