FROM the moment Karise Eden opened her mouth on the first series of The Voice, the country was captivated by her soulful sound.
Then only 19-years-old, it was hard to think that someone so young could have such a mature singing voice.
Laying it all on the table, Eden let Australia into her life and it became clear she had experienced more than most teenagers.
The singer told The Voice and Australia how she spent time in several women’s refuge homes from her early teenage years and then eventually lived with foster parents.
But after a short-lived time on centre stage, the young singer cancelled her Australian tour to support her first album and stepped out of the spotlight.
Eden confirmed in an episode of the ABC’s Australian Story late last year that she had suffered a complete physical and emotional breakdown, admitting that enough was enough and she had “hit rock bottom”.
The singer said it was a time in her life that she felt she wasn’t ready for and “couldn’t keep up with”.
For the past year Eden has been working in the industry, but her latest release Things I’ve Done is still as honest as ever.
“I guess as a new writer, I can only reflect and write about what I have experienced,” Eden said.
“Things I’ve Done is literally me ticking the boxes off of what I’ve done.
“When I was growing up, if my sister or I was singing something that was too old for us, my mum would say: ‘You can’t sing that; you haven’t lived it’.
“When I hit 19, after The Voice, I went to sing Anastasia’s Paid My Dues and Mum said: ‘You can sing that now; you’ve paid your dues’.” It was Eden’s honesty which had her mentor and soul singer Seal, in awe.
So much so, he recently released a song which is not only inspired by her, but mentions Eden by name.
Let Yourself appeared on the soul singer’s October album, 7, and came as a complete surprise to Eden.
“I absolutely love it,” Eden said.
“It’s such a great song and I read deeper into it because I know him.
“He helped me a lot through the show and had a mantra to keep me focused.
“We’ve lost contact over the past year but the fact he’s written a song that speaks my name, it’s a bit surreal.”
Karise Eden will be at the Ravenswood Hotel on December 11.
For more information go to ravenswoodho tel.com.au
