Louise Burke – Artist’s Rut (2024)
It’s the average tale of any woman – one day you’re a UN translator, the next you’re establishing yourself as a figure in the music industry, and then you shift onto music as a bit of a side-hustle (soon to be a full-time career), and then…well, who knows. Alright, not exactly the average tale of anyone but it’s what Louise Burke brings to the table. From European delegations to starring in shows like Danny Boyle’s Pistol and Netflix’s The Crown, to working with musician Sonja Kristina of Curved Air on a debut album; well, Louise Burke has a repertoire to stun onlookers.
Raised on 60s country music, songstress Burke always had a soft spot for the lilt of a guitar-picking country song. The passionate love for music flared from a small burning ember to a roaring flame in 2013 when her father was diagnosed with cancer – she knew she couldn’t let the dream slip away. Training with renowned vocal coaches including Mary Hammond, Burke soon had Amy Winehouse’s dad announcing to an audience that “well, it’s safe to say she can sing…” Skip ahead to 2024 and Burke captures audiences internationally with her singles ‘Artist’s Rut’ and ‘Benevolent Not Malevolent’.
Preceding her well-received sophomore track ‘Benevolent Not Malevolent’, debut track ‘Artist’s Rut’ is a critically acclaimed rush of vintage country. The younger sister of Dolly Parton, there is a retro vibe to ‘Artist’s Rut’ but with a modern-day glint of folk. Embracing the traditional acoustic guitar melody, the single is simplistic with a minimalistic soundscape. Yet, the melding of guitars and drums shimmers with kaleidoscopic charm as you tap your toes to the tune. For me, however, it is Louise Burke’s intriguing vocals that up the ante.
While her vocal training is evident with sophisticated clarity and execution, a girlish innocence lurks beneath with raw naivety. Twinkling and silvery, she sets a smile on your face as you quickly sing along to the jovial melody. Penned after a chat with Pulp’s Antony Genn, ‘Artist’s Rut’ explores the interplay between personal obligations. Finding the duality of a coin, the song has raw youthfulness in the mature delivery as the lyricism sees vulnerability wrapped in warm acceptance.
Find out more about Louise Burke on her official website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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