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The Unseen Song Within Me: A Journey of Voice, Fear, and Belonging

Writer's picture: Louise BurkeLouise Burke

Updated: Oct 5, 2024

From the moment I discovered singing, it became more than a passion – it was a force embedded deep within me, a resonance that had long been waiting to escape. I didn’t come to singing early in life; it found me later. But when it did, it wasn’t something I chose – it was something that chose me. This hunger to express, to release, to break free with voice became all the more profound as life unfolded its unpredictable course.


My father, the lead singer in a band, was a presence larger than life, with a voice that seemed to carry the stories of generations. But it was only when he was diagnosed with a life-altering illness that I truly saw him – his resilience, his unwavering commitment to music even in the face of adversity. That strength sparked something fierce within me. It was as though his spirit called out to mine, urging me to pick up where he had left off. In his courage, I found my own purpose.


With his voice echoing in my mind, I pursued my own journey with an intensity I had never known. I am incredibly fortunate to have been trained by some of the world’s most elite vocal coaches. They weren’t just teachers – they were mentors, helping me sculpt the raw, untamed gift inside me. Without their expertise, I would not have been able to shape this voice that had long been buried in my chest, yearning to be unleashed. Their belief in my talent was the key that unlocked my belief in myself.


One of the most unforgettable moments of my journey was meeting Mitch Winehouse. To have someone of his caliber and experience praise my voice was more than just validation – it was a turning point. It gave me the courage to truly own my gift and to embrace the idea that this was not just a personal passion but a vocation. It was through his encouragement that I realized the importance of writing my own songs, of sharing my story with the world. My voice needed to carry not just melodies, but words that came from deep within me.

But in every artist’s journey, there is always one person whose belief makes all the difference. For me, that person was Wendy Waters, the Australian producer of the show at The Pheasantry, who gave me the opportunity to take to the stage. She believed in me endlessly, offering me a platform when I needed it most. That belief was invaluable. These people, who stand by your side and push you forward, are a gift to any artist.


That night at The Pheasantry, as I performed Wendy's beautifully written and original material for the first time, I felt the familiar grip of fear. But as the lights dimmed and my voice filled the room, something miraculous happened: I wasn’t just performing – I was finding my way back to myself. The stage, far from a place of judgment or proving oneself, became a space where I could be completely at ease. It felt like home.


However, my path to producing my own music was not a straightforward one. It was a winding journey filled with setbacks and breakthroughs that tested me at every turn. But through every twist, I grew stronger. This journey of creating, often nonlinear and challenging, became a mirror of my own resilience. It was in those moments of struggle that I found new depths to my creativity and a tenacity I hadn’t known I possessed.


Music has always been intertwined with my inspirations – the voices I admired and the soundscape my father introduced me to. His passion for 60s country music wasn’t just an influence; it became a cornerstone of my own musical identity. The sounds of artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline resonated with me, but it was Billie Jo Spears’ song “Blanket on the Ground” that captured my heart. The simplicity and raw emotion in that song demonstrated the profound power of storytelling through music, and it’s a song that still inspires me today.


Throughout my journey, I’ve been compared to Bob Dylan – an artist whose poetic lyricism and unrelenting authenticity have deeply shaped my own approach to music. To be described as a female Bob Dylan is an immense honor, one that reflects my commitment to truth-telling and emotional vulnerability in my songs. Dylan’s ability to transform raw human experience into something universal resonates with my deepest intentions as an artist.


Overcoming my fears and stepping into the spotlight was never easy, but it was essential. With each performance, I learned more about myself. Singing became less about technical perfection and more about releasing the truths within me, allowing them to flow through music in a way that could be felt by others.


This journey, with all its highs and lows, has taught me that music is more than just a craft or a profession – it is a connection to something larger. It is how I connect with my father’s legacy, with the artists who shaped me, and ultimately, with the world. Every time I sing, I carry with me not only the voice I have cultivated but also the voices and stories of those who have shaped my path.


The road ahead continues to evolve, but as long as I stay true to the music within me, I know I’ll never stray from the path meant for me. That’s my journey so far, but it’s far from over. The voice inside me continues to grow, and through the inevitable trials and triumphs, it becomes stronger still.



Performance at The Pheasantry, singing journey
Louise performing Wendy Water's Size 10 at The Pheasantry, Chelsea

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