Caroline van der Leeuw is not a woman to hang around.
The Dutch artist rose to prominence as jazz singer Caro Emerald. Now she's unveiled new project The Jordan with debut album ‘Nowhere Near The Sky' being released February 2023.
"With The Jordan I’m starting all over again, so I have a whole world to conquer," van der Leeuw tells Square Mile.
Alleviate the walt for the album by reading her Life / Style interview.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
I am very excited about my very first shows/tour that are coming up….. It was great fun to start it all up from scratch. i'm working with a great team….the musicians are all great, talented people that I haven’t worked with before, and of course the songs are new. Excitement all over!
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I am extremely proud of creating my album Nowhere Near the Sky the way I did. For me, it was the first time of writing my own songs - and by that I mean actually writing lyrics (in English!) and putting my personal heart felt stories into music. I also reached out to other writers to work with, all by myself.
Also, being in charge and leading the project in every sense of the word – both creatively and businesswise – was a big challenge. There were times where I didn’t know what the hell I was doing and how to carry the project to a successful end. Luckily, I had help from great people, like David Kosten, who produced and also A&R-ed the whole thing. I absolutely love the end result, and feel very blessed that I was able to get here.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
I don’t think I would change anything. I believe things happen the way they happen for a reason.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
Everything! With The Jordan I’m starting all over again, so I have a whole world to conquer.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired by many different things, on many different occasions. In music, I am much inspired by Lana del Rey for her lyrics, Portishead for their incredible sound, and Billie Eilish for her balls and artistry.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
As a teenager I went through a Gothic phase, together with my friends. I wore a pentragram between my eyebrows during that period, which I painted on my face with eyeliner every single day. It was my trademark.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
I own a fantastic moss-green suede trench coat that I found at a famous vintage shop in Amsterdam called Laura Dolls. Whenever I wear it I feel incredibly cool, powerful, yet relaxed. It’s one of those unique finds that you’d wish everyone could experience at some time.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
My Chloé Carlina sunglasses! I thought a long time about buying them cause they are incredibly expensive, but man are they cool!
What items do you take on holiday and why?
I love camping, and what makes me incredibly happy are light bulb string lights. Imagine a hot summer evening in the South of France, sounds of crickets, a good glass of wine and these lights.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
Oh god yes! I somehow lost a really special jewellery set that my mom got as a present from my dad when I was a kid. It was a very special Dutch design, art deco style by Jorge Cohen, who is unfortunately not alive anymore.
What’s next on your shopping list?
Not much for now. I try to refrain from shopping as much as possible, and if I can I try to buy second hand. I feel a deep responsibility to care for our planet and with that comes the ability to be happy with everything I already have. I’m still practicing, by the way ;)
What would you buy if money was no object?
Probably an estate in the countryside, somewhere in France.
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