A new EP release from Caroll-Ann brings out any men's and Powerful set of songs that are emotionally driven and walk a fine line between R&B and pop with an incredibly lush soundscape and an inventive production style that gives the songs a sort of edge that you don't hear often.
The Nights Alone EP brandishes a number of unique approaches in the artist's songwriting style and each one stands on its own two feet as a single however, being able to soak in this EP as a whole is really what it's meant for.
There are elements about this record that feel almost like it's a concept album of sorts where the songs have a way of interconnecting with each other and throughout it all you have such an impactful vocal delivery that's just oozing with soul.
There is a lot of elements of this release that are completely undeniable and one of the most important ones is that the entire thing is genuine and comes from authentic places so you have that realness throughout the record and because of that, you are able to relate to the songs very well.
These are the kinds of things that you don't get all that often and most genres of music but this is a bright crossover of genre-blending and it's done with heart and passion.
The aspect of escapism that the EP boasts is really cool as well because when it's over you have to sort of reacclimate yourself back to your own reality again because you just get into someone else's world for a little bit.
You get taken to her world and that in itself makes the record worth listening to.
There are a lot of surprises behind the corners of this release and these particular sorts of climaxes or explosive bursts that come in when you don't expect them.
I love records that have the element of surprise and the ability to wrap itself around you and keep you right where it wants to.
It is very easy to get engulfed in this EP and I welcome things like that because that's what I want from a good record.
I want to be able to forget about where I am and even who I am so that I can experience the songs from her perspective.
She has an incredible amount of character and presence throughout the whole record and this is the kind of thing that I feel is where music is headed.
A release that has fewer boundaries like this one is always so worth listening to because there are times when you get taken back a little bit, and there are times when you really get what's going on.
With such a beautifully woven release, we wanted to have a sit-down with Caroll-Ann to find out where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for her.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the "Nights Alone" EP! This record had a smooth but also edgy pop and R&B mix to it! Where did this EP come from?
Oh wow…so many different places…Each song has its own story behind it, but most of my writing stems from experiences. The original plan was to do a full album and I had this whole story I was telling with the whole growth process…kind of like a book or a movie. But long story short, we shortened it to an EP (which made more sense), picked the best songs and added in a newly written one (at that stage - Stays Silent).
I grew up listening to quite a broad rage of music, but Jazz and Blues and Electronic made the biggest impact. I think my producer did a great job capturing those elements with my personality into the EP.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
Since I can remember, all I’ve wanted to do was sing and learn to play the piano. I think I fell in love, and was like “I want to do that when I’m big” when I listened to the song Believe by Cher. And that was about the 1st grade, so 6/7 years old.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire other songs for you?
For songwriting? Shitty situations to be honest. If you’re going to hurt or disappoint me, I’m probably going to write a song about it…you.
And other songs. I’ll find really awesome lyrics or sounds, or mix of harmonies or sounds that get the juices flowing…
I’ve been trying to write in a more positive light lately, but it just doesn't have the same punch or effect. For example my producer and I will sit of the phone for 20-40 mins, and it’s mostly just me telling him the story behind the song and the influences and genre I’m trying to create.
Buzz Slayers: This record has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
A that stage, just before going into recording, I was listening to a lot of Billie Eilish. My car at that point had a CD player and I had WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? album or One Republic’s Oh My or Native album always playing, so I think those definitely had an impact, but through the production process I was also loving artists like Roosevelt and Labrinth and listening to jazz in the evenings while I was spending some time in America. So I’d say quite a lot...
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I don’t seem to have the capability of sitting still, so I normally have a part time job, which is currently a Housekeeping Management position on a Guest Farm or I’m in the gym or road tripping with my best friend finding good wine and good pizza or sushi...
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
A jazz mix playlist on Spotify.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I am currently planning my 2nd Johannesburg & Pretoria Tour and I do some local performances in the Garden Route while I’m in George, South Africa.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourselves or hit a big studio for this?
I recorded Nights Alone and Stays Silent myself. Beautiful Lies, Anymore and Already Halfway There were recorded at my producers collage studio.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Apart from the tour coming up, I am working on a couple of singles and possibly another EP, but all releases have been put on hold for the time being. Just waiting to see if an opportunity pans out first, then we’ll carry on releasing :)
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I really appreciate the support. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love.
Yorumlar