Best known for her role as lead vocal and guitarist in the rock trio ‘Tequila Mockingbyrd’, Louisa Maria is now taking the journey into her own solo career & is set to release the brand new single “One Lump Of Sugar” on May 1st.
Louisa has taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her upcoming release. Find out what she had to say below.
Hey Louisa Maria, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?
Louisa: Thanks for having me on Fierce & Fabulous Revolution! I’m Louisa Maria an artist based in Bristol (UK). My musical journey so far has been rather fierce and fabulous! So I guess this interview is quite fitting. I emerged onto the music scene by moving to London and learning the ropes busking on Trafalgar and Leicester Square. This then developed into becoming the lead guitarist and front-woman for the all-girl Australian Rock Trio ‘Tequila Mockingbyrd’ (2016-2018). As part of this band I played some amazing festivals around the world including ‘Ibiza Rocks’, ‘Stone Free Festival’ (O2 London), ‘Isle of Man’& ‘Steel House’ plus many more. Through this I achieved a Blackstar Amplification endorsement.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Louisa: My passion for music has always been there since I was a child. My mother put me to the piano when I was six years old. My older sister would listen to a range of music from Alanis Morrisette to Peter Andre & various boy bands. I would write songs in primary school and try to form girl bands (funnily enough) where each of my friends would sing a line each.
Have you always known that performing was a career that you wanted to pursue?
Louisa: In a strange way yes, I always knew it was going to be a creative activity. The piano achievements I made as a young child and teenager encouraged me to take up singing and guitar. I would always prioritise music, dancing and sports above everything else including my homework!
How would you describe your musical style to someone unfamiliar with your music?
Louisa: The music I am making now has a much more commercial pop element to it. I still intend to create some rockier tunes however, I am now enjoying singing more from my soul and creating what is really feeling right to my inner-core.
You are about to release your brand new single “One Lump Of Sugar” on May 1st. How did the idea to create this song come together?
Louisa: In November 2019 I wrote a Christmas song called ‘Santa Don’t Mind’. A radio presenter in Belfast aired it on his show Christmas Eve and then invited me to appear on his TV show scheduled late January 2020. I’d been away for Christmas and when I returned I had roughly two weeks to prepare and put my set together.
Already written were some other tunes and I sat in my room for a solid week rehearsing and producing them when one afternoon these words came to my head ‘You’re a birds-eye view up in the high sky up in a balloon I wanna ride’. The idea of not knowing someone close to you as well as you probably should was what started it! It then progressed into a fantasy track whereby I felt inspired to try to bring out a new confidence in myself and take the listener on on journey. It developed into a dark, punchy pop ‘Alice In Wonderland’ fantasy world.
What is the main inspiration behind this single?
Louisa: Fantasy, miracles and positive energy are the main inspirations for this track. I believe anything will come true if you just wish for it. A lot of things in my life have materialised and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
What does the song personally mean to you?
Louisa: This song presents an escape into a new beginning! I’ve had a great experience writing and recording this song – plus for me it has already grown wings and flown straight to another country (Dublin & Belfast) to be performed in. The journey has been very rewarding and the team I now work with really believe in my project- this is something an artist really needs to feel from the start.
If listeners could take away one message from this release, what would you like it to be?
Louisa: Be confident and believe in your abilities – the future is how you mould it. Make it great!
Do you have any upcoming releases planned, which you can tell us about?
Louisa: Yes following on from this first single will be a second ‘BANG BANG DROP’. Then shortly after the EP ‘Tea For Two’ will be available in July.
When you are not performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Louisa: I love being creative and sharing my experiences with my followers. I have a Patreon account that my followers can subscribe to. This is an exclusive service where they receive packages, videos, mp3’s and even gig tickets all ahead of time. It keeps me busy and thinking about the future for me and my loyal fan base.
What is one song you always keep on your playlist & why?
Louisa: Funnily enough my No:1 feel good song that has stuck with me for years is ‘Golden Touch’ by Razorlight. In October 2018, I was busking on the local high street in my hometown when the man who runs the record shop came up to me and asked if I’d like to support Razorlight that very day! (They were on a tour and had decided to come and perform at The Keynsham Space.)
I couldn’t believe my luck that day and to be able to be on stage with them while they were performing ‘Golden Touch’ was one of my most unforgettable moments. They only played a short set but I was lost for words that they picked that song! I feel truly blessed to have bathed in the energy of that live performance.
If you could duet with anyone in the world, who would it be & why?
Louisa: I am torn between artists- I’d love to do a loop guitar pedal and vocal collaboration with Ed Sheeran…. I think that would be so much fun! I’d also love to sing with John Mayor, Lady GaGa- But most of all – my all time favourite from the 90’s – Kay Hanley (lead singer from ‘Letters to Cleo’. Something about her voice, look and whole persona is what got me into playing guitar and fronting bands).
Who would you consider to be the main inspiration behind your music?
Louisa: This is a tough question! I have so many influences being a songwriter. I’d say the main inspiration has always been the type of music you’d put on in the car and all your mates say ‘TURN IT UP’. Now I know – that could be anything!! Mainly I like to make people feel good, so as long as its catchy, vibing, relatable – so I guess pop-rock infused punchiness.
What is the best piece of advice someone has offered you about pursuing a career in music?
Louisa: Stay strong… people always have two sides and you never really know where you stand. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing and always sending out positive vibes- you make it a lot easier to be on the good side of peoples hearts. It’s a very tough career choice and the best advice I heard recently was on TV when Lionel Richie offered a 16 year old some advice. He said ‘I’m sending you to HollyWood for 1 of 2 reasons, No:1 You will learn a lot & No:2 Most importantly I believe you are mentally strong’. I myself nearly cried a little when I heard those words and now it really rings in my soul how important that is. You really need to be mentally 100% OK with what ever happens to you throughout your career.
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Louisa: At the moment while answering this interview we are all experiencing completely and utterly unprecedented times. The lockdown and seriousness of the Covid-19 situation has really knocked our entire society and made us feel weak. For musicians who rely solely on gigs whether they are cover or original gigs- have seriously been affected. In response to this I’m so thankful for the support of the MU (Musicians Union) as they have really stepped up to help those in need.
I’d like to tell the readers of Fierce & Fabulous that no matter how hard things get at times- music is always around us to help in many ways. It’s the energy and the vibes that hit your soul and uplift you (sometimes without you realising.) This lock-down for many musicians and myself has brought me closer to people I’ve met all over the world. Live streaming on facebook and instagram a few times a week has really opened up a wonderful flow of conversations and has given us all more time to communicate with those who normally you may not. I am so thankful for this and also for having been able to get out and tour as much as I have done in the past. My fans have even stepped up their support via my Patreon page and even pay-palled me on my live streams. If you need some uplifting or encouragement go and join in some live gigs and be part of the party! Just your presence on the chat is enough to keep you involved and also support everyone there- make new friends that you might meet at a real show in the future! You never know.
To all of you at Fierce & Fabulous I thank you very much for taking the time to interview me. To all of your readers – I hope you have enjoyed the read and if you’d like to find out more, you can catch me live twice a week on my facebook.com/louisamariaofficial – I’ve also got a public group: Louisa Maria, patreon.com/Louisamariab or my website where you can also make an exclusive membership if you like. www.louisamaria.co.uk
The single will be attached on day of release, until then you can find Louisa Maria via the links listed below.
Website: https://louisamaria.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisamariaofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Louisa_Maria_B
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisa_maria_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9A5kp5hz1-R3LtcuS4KIPQ/featured
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