Multilayered Narratives
Suzanne Vega recorded her second album Solitude Standing thirty years ago. Was there anyone at the time who didn’t sing along to “My name is Luka, I live on the second floor”..? But the artist’s most famous song isn’t all it seems: the buoyant melody accompanies rather dark lyrics, since Luka is a boy being abused at home. “Lou Reed was a huge influence on me. He made me realise that I must write about important issues, not just about missing someone or hurting,” the American songwriter has said.
Vega has also been described as the mother of the MP3, since another of her hits – Tom’s Diner – contributed to the format’s development. While most tracks can be recorded easily, this song posed serious problems and the artist’s voice ended up heavily distorted. This inspired the creator of mp3s Karlheinz Branderburg to develop his algorithm using Vega’s delicate song.
During the concert held at ICE Kraków on 17 June, the artist presents her latest album as well as brand new arrangements of some of her greatest hits. (Artur Jackowski, "Karnet" magazine)
