Vancouver singer-songwriter Louise Burns has just released her solo debut album Mellow Drama, and it will be available September 6th on Light Organ Records.
Check out her video for “What Do You Wanna Do” here
She has broken boundaries with this album, and her voice takes you to new heights. I had the pleasure of talking to Louise Burns about her influences, her lyrics and her plans for the future.
How did you break out as a solo artist?
I’m not sure…one day I decided I had enough songs for a record, went into the studio and began recording! It took a long time though…
Your songs capture feeling that we all have and manages to put them into such poetic words. What’s your writing process?
Thank you! I’ve never seen my lyrics as poetic, I’m more of a phonetic writer when it comes to words. I use what sounds good. It’s usually after the song is written that I get the true “meaning.”
Is it true that you played all the instruments on this album? How did that affect the recording process?
Mostly! All but drums and some guitar and banjo. It made recording so much easier. I’m awful at explaining myself and had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to hear, so really it was just more efficient to do it myself!
Did you ever have professional training in any of the many instruments you played?
I took piano lessons as a child up to the Royal Conservatory of Music’s grade 4 level. I also did about a year of opera-esque vocal training…but I’ve mostly taught myself.
What are your musical influences?
Neil Young, Nick Cave, Roxy Music, 60s girl groups, Sam Cooke, The Cure…
Why?
I like good melodies and music that doesn’t get too precious or earnest! Also, Neil Young is just the man of all men.
Is there a story behind the title of your album Mellow Drama?
I had the idea in my head for a few years…it’s kind of like my own commentary of the record. I’m singing a lot about my past experiences in the music industry in a relatively negative way, but I still get the lightness of it: you can only complain so much about being a former moderately successful pop star. So mellow drama/melodrama refers to the lyrical content in a very self aware way.
How is Mellow Drama different from other things you’ve done, or for that matter, from other music that’s popular right now?
There was no pressure to have a hit single! I went into it really not interested in who would hear it, but to make a recording of 12 songs I thought were good enough to be heard by some friends and hopefully a few more humans. I don’t think I sound like anything out there right now, which makes touring partnerships tricky, haha.
Plans for the future?
Playing a few shows, moving to Toronto temporarily and hopefully touring the US soon!!
