Carla Stark – A Million Lives (2023)
Tackling taboo topics is admirable, particularly if the artist has experienced the topic. It is difficult to discuss, painful to remember, and singer-songwriter Carla Stark touches on a particular provocative issue in her single ‘A Million Lives’. Inspired by humanity in its entirety, Stark is a natural storyteller looking at the bright and dark sides of life; however, it is with a subtle sensitivity that she meanders on tip-toe into the topic of miscarriages. Not necessarily an uncommon occurrence but one that remains uncomfortable to discuss. Come share the story with Stark in her new single.
Following her well-received 2022 singles ‘Gulaabi’ and ‘Dark Fuckin’ Grey’, ‘A Million Lives’ is Carla Stark’s first release in 2023. Similar to her previous work, a strong contemporary pop sound is evident. Yet, dissimilar to ‘Gulaabi’ and ‘Dark Fuckin’ Grey’, ‘A Million Lives’ is tinged with a darker tone in the melody. Moreover, Stark shifts to an acoustic melody instead of the electronic pop beats of her 2022 tracks. This showcases her elegant way of adapting a melody to incorporate the core of the song’s central theme.
‘A Million Lives’ is a provocative single exploring the world of miscarriages with intimate intensity. Capturing the pain, despair and vulnerability of the mother, it touches your heart with a gruff rawness. The piano-driven tune lays the foundation for a heart-rendering melody; however, it is the incorporation of strings that tug at my heartstrings bringing a tear to my eye. Instead of a simple tale of a miscarriage, ‘A Million Lives’ has you feel the pure emotions beating in Stark’s heart.
While the new single is hard-hitting with a delicate darkness about it, it has a sliver of empowerment and hopefulness. Instead of mooning over the anguish of a miscarriage, Carla Stark’s ‘A Million Lives’ brings solace to those facing the same situation. A hand of friendship in a swirl of indescribable emotion. Stark explains:
“I’ve always used music to heal and when I was going through my miscarriage, I couldn’t find anything to relate to, not one song to get me those releasing tears I desperately needed and that’s why I wrote one… I’ll acknowledge that it does feel weird today to push a song so emotional, but my only wish is that it reaches women over the world that might need it…”
For more from Carla Stark, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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