Louise Latham - by Suzanne Latham
It was in music and theatre that Louise found her niche. Drawn to the storytelling aspect of both plays and songs, Louise felt a strong identity with the need to express herself through the arts. The romance and atmosphere found in songs like 'If not now' by Tracy Chapman captured Louise's imagination and inspired her songwriting. Cinematic in nature her music evokes a mood and takes you on a journey.
For Louise playing the piano and singing was a solitary and intimate experience. She would spend many an hour practicing and writing songs. Situated in the dramatic Victorian building that is Royal Holloway University, Louise would often secretly disappear to the North Tower. Here she would connect with her need for music and would lock herself away with a piano, for during the weekend the North Tower was a quiet and magical place to be. But it would not be until Louise left University that she would acknowledge what a fundamental part music played in her life. Whilst at University she explored her love for the theatre directing numerous plays such as A Street Car Named Desire.
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.