INTERVIEW: Charlotte Black — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Charlotte Black

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I have had a great time speaking with Charlotte Black…

about her music and what inspired the latest track, Nobody Else. The track completes a fantastic trilogy – I ask what the reason was behind that triple-release and whether more material will come later in the year.

Black talks about influences acts and albums; why she moved from Edinburgh to London; new artists we need to get behind; what advice she would give to fellow artists emerging – she talks about gigs and precious musical memories.

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Hi, Charlotte. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m great, thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever been busier - but that’s a good thing, right?! My week has been full of sessions and I think we may have got another single from one of them…so, I’m really excited!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m a twenty-three-year-old singer-songwriter from Edinburgh, currently based in London. Music-wise; think a mixture of Astrid S, Taylor Swift and Bea Miller-inspired records: Electro-Pop with a storyline based on dating and falling in love in 2017/'18 .

Nobody Else is your new single. Can you tell us what the song’s story is?

So, you know that magical summer holiday romance feeling when you meet someone amazing?! It encapsulates that and how, in that moment, you think that person is all you could ever want….

It completes a trilogy of tracks. What was the reason for releasing a trilogy?

I really wanted to tell a story through several tracks to make it more interesting. I’ve been telling my story of falling out of love and finding it again in the modern dating world.

Might we see an E.P. or more singles later this year?

I don’t think I’ll ever release an E.P., actually! I studied at music school and they really encouraged it; everyone seemed to be doing it so I wanted to try and do something a little different. I’ve got four more tracks coming out this year which I’m so excited about!

You have a talent for writing songs perfect for summer and the festivals. Do you prefer those more open and revealing songs – that provoke myriad emotions and heat?

Thank you! Yeah. I actually really love writing honest lyrics that tell it how it is. Funnily enough, I actually write more emotional tracks than I do the summer ones. I have just been too nervous to share it yet. However; my next track is really emotional and I can’t wait to get it out there. I think it’s the most ‘me’ song I’ve ever written.

Now you are in London - but you originate from Edinburgh. What was the reason for moving? Is there a lot more opportunity in London?

I love Edinburgh but, ever since I was in high-school, I wanted to get out and explore. I come from a teeny, tiny village where nothing exciting ever really happened. It was my dream to live in London and write songs! There are so many incredibly talented people here to collaborate with. I think, if you’re going to dive into a career like this, you have to live in the heart of the industry.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? Was there a particular artist that compelled you to get into the industry?

Yeah. My dad was always playing Joni Mitchel, David Bowie and, occasionally, we had ABBA on in the car which I absolutely loved. Hilary Duff was my number-one when I was about eight-years-old. I’d watch her live tour D.V.D. every Saturday morning; I was completely amazed by her! I remember wanting to do exactly what she did and its not changed since!

My sister then let me borrow her Taylor Swift album and that was me hooked - she’s one of the most inspiring musicians and businesswomen out there!

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I’m in the process of booking some support slots which will be really exciting and then I’m planning a short schools/university tour this September!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’d really love to keep connecting with more people through my music; keep building my fanbase and to play some really cool support slots. I think my next step is diving into the live scene, which I’m just so excited about!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I think, so far, it was being nominated in the top-ten for the Unsigned Music Awards. When the email came through, I was going through a really hard time and it completely reignited my self-belief and gave me the confidence to keep plugging away.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Oooo. It would have to be the artists that inspired me to get into songwriting. There are so many incredible albums out there, but the ones that mean the most to me have to be the ones that ignited my passion!...

Taylor Swift – Fearless and 1989; Hilary Duff – Metamorphosis. At the moment, I’m obsessed with Kacey Musgraves' album, Golden Hour. It’s one of the most beautiful pieces of work I’ve heard in a really long time.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The songs you write are the most important and valuable thing you have in your career, so write as many as you possibly can. Always work harder than you think you need to and know that there is space for everyone in the industry. Also; no one’s life is how it looks on Instagram: we’re all hustling away behind the scenes.

IN THIS PHOTO: Aislin Evans

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! Aislin Evans, for definite. Her songs always give me goosebumps - and Liv Austen; an amazing Country singer-songwriter!

IN THIS PHOTO: Liv Austen

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

So; every month I take a full day off in bed to catch up on sleep and Netflix (guilty pleasure) - it normally recharges me completely. I’m working a few jobs at the moment to keep my head above the water so it’s good to take a day out to breathe. I love any time spent with my close friends. I always come away from it feeling amazing!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Kacey Musgraves – Space Cowboy