Karise Eden to take back the Aussie stage

Australian singer-songwriter Karise Eden has shared the whirlwind journey she took to gain independence and release her first single in three years.

NEW SINGLE: Australian singer songwriter Karise Eden has just released her first new single in three years. Picture: Adam Head

CHART-TOPPING Australian artist Karise Eden is set to take the nation by storm with her new independent EP to be released next year.

A decade after winning the first season of The Voice Australia, the Queensland singer has kicked off her new venture with the release of her single ‘My Old Friend’ – the first in three years.

“There is a lot of raw, honest power in that track,” she said.

“Musically, it has always been to bring your tissue box to the Karise Eden show.

“In this song though, I wanted to put a happy spin on that big ugly thing called grief, hence the change of progression in the song, so I just rolled with it.”

Eden said she felt it was her responsibility as a songwriter and artist to present reality and the emotions of everyday life through her work.

“I experienced grief in a very heavy immediate way, and I found myself getting too emotional and I would start writing,” she said.

“As a songwriter, I do tend to experience, reflect and then write.

“I guess there’s a thing throughout all of my songs I’ve written and released where it is always about personal experience.

“I didn’t really want to get so personal [with this song], but I think it’s part of my job description to do that.

“Relating to people through music I think is a very important thing. And unfortunately, we all know that feeling [of grief] all too well – too many of us and that’s quite sad.”

After taking the crown of the reality show at 19, Eden was signed to Universal Music as part of the winning deal package.

While she broke numerous ARIA chart records during her time with the music business, Eden last year announced she had stepped away from Universal and would proceed with her career independently.

“I was in a world where anything I would post on Facebook or my work page … was deleted from under me,” she said.

“Over the years, I was taught that anything about me was wrong.

“I wasn’t allowed to share it, and [told] to keep myself to myself – I was always very shadowed.

“It’s definitely been an incredible experience not having that.

“I actually get to have a say in what makes me sing on the inside. I have control over that now.”

The new-found independence however came with further self-discovery, as Eden had greater responsibility than previously experienced.

“I can sit down and say ‘Yeah, it’s so cool being independent and I get to do my own thing’, but really it’s incredibly daunting,” she laughed.

“I didn’t realise how indecisive I was until it was only up to me to make the final call on everything. It’s definitely been a journey to say the least.”

Eden’s new EP is set for release early next year, with audiences expected to hear songs that tell a story, though may be heavier than usual.

“It’s good to explore different avenues as an artist and continue to grow,” she said.

“I’m really exercising those creative muscles with this new EP … and I’ve changed a couple of things up.

“I’m proud of what my team and I have accomplished, and I hope this EP is received well.”

Eden said while she hopes to continue to grow her listener-base, her fans hold a place in her heart.

“I want them to know I’m still here, I’m still doing it, I’m still singing and I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

“I’m at the beginning of a huge process. These are my first baby steps towards a bigger part of the picture, and knowing that they’re all there and having that support is great.

“This is me, and I hope you all dig it.”

My Old Friend is out now. For upcoming tour dates, visit kariseeden.com.au.