AFTER a successful 2015 with a new baby, a new single and a new life, Karise Eden is starting 2016 with a series of shows, called Summer Soul, that bring her back to Ballina.

We had a chat to the Australian singer and The Voice winner ahead of the show.

What can people expect from your Ballina show?

I'll be performing new covers, which may surprise some people, soulful versions of a few songs from Things I've Done, and some of my favourite songs from the first album, My Journey.

You seem to be in such a happy place right now professionally and personally, is it changing your music?

Oh yeah! The most important thing in my life now is my baby son and he is a source of new energy and focus.

In some ways I see the world differently now, which frees me up creatively.

But that doesn't mean I'm in happy mode all the time and only write happy songs or arrange covers in a happy way.

It gives me the confidence to dig deeper into the heartache that helps blues and soul singers really connect with the music.

At the Ballina RSL on Thursday, January 14, from 8.30pm. $40.