Album Notes

It was at Edinburgh fringe festival, whilst listening to the music of Cara Dillion's self titled debut album that Louise realised her future career would be in songwriting. In 2003 Louise moved back to her home town Cardiff, and began honing her craft. She started recording with Saxophonist Lee Goodall a set of her own original folk songs, one of which was called Fatuma and it was this song that was picked up by award winning songwriter Tommy Sands and played on his show at Downtown Radio. Already Louise was establishing her own sound and developing lyrically, inspired by events and people in her life.

In 2004, charged with a bunch of songs and a love for performing, Louise moved to London and began playing regularly within the live acoustic scene. It was during this time that she caught the attention of acclaimed producer Arno Guveau and in March 2005 she recorded her second EP 'Notes After Dark' at Markant Studios, Holland. Strings and harmonies were becoming a prominant feature in her sound and were captured perfectly by Arno, who understood the haunting yet hopeful nature of Louise's music. The EP was recorded with a number of key musicians who would reappear later on in her career. Whilst in Holland, Louise toured with Dutch songwriter Stevie Ann, promoting this release.

During 2006-2008 Louise embarked on a series of projects, collaborating with a number of top producers including Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers) and Stephen Lipson (Annie Lennox). Additional to this she co-wrote with writers such as Charlie Dore (Hayley Westenra) and Richard Lobb (Lucie Silvas). These experiences gave Louise a greater sense of her own songwriting identity, whilst freeing her up creatively.

In June 2008 Lousie was ready to record her debut album, returning to her friend and producer Arno Guveau with a definite and clear idea of how she wanted her album to sound. Cor Mutsers (guitarist), Rozaliya Rashkova (cellist) and I were delighted to be asked to collaborate on Louise's music once again. Arno began constructing the studio within his flat in Roermond, Holland and Louise began organising the musicians. As Arno was hammering in the final nail, Louise arrived ready to create the album of her dreams. Surrounded by her core collaborators, Louise and Arno began creating. Louise, being a very visual writer, had many an imaginary scene associated with the songs, which she shared with the musicians to evoke the mood of the song. The time was not free of difficulties but the album was completed within 2 months. Louise would spend her days recording and her nights sleeping next to the analogue recording machine, the Telefunken!

Louise's debut album 'Reclaimed' is a passionate and heart felt collection of romantic and cinematic songs. Her music takes you on a magical journey, transported by her epic voice, poignant lyrics, the soaring strings and soulful harmonies.

by Suzanne Latham