collaborators

Carla Trevaskis appears on the following Recoil releases:

 
 
 
 
CARLA TREVASKIS
 
 
Born in Portsmouth, Carla Trevaskis was in bands since age of 14. Originally drafted in to one to provide backing vocals, she pushed way to the front as the lead singer and eventually headed to the bright lights of London to pursue a musical career.

She performed live on regular basis in the capital, sometimes with pianist and strings, sometimes with a full on rock band and continued to hone her song-writing style, influenced by the likes of Kate Bush, Sinead OConnor, Tori Amos and Boy George.

Over the years, Carla has collaborated with Fred de Faye (Eurythmics), Apollo 440s Cliff Hewitt, Dave McDonald (Portishead), Leo Abrahams (Ed Harcourt and Imogen Heap) and Jimmy White (Rolling Stones).



Q. How did you become involved with Recoil? Had you heard of Alans work before?

A. I first head about the Recoil project through a friend who works at Mute Records. Alan Wilder was looking for a female vocalist and my friend jumped up excitedly and said, I know just the person! I was aware of Alans work whist in Depeche Mode but not Recoil.



Q. What interested you about the music and what did you feel you could contribute to the project?

A. The first thing that struck me was the amazing production; the attention to detail was faultless. Secondly, the string arrangements were so beautiful and epic and I love the way that Alan sets up a mood for you and takes you on an emotional journey. For the two tracks I was given, I knew he wanted breathy vocals and if thats what you want honey, you came to the right place.....welcome to the temple of all that is breath and raspiness!



Q. Was it enjoyable or uncomfortable adding vocal parts to music already written?

A. Actually it was very enjoyable. I like putting melodies and lyrics to other peoples tracks as its a different style of writing for me. I usually work from piano chords then add the vocal melody, then lyrics. When a backing track is placed in front of you, it takes you somewhere that you might never have gone if left to your own devices. I always welcome collaborations because its good to bounce off other people and keep things fresh.



Q. How did the recording process go? Was Alan good to work with or a hard task master?

A. Alan is great to work with. He knows exactly what he wants but isnt opposed to experimentation. The recording went really smoothly but I would like to have come out of the vocal booth just once in the whole of the eight hours he had me in there. Maybe a cup of tea, some water or just some daylight would have been nice! Alas, when Sir Alan cracks that whip..........