Liesa Van der Aa

“Like a snail on a razor blade.” That is how a friend of Liesa Van der Aa describes her new record ‘Caramel’ – as softness that wraps itself around sharp edges but never lets itself be cut. A striking image, because with ‘Caramel’ Liesa Van der Aa brings her most personal work to date. In the record resonates the urge for meaning, but also the doubt. Van der Aa’s voice whispers: Where do I belong? And how do you actually do that, being together? Balancing between I and you, between self and other, between inner world and outer world? They are universal questions, and Van der Aa highlights them from all angles. Critical, but interwoven with tenderness and hope. Musically, ‘Caramel’ still moves in the same jazzy universe of her previous record ‘Easy Alice’ and yet it is completely different. You hear echoes of Laurie Anderson, interwoven with the early classics of James Blake and snatches of Billie Eilish and FKA Twigs. Electronics, contemporary classical, baroque, jazz, and hip-hop: ‘Caramel’ wears all these coats at the same time, nonchalantly over each other. And on top of that, more than ever before, the masks fall: “I wanted to make a record that feels like you hear someone thinking out loud. As if you are on the edge of someone's consciousness, without everything already being spoken out.” Van der Aa works for ‘Caramel’ again together with wonder pianist Niels Broos, known for his work with Jameszoo, Jamie Peet, and Rol Rol Rol. Drummer James Williams (Leon Bridges) signs for unforgettable, soulful parts. And when Dries Laheye (STUFF.) brings out his melodic magic power, it automatically becomes quiet. Also on the production, two special voices leave their mark: Anja Ngozi, producer from London with credits at, among others, Tirzah and Speakers Corner Quartet, and Shungu, the Brussels producer with a love for layered, poetic beats. Together they make ‘Caramel’ a record for those who do not confuse softness with weakness. For those who want to be touched, without explanation. It is an invitation to come closer – up to the edge of the razor blade. Schouwburg Kortrijk is a proud UiTPAS partner. Save UiTPAS points during the performance. Are you entitled to a ticket at an increased allowance? Keep your UiTPAS at hand and reserve your ticket online or by phone at 056 23 98 55. You can also come by our ticket counter. Be sure to bring your UiTpas then too.