Exclusive: Watch Cindy-Louise’s new video Tattoo

The Netherlands-based South African singer-songwriter does not usually do cover versions, but when she heard this majestic song by Loreen, who represented Sweden at 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, she instantly had a connection with the lyrics and style, and simply had to add her own energy in tribute. This is also a taste of what you can expect from Cindy-Louise with her own music this year.

“I heard the track about a month before Eurovision was set to broadcast, and I really felt a deep connection with this song from the amazing Loreen,’’ Cindy-Louise says. “The lyrics and instrumentation are what really drew me, and I especially love the hook of the song. The instrumentation is amazing in the original, but I could already hear the rock influence I wanted to bring to this song. I worked with the amazing Callum Melville, aka Calibeats, on this cover, and he did an amazing job. He knew exactly what I wanted and meant from the start.”

We also had a long chat with Cindy-Louise about ‘Tattoo’, her career, and what inspires her.

Looking back at the greats of the past, who inspired you the most to become the artist you are today, and what have you incorporated from their contribution into your own style and offering?

CINDY-LOUISE: I was and still am inspired by so many artists. From the past I would say James Blunt, ABBA and Cher. Today, I really love a more band sound, just because I feel it has so much heart and intricacies. Music is so complex and I love deconstructing songs. Vocal ability always stands out for me, so I think that is what mainly contributed to my music and style. I love to experiment with my voice and really push it.

As an artist creating and performing music solo as well as with a band, how important is it to have a versatile command of various genes and style, and do you have any personal preference?

I think you must understand different styles and genres to a point, but of course you have specific ones that draw you. I for one love rock music, but more a grunge, pop punk and blues sound. I also like metal but I appreciate when all lyrics are sung clearly. I like to connect with music, and I do that through sound and words. I also like pop music. I think if a song just pulls me in, then I like it. I can physically feel my body lifting when I connect with music.

When crafting your own original compositions, what is your ideation and creation process?

It really depends. On my latest tracks I feel I have the time to really dig deep and ponder about so many elements. It all starts with feelings and emotions and then the music making part comes in.

As a South African-born artist, now living in the Netherlands but regularly touring and performing back on your home soil, what are the elemental insights you have learnt that you can share with us as key differences between the scenes in South Africa and abroad?

When I come back home to South Africa, many people and artists ask me, “What is it like?” and “Are there more opportunities over there?” Well, it’s difficult to say. I feel it’s difficult to be an artist anywhere, so where you live does not really change that. I do however feel it’s easier to tour Europe because the flights are a lot shorter. If I could give any advice, it would be to just keep doing what you do, be consistent, continue to write and grow, and just focus. Everything else will come.

Your previous single ‘Can’t’ Own Me’ took a stout stand for independence and the basic human right to be treated with dignity and respect. Who are artist you believe best champion this cause as role models for our youth?

As artists we all go through many conflicting situations, and I do believe we stand for people and equality. Cher is one who stands up for women’s rights and she truly inspires me. Other woman artists would be Billie Eilish, Florence Pugh, Yonaka and Palaye Royale.

How important has it been for you to retain your independent status, and would you ever consider going the label route? How has the independent route been so far for you and your career?

I very much value my independence because, honestly, I don’t like to be controlled or told what to do. I think that if a label did offer me a contract, there would be a lot of sections in my contract giving me the freedom I require to make music. The route as an independent artist is difficult but worth it. At least in my mind.

How do you believe changes in the music industry in the past decade have influenced artists, for example the advent of streaming services? Do you believe they have been beneficial or adverse, and how have you as an artist adapted to survive and thrive?

I think a modern-day artist has great opportunities and control over their art. You can literally do everything yourself. Social media and distribution services help so many artists to get their music out there. Yes, there is a lot more ‘competition’ but what are we competing for? I say, share the music, share the love and just be yourself.

What is your personal favourite, and why, when it comes to the formats of vinyl, cassette, CD, downloads and streaming?

Streaming. I constantly have my Spotify on, just because I love discovering new music and artists, and Spotify’s algorithm helps match what you like to listen to. I cannot tell you how many artists I have started listening to because of Spotify.

Your release history shows you keep busy, with frequent single releases. Do you believe that releasing singles regularly has become more important and effective than longer-term album releases? Has such an approach been strategically beneficial for you?

Firstly, yes, regularly releasing singles has been very beneficial for me. Secondly, everyone is so busy, and life is so fast-paced, we just do not have the attention span to really engage with a whole album for months on end. In my case, if I really love the whole album, yes, I obsess, but that is why we artists eventually release an EP and album, just not regularly. I also like to play around with styles and genres and if I am not worrying about a cohesive album, then I can release and create an awesome song, which may not have been released if I had an album in mind. I am, however, working on an album for the end of this year. It will be epic, and I’ll leave it at that.

With methodical classical training early on in your career, do you believe this helped instil discipline and shape you today, or is music theory not essential for artists to become professionals?

Passion is more important than music theory for me. The vocal training did however help me control and understand my voice.

What do you enjoy as well as dislike the most about being an artist? If you weren’t a performing artist, what else would you be doing?

I don’t know what else I would do, as music is my life! I do however enjoy acting and voice-over work, just not all the time. I also love fashion and vlogging. I love how open I can be. I’m still learning to open up and speak my mind, but every day I get to learn a bit more about myself and connect with new people, that’s what I love about being an artist.

What is on your radar beyond the release of your upcoming single? What have you got planned for the near future in terms of shows, releases and the rest of 2023?

I’m organising festivals in Europe and have already been booked for a few, so that’s exciting. I also have an album coming out near the end of this year, so basically, I’m just super busy, and I like it that way, so keep watching my socials for news.

What’s the best show that you have played to date, and what show, country, venue, festival or event is tops on your bucket list?

Coachella in California and Splashy Fen in South Africa are my dream-goal festivals. The best shows I have played, honestly, I have loved them all so much. Each is special in its own way, and I can’t wait to perform more and make more memories.

‘Tattoo’ will be released on all digital platforms on Friday 12 May. Pre-save the track here.

Interview provided by Devographic Music Agency