Prikosnovenie is an independent french label known as the "fairy label", it's been a while now that it's been in touch with us as member of NM in order to promote their musicians. The taste of their releases and selection of artists is undeniable and this little australian jewel, Louisa John Krol is among them. It was recently also due to a recommendation coming from another talented friend under Limohe label and also fae artist when she pointed me back to the art and music of the australian singer Louisa John Krol. Louisa gently sent her promo kit and music to NM and wow! I was blown away by her amazing voice, and felt like sharing the concept of "storytelling" that I do also try to seek. She's not only archieved it already but also offers an innovative way to create an atmosphere strangely magical yet still blurred by the essence of a daydream. A reference for fairy music lovers with sparkles of mistery and lore. Absolutely recommendable for music lovers, you shall see why this talented artist has become so popular in her circles having her music feature in press all over the world!! Aside, a lovely and charming lady herself!!

Priscilla Hernandez: Louisa, tell us a little bit about the background and overall concept of your music.

Louisa John Krol: It inhabits a magic-realist dreamscape. Lyrically it usually explores faerie realms – not only from my Celtic ancestry, but encompassing classical Greek mythology, indigenous Australian Dreamtime, Sufi tales of the dervishes, and esoteric Italians of the Renaissance, such as Ficino and Botticelli. Being passionate about literature, I find inspiration in Shakespeare, Cavafy, De Ayala, Milton, Rilke and many other authors of various centuries and cultures. Melodically, my music is a spontaneous response to life, from joy to grief, whimsy to wilderness of the soul.

Priscilla Hernandez: Can you recommend us your favourite themes and songs from your works and albums where we can find them?

Louisa John Krol: Exile, reincarnation, parallel lives, flight and alchemy are themes weaving through all my albums. Sometimes I explore them through mythological creatures, dreams or lines from beloved literature. You can find my discography (including collaborations) on our websites: http://www.louisajohnkrol.com/ or http://louisajk.ekishnugal.com/

and from the French label that represents me: http://www.prikosnovenie.com/

My 5 solo CDs:

“Argo”, “Alexandria”, “Ariel”, “Alabaster” and “Apple Pentacle”.

My main collaboration CDs:

“Love Sessions 1 & 2”, “Ghost Fish” and the ambient “I hear the water dreaming”. I’ve also contributed to albums by other artists, mentioned on the above sites.

Priscilla Hernandez: Which is your favourite fairy tale?

Louisa John Krol: Several have inspired me at different points in my life. They include Grimm’s “Rapunzel”, “The Tinder Box” by Hans Andersen, “The Pied Piper”, mermaid tales, Oscar Wilde’s tales such as “The Happy Prince”, and sources mentioned earlier in this interview, also such fantasies as “Alice in Wonderland”, Narnia and Earthsea…

Priscilla Hernandez: How is Louisa John Krol live? Where will be able to see you shortly?

Louisa John Krol: I am a better singer than a player. My European tour with Italian Francesco Banchini – a gifted instrumentalist - was successful in attendance and warmth of response. But it’s hard to organise a band to perform regularly in Australia with our small population and vast distances. Even harder to finance one to fly to Europe or America, where most of my listeners live! In addition, I have become more reclusive since Dad’s death. And in my inability to have children, I am devoted to our cat, Djinn, who sleeps in my arms. As a result, stage appearances are rare.

Priscilla Hernandez: We do know Prikosnovenie as part of NM who led us to your music... how is it to be in the "fairy label"?

Louisa John Krol: I feel honoured and happy to be part of it. Its owners - whom I’ve met twice in visits to their medieval village, Clisson – have integrity in business and a unique artistic vision. All their releases are excellent. Some artists they’ve signed have become friends and collaborators, such as the neo-classical musicians of Daemonia Nymphe.

Priscilla Hernandez: If you could achieve a dream related with music... what would it be?

I have many dreams, but perhaps the main one is to publish a book with music (and ultimately a film) to accompany it. Writing brings me as much pleasure as singing; I’m a keen reader of books in various genres including magic-realist fiction. So it would be a natural fusion of my passions.

“Which female newcomers to the ethereal music scenes do you admire?”

Louisa: Your music, Priscilla, together with your illustration, caught my attention. Another singer in our circle, who recently released her debut album “1666”, is Belgian harpist/singer Keltia. I’m also into the female voices of Prikosnovenie artists, such as Karin Höghielm. Let’s hope that more people will join us on the faerie trail!

More info about Louisa:

Louisa at myspace (listen to some samples)

Albums of Louisa in NM

-Apple Pentacle

-I hear the water dreaming