06 September 2024 - 0 Comments

Aotearoa’s experimental and musically diverse talent Carawei is releasing her hauntingly vulnerable new single, Lucy, today, Friday, September 6th. This deeply emotive track delves into a narrative of pain, repression, and grief, offering a profound exploration of personal suffering.

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Lucy, the first single of the forthcoming album The Moon and The Tides, marks a poignant chapter in Carawei’s creative journey, emerging from a raw and intense emotional outpouring rooted in her past. "This song stems from childhood trauma and religious resentment, though I didn't fully realise it until years later." Carawei reflects.

The single presents Lucy as a metaphor for Lucifer, symbolising the repressed demon within Carawei's memory. "Lucy represents the part of me that was locked away," Carawei explains. "The song tells a story of deep-seated pain and the struggle to confront buried emotions."

While the creation of Lucy was an emotional journey, the process of making the music itself was methodical and experimental. "I often reach a flow state where I can work for hours, and many of the pieces come together through experimentation," Carawei describes.

Releasing Lucy brings a sense of relief and liberation for Carawei. "I've outgrown the meaning behind this song and am ready to move forward," she shares. This release signifies a moment of emotional release and a step toward new beginnings.

Carawei’s musical background is as rich as it is varied. "I've been playing instruments since I was four and was involved in choirs, orchestras, and school rock bands growing up," she notes. "Songwriting became my form of expression after discovering my sister’s locked diary and her lyrics."

The creation of Lucy began as a solo project but was enriched with collaboration. Carawei's friend Anita brought her Er Hu (traditional Chinese instrument) to Bigpop studios and recorded the classic Chinese song, 'Mo Li Hua'. "I decided to reverse it and put it in the bridge and then worked with the team at Bigpop to re-record and mix it.”

To visually capture the essence of Lucy, Carawei has created a stunning music video that reflects the song’s complex emotions. Inspired by the movement of water and the muted pastels of watercolour paintings, Carawei aimed to complement the song's themes with a bittersweet beauty. "I wanted to use innocent pastels and watercolours to reflect the pain conveyed in the music," she explains.

Carawei hopes that Lucy will resonate with listeners, offering solace and understanding. "People interpret this song in various ways, especially if they are unaware of its backstory. I hope it encourages others to speak up, feel their emotions, and find healing, as it has for me."

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