Carla Franco unleashes 'Hot Mess': a sonic journey through love's turmoil
Image: Supplied.
South African hearing-impaired alt-pop singer, Carla Franco, is still riding the wave of her South African Music Awards (Samas) nomination, but it's her latest single, "Hot Mess", that's creating waves across the music scene.
Known for her genre-defying sound and unapologetically raw storytelling, Franco's latest release solidifies her status as a powerful voice in contemporary music.
The new track dives headfirst into the tumultuous waters of toxic relationships.
With bold lyrics and an infectious melody, the track encapsulates the chaos of loving someone who is emotionally unavailable.
"'Hot Mess' was born from the emotional rollercoaster of a toxic relationship, the kind where confusion and contradiction replace stability and care," explained Franco.
"It's about being stuck in a cycle with someone who's hot and cold, where love feels more like a mind game than a connection. I think we've all had that one person who can't make up their mind, and it leaves you feeling like the crazy one," she said.
This sonic firestorm draws listeners into a whirlwind of confusion and heartbreak. The lyrics playfully wield jabs wrapped in sharp wit, yet beneath this playful exterior lies a poignant commentary on the emotional toll of inconsistency and the strength it requires to break free.
"It's messy love. It's fighting to keep your dignity when you're being disrespected, gaslit or taken for granted. But it's also about finding your voice again, even if it's loud, chaotic or imperfect.'
The track came together over just four days in Cape Town. Jono Greyling serves as producer.
Franco said, "I was honestly just so done, so frustrated and so hurt. I knew I still loved her so much, but all of the emotions needed a home to live in, thus birthing 'Hot Mess'.
"The lyrics spilt out like journal entries. The sarcasm, the pain, the humour, it was all real. This wasn't about overthinking melodies or perfect lines; it was about an emotional release.
'We kept the production raw and punchy to match the lyrics, sharp drums, distorted guitars and layered vocals that reflect the emotional volatility. It's messy by design. We wanted it to sound like the chaos it represents.'
Franco's journey is particularly inspiring, as she navigates the music industry while being hearing-impaired.
Her ability to translate personal turmoil into art is a testament to her resilience and talent.
With her new offering, she provides an anthem for anyone who has felt the weight of unreciprocated love and the subsequent fight for self-recognition.
"Hot Mess" is now available on music streaming platforms.
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