CAROLINE LUND

San Franciscan Caroline Lund is ready to heal the world – after healing herself – with her dance anthem, When You Tell Me That You Love Me.

DNA: Your music has a very “gay pride” feel. Caroline: I’m deeply influenced by electronica groups like Yazoo, New Order, Depeche Mode, Dead Or Alive, Erasure and Eurythmics, with elements of disco and house music. It’s more inevitable than intentional! This is a sound associated with gay pride and empowerment. You’ve done vocals with some big disco names, right?

I performed with Thelma Houston [Don’t Leave Me This Way] and Evelyn “Champagne” King [Love Come Down] at a gala for the former mayor of San Francisco. These are artists I’ve always admired. They were both so gracious and encouraging.

How did you get into showbiz?

While finishing my theatre degree in San Francisco I landed a resident dancer position at Club Universe. I also started touring with a jazz band. I flew to NYC to record a cover of When Will I See You Again, which led to my first big show at Club Universe as a dance music artist. Did you sing a lot as a child?

My family immigrated to the US from Ghana when I was five. Being immigrants, we were exposed to a diverse array of artists. I loved Mariam Makeba and Annie Lennox.

Tiaras and tantrums alert! You were a Californian beauty queen!

[Laughs.] I didn’t grow up being a “pageant girl”. After high school I was scouted by a Miss America rep for our county. I was first runnerup in my first year and won on my second bid, so that was cool. You’re also a trained actress.

I was in a film called Burst, which garnered many awards. One of my favorite theatrical pieces was Living Letters, a musical based on the works of the Shanti Project, a charity supporting people with life-threatening terminal illness. Our piece told the stories of real people with HIV/AIDS, based on their letters. It was extremely emotional and would end, every night, with everyone, cast and audience alike, crying and embracing. When did you decide to concentrate on your music career?

Just recently. I developed a rare illness six years ago, which was life changing. After several surgeries, physical therapy and chemo treatments I’m on the path to recovery, but there’s no cure. I reached a stage in my recovery where I realised there might be a blessing in all of this. I had an opportunity to focus on my artistry as a way to heal.

Why did you choose When You Tell Me That You Love Me as your latest single?

This song mirrors the emotions I experienced dealing with my illness. I felt very vulnerable when I started working on the song, but realised it’s part of my healing process; a way to tell my story, show my gratitude and move forward. What are the issues closest to your heart?

The political climate in the US right now.

I’m particularly hurt by the non-inclusive sentiment towards immigrants, racism, and the drive to reverse the rights people have fought for. But I see hope. People are taking a stand and making it clear that this is unacceptable. What’s next?

I plan to perform for Gay Pride events this year and I’m excited to create new music.

I’m on the path to recovery… but there’s no cure.