New Single ‘Traces of the Flood’ Released by Steve Louw

Steve Louw, an acclaimed guitarist, singer-songwriter, and South African Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has launched his fourth studio album, “Traces of the Flood,” produced by Kevin Shirley. The album was released by BFD/The Orchard on May 15th. Along with the album, Louw also introduced the title track single, “Traces of the Flood,” accompanied by an official music video.

Regarding the title track, Louw shared, “In this panoramic tale, set in the barren South African Karoo landscape, we are embarking on a journey from the sea to the source of an African river. In a timeless landscape shaped by wind and water, we encounter renegades, rebels, lawmen, and ladies, embarking on a journey of self-discovery.”

Describing the song further, Louw said, “Traces of the Flood is a song that compels you to keep moving. The law is chasing you, storms are gathering, fires are blazing. You are venturing into the high mountains with a long way to go.” The track paints a picture of horses, Cadillacs, and Bonnie & Clyde Whippets traversing the empty plains, guiding you to where a river shivers and vanishes into a desert forest. The presence of spirits of the deceased is palpable amidst the high plains and moonlit gravel. As you find yourself on a desolate beach, seeking redemption in the heart of the river.

Steve Louw, a South African musician and singer-songwriter, is known for his expertise in album rock, blues rock, country rock, and Americana music. Born in The Hague, he has been actively involved in music since 1981 and was honored with induction into the South African Rock Hall of Fame in 2003. His journey in music began when he learned to play the guitar, inspired by the sounds of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Neil Young. Forming his first band, Atlantic Rose, during high school in Cape Town in the late 1960s, he delved deeper into music while studying at Stellenbosch University.

Louw’s professional music career took off in the early 1980s when he established the band All Night Radio with his former university colleagues, Nico Burger and Rob Nagel. The group recorded two albums – The Heart’s the Best Part (1984) and The Killing Floor (1986) in collaboration with producer Kevin Shirley. Later, Louw founded the band Big Sky and released their debut album, “Waiting for the Dawn,” in 1990, also produced by Kevin Shirley. The band found success during South Africa’s transition from apartheid rule, providing a musical backdrop to a period of positive change.

Big Sky went on to release several albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and commercial success, with hits like “Kathleen,” “Mr. Green,” “One Cut with a Knife,” “Strange Room,” and “Diamonds and Dirt.” Their music resonated with audiences, leading to sell-out tours and accolades, including the FNB South African Music Awards for “Best Pop Music Performance” and “Best Rock Album” for the album, Horizon.

Louw’s collaborations with renowned musicians like Brian May and Dave Stewart on tracks such as “Amandla” for the 46664 AIDS awareness project, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s work, garnered international recognition. Recently, his solo releases, including “Headlight Dreams” and “Thunder and Rain,” have received critical acclaim, showcasing his talent as a versatile and accomplished artist in the music industry. Steve Louw’s latest venture, “Traces of the Flood,” promises to be a captivating addition to his impressive repertoire of music.