‘Both memoir and manifesto, this book celebrates the power of a creative life and the joy found in the work of others. Moving and magnificent'.’ Sinead Gleeson
‘We’ve all got them, the lighters of the way, those mythological wonders who glow in our dark. These are the ones I got to be close to, whether in a real or allusive sense; these are the ones that got to me in a way that still flows through my veins. I think you’ll understand why soon…’
Lo Carmen weaves her own remarkable story as an independent creative spirit and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter together with compelling portraits of the women who have influenced her life and career: bold creative visionaries, trailblazers, provocateurs, pioneers, feminists and activists, exploring the often complex lives of these fascinating women as a way of understanding her own life and choices. A tender, joyous, messy, vibrant and wholly inspiring investigation of creativity, passion, purpose, art and music. Harper Collins, Feb 2022
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‘an exhilarating exploration of art, activism, feminism and rock’n’roll’ The Weekend Edition
‘A hard won account of the glory, mess and risk of making art. Lo tells her story by telling the stories of all those who’ve lit and tended her flame. She knows that worship is at the heart of creation. And she writes like a river.’ Paul Kelly
‘So so so so incredible - I’m gonna read it many more times in my life I feel’ Julia Jacklin
‘ (a) tour de force memoir … a unique perspective on what it means to pursue art.’ Happy Mag
‘Remember the intensity with which albums, art and wild rock’n’roll ladies hijacked your teenage brain? LDF is powered by that hunger; that desire to absorb all the experiences the world has to offer…so feverishly packed with ideas, ideologies and imagery that it’s guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing.’ Jenny Valentish, Everything Harder Than Everybody Else
‘Lo Carmen has written not just a personal memoir, but a history book. It’s not history that is taught in schools, but the secret cultural history that is lived in dark, dirty clubs, as interpersonal dramatic relationships between passionate artists, on strange film sets, by songwriters, actors, writers, gamblers and outlaws. Lovers Dreamers Fighters is a book of big ideas written by a human with a gigantic heart’ Ben Lee
’A little bit country, a little bit rock n roll, Loene Carmen’s writing is vivid, sassy and intimate. From the studios of Nashville to the grimy bars of the Cross, Lovers Dreamers Fighters is a memoir about the power of song, family and spiritual connection, but most of all a love letter to the soul-sisters who have shaped Lo's creative spirit’ Kirsten Krauth, Almost a Mirror
'Loene has always been unique. Lovers Dreamers Fighters is beautifully written.' Don Walker
'There is an electricity and trueness to Loene's voice you can't fake. It involves her passion for art and music, but also a love for outsiders who have something special to give. Her intense humanity and feel for unexpected intimate detail goes to your core.' Mark Mordue, Boy on Fire
‘At the heart of this book is the author’s deep love and eternal gratitude for music. It shines through on every page’ Loudmouth
‘I couldn’t put it down - its a real ripper’ Jeff Jenkins - The Australian Mood/Triple R
‘Just so freaking astounding… I’m glued to it and moved by it.‘ Ella Hooper
‘Lo is the ultimate lover, dreamer and fighter’ Justine Clarke