Singer Caroline van der Leeuw, known professionally as Caro Emerald, has reclaimed her original identity, stating that the change from 'Caro' to her first name and birth name was essential for her personal and artistic evolution. At 45, she explains that shedding the 'Caro Emerald' moniker allows her to dissociate from the specific expectations of that persona and explore her music more freely. [1]
The decision to revert to Caro involved significant administrative work but provided psychological clarity. She notes that during the peak of the Caro Emerald era, she often felt disconnected, describing moments where she would wake up confused about which country she was in due to constant travel. The persona required a level of eccentricity and extravagance—red lips, satin dresses—that felt like a obligation rather than an expression of self. [1]
Van der Leeuw candidly addresses the 'crab bucket effect,' a term from the second wave of feminism. She reads the book *Krabben* by Milou Deelen and Daan Borrel, which explores how societal structures often condition women to pull others down. She admits to feeling anxiety that her success might burden other women, particularly those she is professionally jealous of. However, she is working to reframe this into pride, recognizing that when one woman succeeds, she clears the path for others. [1]
Her creative process has shifted from polished glamour to a more raw aesthetic. She cites David Bowie as an influence, noting that his visual style evolved with his music. Van der Leeuw states that fashion should be a vehicle for storytelling rather than a constraint. If a space suit fits the narrative, she is willing to wear it, provided it does not control her. [1]
On the topic of security and value, Van der Leeuw asserts that material possessions are transient. She believes the only true constant is the body and the voice. 'If they take everything away and throw me naked into a dungeon, I can still sing. They cannot take that from me,' she says. This resilience underpins her current project, the album *Returning to Innocence*, which features singles like 'I Can’t Win' and 'The Guy Bangs'. [1]
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