Music / Spotlight
Louis Cardozo on exploring new heights and proving sceptics wrong
Louis Cardozo is an independent artist, influenced by vintage blues, soul, jazz and Latin records.
Bursting on to the scene in 2020 with his debut single, Amaneciendo en Cuba, Louis has released a number of singles since, all of which lean into his jazz and Latin sound as well as his quirky Spanish guitar that permeate a number of his tracks.
The singer-songwriter kickstarted 2024 with his brand new single, Fly, a cinematic piano ballad accompanied by a music video of the first authentic flying piano which was released on January 5.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 caught up with Louis to discuss flying a piano 800 feet in the air, his sell-out launch party and turning his talents to documentary film-making.
Where in Bristol are you based?
Stokes Croft
How would you describe your music?
An eclectic mix of blues, jazz, Latin, Soul and the odd piano ballad.
What influences your music?
A few of my influences are Paolo Nutini, Ren, Jack Johnson and The Cat Empire. I am also influenced by places I’ve been and experiences I’ve had along the way.
What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?
It’s got to be soaring through the sky playing my flying piano and thinking ‘why the fuck am i doing this again’ but then just taking a few seconds to soak in my surroundings and appreciate the madness of playing a piano that’s 800 feet up in the air, gliding peacefully towards a glowing sunset.
What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?
So far the response has been great, the only complaint is that I need to be putting out more. The music video for Fly on youtube has had a very different level of response, I think just because of the originality of the concept.
I’ve had interest from Ladbible, dailydose, Xtreme and a bunch of other social media channels. I’ve been featured on BBC Bristol before and I feel the flying piano could be a great way to get featured on national radio.
How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?
It’s been a challenge for sure, it’s not an easy game but I’ve learned a lot.
I think authenticity is the one thing that’s most important. It’s essential to making the music you love, staying mentally healthy and creating real music/video content that people can connect with.
Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?
After my music video launch party, I’ve got to say The Louisiana, we managed to sell out the 140 capacity and get the crowd jumping. The night started with Jake Scrimshaw doing a solo set, then Candar (an alt rock duo from London).
Then we premiered the flying piano music video on a projector screen in front of the stage, then ‘launched’ (pardon the pun) into our set.
Who’s your dream artist to work with?
To be honest I haven’t given this a lot of thought, I genuinely just love collabing with my mates as they’re a talented bunch.
I do feel like a jazzy girls voice could compliment my style though, someone like Eloise, Melody Gardot, Lana Del Rey.
Who have you got your eye on at the moment?
I’ve got two coklabs in the pipeline, one with brazilian artist Lohayne and one with Berlin based singer Mia Mae, beyond that I’m thinking more with Ossicone and Messinki.
I’d also love to get in a studio with Maya Diegel and Biba at some point.
Louis’ newest music video saw him 800 feet in the air with a piano. photo: Viper Music Management
Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?
Yeah I think Ossicone who’s an indie pop artist turned UK garage and house producer is making some really good shit at the moment, and he’s consistently releasing as well which is impressive, it’s only a matter of time before one of his tunes takes off.
What’s next for you?
First I’m releasing a mini documentary on ‘the making of the flying piano’ as I’ve had so many people asking about that and also questioning whether the piano is CGI.
After that I’ve got a bunch of singles on the way, which will make up 2 separate EP’s, both to be released in 2024. I’m also making plans for the next big music video, I’m thinking something on the water!
Main photo: Viper Music Management
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