Carla Fleming - genuine diva part 1

CARLA FLEMING - GENUINE DIVA - part 1 of 3

Those of us who love music are inspired by its beat, melody, lyrics and rhythm.  It makes us move and feel and it expresses for us what we may not have the creative power to express on our own.  We love musicians and performing artists; some of us are fanatical and even obsessive about it. However, when the story of an artist is genuinely inspiring beyond her music, there’s an even deeper message worth listening to. Carla Fleming is one of these talented individuals whose music and life story are both powerful and remarkable.

When asked about her Domestic Disturbance album and why she focused on this theme and also dedicates proceeds to domestic violence prevention organizations, her story begins to unfold: 

Growing up I was surrounded by many incidents of domestic violence, in my family and community.  I was in an extremely volatile relationship where I would sometimes have physical altercations, but my true inspiration for writing Domestic Disturbance came from the loss of a childhood friend.  She was murdered by her live-in boyfriend when she tried to leave him.  He executed her in front of her children.  When I heard about this my heart was broken.  I was working on an album of random songs and I wanted to dedicate a song to my friend; however, once I started writing, I realized all I felt and had to say could not fit into one song.  And that is how I came to dedicate an entire album to domestic violence.

Some who experience deep hardships or suffer tragedies become bitter and cold and make their life all about looking out for themselves in response to being hurt.  Others turn that hardship into greater cause to make more of their lives while also contributing their talents to assist others.  Carla explains her dedication to the causes that touch her heart:

There are numerous agencies that support families who are affected by Domestic Violence.  These agencies have a very important task to accomplish and it takes a lot of money and they save a lot of lives.  I believe that we are all responsible for our neighbors. I am just trying to make my contribution to my community.  I don’t have much to offer financially, but I do have talents and I am willing to utilize my talents to raise money to save lives.  … If we all took the time to contribute in some way, to give something whether time, money, used goods, knowledge or resources, or whatever it is that makes us special, and we gave more freely of these things to those in need, a very small amount from a great number of people could change the whole world. 

You can see a video of one of Carla Fleming’s performances to benefit W.E.A.V.E. at this link.    

But who is Carla Fleming the artist?  Is she a jazz singer, or pop, rock, R&B, gospel or indie girl?  She speaks honestly that many highlight her as a writer over a singer. “I unfortunately have to admit that I believe that I am a much better songwriter than I am singer, but I love singing more.  People just seem to be more impressed with my writing.” However, anyone who has enjoyed her singing knows the talents are mutual and are perhaps even surprised that a singer of her professional caliber can be found working her talents in Sacramento. When asked about her particular genre and style Carla says:

I hate to really classify my music into a genre but I understand why it is necessary. My musical foundation is rooted in gospel and R&B, however, my influences are from all genres.  I sing almost everything from gospel to rock to jazz and country! My musical genre is based on the type of band I’m working with so if I’m singing with a jazz band, I am a jazz singer, if I’m singing rock, I am a rock star and so on.  I was recently in a musical in which I was able to display this versatility.  I sang gospel, Rock, R&B and country. I actually love singing country but I have no twang. I like to incorporate all these musical styles into my writing and performances.  

You can see a video of Carla performing in the diverse musical Let’s Go at this link featuring her Heartbreaker performance.

Please continue to part 2 of Carla Fleming - Genuine Diva here. Don't forget to see the slideshow above featuring images of Carla Fleming at her Heartbreaker release party from June 29, 2011.