Q: I love the tender feelings of “Love of My Life.” What is the inspiration behind the song?
CARL DE VILLA: I loved this song when I was a teenager and it grew stronger in me when I lost my mum due to cancer. Every time I hear “Love Of My Life”, it gives me this longing sweetness and at the same time anger because she was taken from me at a very young age. I find expressing my emotions through song is a powerful and beautiful way to cope.
Q: What is the creative process like?
CARL DE VILLA: The original Queen song is very soothing and calming to listen to. However, I wanted to re-imagine Freddie Mercury’s song with how I actually felt during those dark times. My family was poor and we had nothing to support my mum’s medication and treatment. With this in mind, I watched her health decline traumatically which resulted in me learning all the defence mechanisms at a very young age. And having this emotion linger in me made me realise I have to let this go by re-imagining ‘Love Of My Life’ song as a dark, rock anthem.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your musical background?
CARL DE VILLA: I’ve been performing for a few years in Australia, and previously in Japan, Singapore and the Philippines. In Australia I have been on All Together Now and The Voice which were both fascinating experiences. Late last year I released my first album, “War Cry”, which has been hugely successful, particularly the songs “Fly” and “In My Father’s Hands”, which was shortlisted for a songwriting prize.
Q: What would be a pivotal point in your music career?
CARL DE VILLA: Reach for the stars, of course! My dream is to share the stage with Adele or do a duet with her. She’s one of the many artists along with Prince and Queen who inspired me to pursue my own original music.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists of all time?
CARL DE VILLA: I love love love the legendary artists we have like Queen and Prince, the soul and music Adele and Sam Smith share with their audience, and the funkiness and finesse of classic Bruno Mars.
Q: Are you currently working on anything?
CARL DE VILLA: This year has been tough for artists not just in the music industry but everything that relates to art. I was lucky enough to record “Love Of My Life” with Michael Tan prior to lockdown and also released a music video done by Nema Adel. Next year, 2022, is looking positively good and I’m in the works of releasing another original soulful song for everyone to watch and listen to. Thank you to all of your support and don’t forget to check my website www.carldevilla.com to see what’s next and what’s new.
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
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