Sassy, soulful songs. Mama Kin is the stage name for Danielle Caruana, sister to Michael and Nicky Caruana of festival scene favourites Bomba. This is her first LP, and it has come after being involved with the JB Seed program, raising two children and gaining the musical confidence to step out from behind her sibling’s shadows. Her brother Michael, however, does help out his younger sister on her debut effort and his Leon Russell-esque piano-playing sets the tone for a good chunk of the record. It’s a very accomplished effort, with some solid songs and groove-based arrangements that showcase Mama Kin’s soulful voice, all of which I imagine translates very well live. For me, the standout track on the record is actually the last one, a sparse number called Your Colour performed solely by Caruana on piano and vocals. It grabbed my attention through its honest lyrics and simplicity, and…
Upcoming shows
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Interview with Arts Hub
What did you want to be when you grew up?
To be honest I didn’t dare dream it. I was petrified of disappointing myself. But secretly music bubbled away inside of me, and then I would let it out in the quiet moments and throw my voice around and wonder whether anyone would ever want to hear it.. then I realized it wasn’t about anyone else. I had to sing to be.
What did you become?
I spent many years creating fantastic distractions and tried my hand at a million things, all the while telling myself “who was I to dare to be a musician… musicians are so SPECIAL!!” Eventually I realized I was miserable and I couldn’t hide anymore! I am now a musician, a mama, and a juggler one of the many other hats I wear!