Laurika Rauch returns with new music after eight years
After eight years of studio silence and a seemingly retired life from the music industry, the legendary Laurika Rauch is back with new music.
“I’ve had the privilege of a very long career spanning more than 40 years, but I haven’t performed for quite some time now,” says Rauch. “However, I still receive daily requests for performances. If it were at all possible, I wanted to make a ‘grand gesture’ to the people who have supported me and my work over so many years.”
Rauch, who last recorded a new song almost eight years ago, is working with the Coleske Group to record a collection of new songs. The first track, Liewe Lewe, will be released on July 26, 2024, with the other tracks to follow one by one. The full collection is expected to be available by the end of November, God willing.
“Carien Loubser (renowned TV producer for shows like Die Republiek van Zoid Afrika, JAN, and Klanke Van My Hart) and I had a breakfast meeting where she introduced me to the song ‘Liewe Lewe’ by Christi van Niekerk, a young and talented composer/singer. Arnold Coleske, Paulo Azevedo, Juan (Floors) Oosthuizen, and I got to work. It’s a beautiful, fresh, and cheerful song with an ideal message. I plan to record a few more songs from both young and established songwriters. The collection will definitely also feature a few vintage Laurika songs,” says Rauch.
Rauch admits she hasn’t intentionally tried to create a platform for younger artists through collaborations over the years, but she is grateful if it has helped their careers.
“It was Arnold Coleske’s idea to involve Christi as a ‘collaborative artist,’ and her voice adds a lovely contribution to Liewe Lewe.”
Other younger artists Laurika has worked with include Kurt Darren in his early days, the skilled guitarist and producer Loki Rothman, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Elvis Blue, and the alternative group Bittereinder.
Although she has always considered the stage her first love, the past weeks in the studio have been absolutely joyful and exciting for her.
“The whole process is really enjoyable for me,” she adds.
Rauch has also now had time to focus on many other things and interests that she never had time for before. She has begun to get her proverbial ‘house in order’ and has donated her awards, photos, memorabilia, music archive, articles, and reviews to NALN (The National Afrikaans Literature Museum and Research Centre) in Bloemfontein.
The cover of Liewe Lewe features a cheerful painting made by Rauch’s daughter, Nina Torr, based on a photo taken by her father with a box camera during her fifth birthday party. Fans can look forward to more unique artworks by Nina that will serve as song covers.
“Nina has previously contributed to some of my work—her art was, for example, seen in the booklet of ‘Wals, Wals, Willemien’ and also as the cover of my ‘In Duet‘ collection on Apple Music. It’s nice and meaningful for me to work with my child.”
Laurika Rauch’s return to the music industry with new music is an exciting event for her fans and the Afrikaans music community. “I can hardly wait!” says Rauch excitedly.
Liewe Lewe is now available on all streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer here.
