Charles is arguably an artist like no other in the current soundscape as it stands today. With vocals made to be backdropped in speaky-easy over an illegal glass of whisky, Charles’ musical presence is one that is not only felt but also offers an all encompassing experience.
Charles latest single ‘Dirty Little Secret’ is a personal one, coming from Charles’ experience of sexuality-based prejudice in the commercial world and its wider implications on personal life, and in turn becoming someone’s dirty little secret.
Such individuality has seen Charles receive continuous support from many areas of BBC Radio, including spinson BBC Radio 1, featuring as BBC Introducing’s’ Ones To Watch’ and even co-hosting a BBC Introducing ‘Black History Month’ special show, with Connie Constance as guest.
Also featuring in Gucci’s ‘Ones To Watch’ list last year, the pace has been set for Charles moving into 2022, which includes the release of his debut album and a support slot with The KTNA.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
This is a great question, and something that I rarely take the time to think about. But the best way to describe it is that it is me. My music is a reflection of me through and through, down to the stubbornness of my nature, to the sharpness of tongue and my ever growing relationships with the people around me. It’s always quite hard to put an exact word on what my music is as its forever growing, shifting and adapting, a lot like myself trying to navigate through this thing called life.
What is your creative process like?
I don’t tend to write in song format when writing. I find it easier to write down how I’m feeling at the time as if I’m just speaking. This way I feel like I’m able to get my point across clearly and truthfully without preempting about making it into a song. Then once I get into the studio, I sit down with a producer look back at my notes and start to piece together what I’ve written into more of a song format. I can always tell when I’ve written a fab track as the music video and visuals all come at me at the same time. It’s like once that ball starts rolling the song starts to come alive.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Without a doubt I would love to collaborate with NAO. She has always been such a huge driving force behind why I do music and how I got into it. I wrote my very first track in the same studio in which NAO was in at the time, so would be a real full circle moment for me to go back there and write together.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
I don’t think there is any competition. That’s the whole point, how could someone be in competition with me? They are nothing like me, or close to being on my level. That’s the secret, knowing there is only one of you on this whole planet and remembering being your true self is unmatched. Wanna get noticed, be yaself.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Would have to be ‘Dirty Little Secret’. I struggle with vulnerability, and I think it’s almost like a small gasp of air every time I get to perform it. Like I’m fully able to let go and get lost in my head without thinking of anything else. It’s something that until writing this today I hadn’t fully realised myself. I have a lot to thank that song for.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
The KTNA – B.S
Mysie – Joyride
Max Ritcher – On The Nature of Daylight (All time favourite)
Riya Ragu – Good Love 2.0
Kwabs – Signals
Tems – Every track
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Why did you die your hair red in 2012?
What’s your favourite children’s story?
Anastasia for sureeeeee! The music, the story, the looks! Love it
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
“How’s the weather up there?” Yawn.
What would you bring along to an idyllic picnic?
Anyone that knows me, knows that it would be a Tesco Meal deal (Chicken, Bacon & Lettuce, with Hula Hoops, and a Starbuck latte). You honestly can’t beat em. And for £3, I’m sorry but that is a bargain!
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Annalise Keating!