From taking out the overall grand prize for the WAM Song of the Year for her debut single Greg’s Discount Chemist to wrapping up her first US tour supporting fellow Freo musos San Cisco; it’s fair to say singer songwriter Carla Geneve had an epic 2019.
Born and raised in Albany but now calling Freo home, 20-year-old Carla has received overwhelming support for her debut self-titled EP and has been described by many in the industry as ‘one of Australia’s most promising artists’.
“It’s pretty hectic hearing that, especially as there are so many amazing artists out there,” Carla said.
Carla knew she wanted to be a musician from the age of 13, and grew up listening to the likes of Neil Young and The Drones who have influenced her own sound, which she describes as folk grunge.
“Let’s call it folky lyrics with a rock tone, it changes every couple of months, but let’s go with that,” Carla said. Not one to take herself too seriously, she adds with a laugh: “It sounds a bit pretentious, doesn’t it.”
Soon after finishing high school, Carla packed her bags and was off to pursue her music. She hit the ground running, snatching gigs all over Fremantle, Perth and regional WA.
She’s since made her mark on the folk and alternative rock scene, racking up numerous industry awards, touring nationally and headlining events like City of Fremantle’s Future Treasures during the recent 10 Nights in Port festival.
If the past 18 months are anything to go by, there’s no stopping Carla as she continues touring and writing and recording her first album.
While her breakthrough single’s cover artwork namechecks a well-known Freo business, watch this space for more local references in her lyrics.
“I like to take inspiration from the normal stuff that happens to me and what I do in my day,” Carla said.
“It might sound mundane but it’s nice to try and make that into a song and turn it into something special, something everyone can relate to.”
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2019 edition of the City of Fremantle FRE-OH! residents newsletter.
All images by Robert Frith – Acorn Photo