With her CD Domestic Disturbance, singer-songwriter Carla Fleming has found her true voice: a powerful, full sound that tells a story to which all too many people can relate. Inspired by the true story of her friend’s death at the hands of an abusive husband, Carla’s new album is a musical novel that traces the heartbreaking cycle of domestic violence, showing the dark side of love but also offering hope for the future.

Domestic Disturbance, recorded with acclaimed Sacramento producer Joe Archie, includes powerful tracks like “Love Sweet Love,” “Broken Grains of Sand,” and “No Turning Back,” in which Carla’s original lyrics mirror what countless victims have shared during their recovery from violent relationships. Carla hopes that songs like “Victory” will help heal people and communities torn apart by domestic violence. “As I was telling people about the CD, everyone I talked to had a story for me,” says Carla. “This horrible thing is going on in our communities.” Upon the CD’s April 2007 release, Carla performed at a benefit for WEAVE.

Carla’s new release combines her trademark sultry sound with great vocal power, crossing genres from pop to gospel influences, jazzy nuances, and even hints of hip-hop as it tells a complete story from beginning to end. All of these sounds are part of Carla’s musical heritage, and in Domestic Disturbance they combine to offer a fresh, powerful look at an issue that affects us all.

Carla’s vocal power is also apparent in her live performances, tours de force in which her full range is set free to thrill audiences. She has been singing professionally for enthusiastic audiences since the age of 15. “I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t sing,” says Carla of her early commitment to her music. She began performing at political and community events in her native Chicago at the age of 8. The performing arts were an important element of the curriculum in the Chicago schools she attended—something she missed when she moved with her mother to Sacramento as a teenager. She soon found a musical niche, however, performing at community events such as fashion shows, singing in her high school’s performance choir, and winning a scholarship to the California Summer School of the Arts. The latter experience convinced her that singing would be her path in life.

In addition to her live performances, Carla began recording at the age of 18, initially working as a backup singer for local artists. Through this work, she learned the ropes of studio recording and also met producers interested in her talent, recording demo tracks of her songs. In 2003, Carla recorded an EP of original songs, Lover, under the label On Key Entertainment. Sultry numbers like the title track and “Stay Home Tonight” showed off Carla’s silky-smooth voice beautifully. At the same time, hints of her voice’s range and impact emerged in the rising and falling notes of the third track, “Hot.” The CD sold more than 500 copies in local stores, and her loyal audience begged for more recordings.

Recently, Carla has performed in nightclubs including such venues as the Hard Rock Café, musical showcases, numerous private events and weddings. “I guarantee my audience a professional show, an intimate show, a show where they’ll see all of my talents being displayed,” says Carla.

Audiences have responded with joy and Carla—a true performer—takes her inspiration from them. “I love the feedback and the energy that I get from an audience,” she says. “What keeps me going is the look on someone’s face and how intensely they are into the performance.” She also takes inspiration from her family, recalling a performance when her son was a toddler and she was singing a song from the show Ragtime, written for the part of a mother. “My baby was sitting in the middle of the room and I started singing to him,” she says. “There was hardly a dry eye in the house. That performance, that magic, will always stick with me.”

The magic of performing is just part of what drives Carla to create her music. For her, singing is essential. “If I’m not singing and not writing songs, I get in a funk,” she says. “Music gives me joy and relief from life’s stresses. If I get down, I sing, record, or write a song, and I’m better.” When asked why she sings, Carla’s answer is simple: “That’s what I was put here for,” she says immediately. “I was given a gift, and I have to do whatever it takes to share it.”

Carla’s most recent recording is available on CDBaby.com and on iTunes. Carla has also been the subject of numerous media features, including coverage by the Sacramento Bee, the Sacramento News and Review, on RockinMoms.com, and in a full-page story in the Sacramento Observer.


Carla Fleming lives with her son in Sacramento, California.