Yes, it was I who called Kaysha Louvain’s latest single, ‘Nobody Does It Like Me,’ “one of the tracks of the year.” And after numerous listens, I stand firmly by that belief. The ridiculously talented retro-pop/country artist from South Wales wears her heart (and her influences) firmly on her sleeve, and we at Indie Top 39 truly believe there are big things for her just around the corner. We were thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed, and talk to us about her love for Miranda Lambert, what success means to her, and what she’d be doing if she wasn’t a musician. Introducing… Kaysha Louvain.
Hello and welcome Kaysha! So I know you’ve been perfecting your craft and honing your sound for over 10 years now, but can you tell our audience where it all began? What sparked your musical journey?
Growing up my family was very musical. My Dad plays drums, my mother sings and my brother plays guitar. We always had instruments in the house to play. I fell in love with singing from an early age. There’s a picture of me at age 3/4 with a microphone headset. Since I was a child I always wanted to perform.
I’ve mentioned this to you before, but I simply can’t stop listening to your latest single ‘Nobody Does It Like Me’. It is hands down one of my tracks of the year! How did it come into existence?
I wish I had this momentous story to tell you but I was just writing one afternoon and I came up with the main riff and structural chords and the melody just came to me. The lyrics are a lot more personal. I wasn’t feeling worthy at the time. Lockdown was in full force and it was a tough time for us musicians. I didn’t want the song to become a sad song so I made sure there was an uplifting tone. I wanted to create a mood so that whenever I needed a pick-me-up, and I need to feel strong, I can listen and remember that I am worthy.
The last year and a half have really taken their toll on everyone, with the pandemic and the shutdowns et cetera. How has the experience been for you personally?
As I stated previously, the pandemic has been very tough on us musicians. Mentally and financially it’s been horrendous. Thankfully I’m healthy and back on track financially and back playing live shows.
I read that, aside from drawing heavily on your Welsh roots, it was also your parent’s collection of ’80s and ’90s records that inspired you. Do any records, in particular, come straight to mind?
Simple Minds always comes to mind. Their songs ‘Belfast Child,’ ‘She’s a River’ and ‘Alive and Kicking’ have influenced the way I write and think about my music.
Artists like Shania Twain and Leanne Rimes were listened to constantly when I was a child.
Kaysha louvain
I have had this blend of ’80s/’90s and Country Music in my music for so long but it’s taken me until my mid-twenties to finally stop thinking about sticking to one genre or trying to fit into a box. I write the music I love to listen to.
Your previous single, ‘Summer Lovers,’ was released earlier this year, but I know you actually wrote it back in 2019 whilst suffering from depression and anxiety. If you’re comfortable of course, could you tell us more about that experience?
It was a very tough time. I had just lost my grandmother to a sudden heart attack. She was my number 1 fan, everything I do now is to make her proud. During this period I had lost my dog and grandmother in the space of 6 months. I started having psoriasis due to stress, as well as having very painful cyst bursts on my ovaries. Due to this, I was put on medication which then led to my anxiety and depression appearing. I was very close to quitting music for good. I’m so proud I made it out of the other end.
If you hadn’t been drawn to music from such an early age, what other profession could you see yourself being happy in?
The only other profession I’ve ever wanted to do and could see myself being very happy doing would be a firefighter.
With every artist being different, could you tell us a bit about your creative processes? How do you take an idea and turn it into a finished song?
I’ve been very lucky during the writing process of this album. I’ve been working with a great musician/producer Jammy Harris. Usually, a lyric or riff will come to me and I will write the song and record it. Very roughly record it mind you. I will then send it to Jammy, and he makes it into a fantastic song. He gets my music like no one ever has. It’s a match made in heaven if you ask me. I am biased though.
Your sound has been compared to the likes of Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde, and Sheryl Crow. Pretty good company to keep 🙂 Who else would you put down as influences or inspiration for your overall sound?
It’s great company and great compliments. As far as inspirations go, I adore Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlisle, and Brandy Clark. Those three write THE BEST songs. In the album, I think you’ll hear bits of Fleetwood Mac, Haim, even a little bit of The Smiths.
I came across your live cover of Bill Withers’ classic ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ on YouTube. It’s absolutely beautiful! How excited are you to get back on the road and perform for an audience again?
Thank you very much! I was trying out some new acoustic songs and decided to record it. It’s a beautiful song.
I’ve been out playing since the beginning of June and the last three months have been amazing. I’ve got a whole new appreciation for what I do.
I am more driven and devoted to music than ever before.
Kaysha louvain
For such a small country, Wales has produced some incredible musical talent. I’m thinking of bands like Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals et cetera. Are there any hidden Welsh gems that we should know about?
Wales always hits it out of the park when it comes to vocalists. We’ve got Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Kelly Jones just to name a few. It’s a lot to live up to. There are many great musicians coming out of Wales, a band called Cancel The Transmission has caught my eye for a number of years now. Good rock ‘n’ roll, high energy, feel-good music.
If I were to steal your cell phone and open Spotify, who would I see under your recently played section?
Well, I’ve changed from a Spotify person to an Apple Music person, so if you were to open my Apple Music you would find Miranda Lambert, Midland, and Dear Evan Hansen Musical as my recent top 3.
What would being successful in the music industry look like for you? Is it important or more of a cherry-on-top?
Being successful would mean bringing out constant new music and being able to tour my music. It’s very important to me, I want to be successful and I’m in the process of gathering a team around me so I can achieve that.
You’re allowed to collaborate with one musician or band. Who do you choose and why?
Miranda Lambert. She’s my idol. I have a solid top 10 but she’s out in front by a country mile!
Aside from your debut album, which is due for release later this year, what else does the future hold for you?
We’re hoping to tour the new album in the new year. I am just fully focused on delivering the best album possible at the moment. It’s still not finished… argh!
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Introducing » Artists We Interviewed
