Folk/world artist Anousha Victoire gained critical acclaim in the early 2000’s for her ‘bell-over-water’ vocal tone, delicate fingerpicking folk guitar, thought-provoking lyrics and indian and french influences. After a decade away from music, she has since returned with two songs from her forthcoming album with “Precious Things To Me” and “Rather Be Your Lover (Than Your Wife)”. As the album draws closer she’s releasing a bilingual pick from the album, “La Sorcière” which in French means ‘the witch’.

The song was written while working in a tiny village in French speaking West Africa as Anousha explains, “I was hearing tales of witchcraft that sounded similar to the tales I had heard when living in rural France, and again while living in an indigenous community in rural Chile… stories of witches as healers are told in many cultures around the world. Universally feared and relied upon in equal measure, the often misunderstood village healer or witch was working in a lonely and dangerous craft, often trying to benefit the health of the community but holding knowledge that was perceived as a threat. In many times and cultures it seems that often strong women who challenged norms or who commanded respect were accused of witchcraft and suffered a cruel fate.”

It’s a grim tale handed down by an angular melody and plaintive vocal and guitar from Anousha coupled with haunting strings by ­­­­­­­Skye Harrison (violin) and Dave Robertson (cello) who provide the ghostly soundtrack with the percussion from Chas Webb driving the story towards its inescapable outcome.

Engineered and co-produced by Robbie Long at Funky Lizard Studios in Newcastle, the album includes new arrangements of key fan favourites and a host of new songs inspired by chance meetings and her travels doing humanitarian work, and the realities of domestic life back in Australia amidst dreams of more adventure.

The new album signifies a return to the love of pure songwriting after forays into musical theatre and cabaret style shows, as well as a break from the music industry entirely. The time away from music has provided a fresh vitality and energy in the songs and their delivery, thanks to beautifully arranged contributions from top notch session musicians as well as talented classically trained violinist Skye Harrison, a more recent inclusion in Victoire’s live line up.