"I'm very happy and excited to collaborate on this project. I have reinterpreted a lot of songs in my career, and strongly believe that some songs are too meaningful and deserve a tribute. Instant Love gives me the chance to rediscover a colossal song like, "Ain't No Sunshine" but it also allows me to do a rendition for women, which I think is chic and unique. It gives me the chance to explore and reconsider the song from another point of view. I believe this to be one of the most important things about art." - Karen
Karen Souza
ARTIST
Why Instant Love?
Karen Souza
Although Karen Souza's voice seems to be made for Jazz, her career began under different pseudonyms, writing songs and providing vocals to several electronic music producers, which made her part of many House hits. Karen started flirting with Jazz when she was invited to participate in the first album of the Jazz & 80's series. Back then, no one could imagine how successful these series would become overnight. Essentials, her first album, compiles Karen's best renditions from these albums, and it immediately became a sales success.
By the middle of 2011, Karen and a classic jazz trio, began to perform all around the world. That gave the audience the chance to meet her in person. In 2012, Karen released Hotel Souza, an album that brings her back to the composition sessions, but this time her new record was produced by Joel McNeely, famous for his work with Tony Bennet and Peggy Lee.
Karen has performed in many countries, as Japan, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina...
What does the Instant Love project mean to you?
"Instant Love is a brilliant idea, and I love brilliant ideas! I'm very happy and excited to collaborate on this project. I have reinterpreted a lot of songs in my career, and strongly believe that some songs are too meaningful and deserve a tribute. Instant Love gives me the chance to rediscover a colossal song like, "Ain't No Sunshine" but it also allows me to do a rendition for women, which I think is chic and unique. It gives me the chance to explore and reconsider the song from another point of view. I believe this to be one of the most important things about art." - Karen
Why did you choose to reinterpret the song "Ain't No Sunshine"?
"When I was invited to participate in the project, the first song that came to mind was, "Ain't No Sunshine." Suddenly, I realized that the lyrics could be reinterpreted. I thought, "What if this person, who is waiting for this woman is her child?" You know, like a baby waiting for her mum to return home, like the only thing a baby wants, to be close to her mum and get lost in her eyes. I had all of these beautiful images in my head... this song is the perfect choice for me." - Karen
SONG
The Original
Lyrics
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
And I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know,
Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
