Charlotte OC “A Snapshot of Me in Action”

The regular visitors of this website might recall my first impression of Charlotte OC and her music which I experienced in the year 2015. The song was called “On & On” and the story went like this.

“Charlotte O’Connor didn’t have an easy path to making it on the music scene. Like most young musicians, she struggled with labels, managers, lost record deals, and periods of unemployment, during which she earned money by helping her mother at her hair salon.”

Ten years later, Charlotte OC sounds truly amazing on her latest EP. With her gritty vocals and the music which showcases true growth and, for the lack of a better word, maturity. After all, learning from one’s past experiences is literally that, isn’t it? A sign of maturity.

Having heard Charlotte’s new material, I was naturally curious about the time that has passed since that first musical encounter. So, fully immersed in her new EP, I sat down and started noting down my questions. And here’s the result. A conversation, an honest record of ten years’ worth of life lessons, and their result. Charlotte’s best music to date.

Bartek: I remember the first time I wrote about you, back in 2015, when I featured your amazing track “On & On”. Since then, you’ve released two albums and a myriad of singles. How has this journey been for you, looking back, after a decade?

Charlotte OC: There was a time when looking back was actually quite painful. Some parts are a blur, probably because I was so young when I started. But now, I can fully see and feel the benefits of every situation I’ve been through.

Every terrible or amazing performance made the next one stronger, and every work relationship that didn’t pan out led me to better ones and helped me find a more fitting home for my music.

Your first experiences with the music industry were tumultuous, to say the least. You stood up for your artistic integrity and got dropped by a label. They say “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Did it?

It still has its moments where it shocks me, but I think what’s changed over time is that I’ve become more certain about what I have to offer as an artist.

I also believe it’s an artist’s duty to understand the business side of things. I have to admit, I wasn’t very involved in that side early on. Now that I am, it really lessens the chances of being taken advantage of. Being involved in every aspect of this career is so important.

The two albums you released in 2017 and 2021 show a consistent approach to your sound, blending acoustic elements with touches of electronica, creating a clear artistic identity. How would you describe your creative process, and do you find consistency limiting or liberating?

I just want the music to feel good to me.

In the past, I think I got a little lost and let a lot of outside noise influence me. But recently, making music has just felt joyful again. I’m constantly learning who I am and what feels truly authentic. That’s what I love most about making music. It teaches me about myself in a way nothing else can.

I find your latest EP, “Seriously Love, Go Home” to be a bit of a departure from that consistency, a sort of evolution in sound and lyrics. Was that intentional?

The main focus was to let me come through, without getting lost trying to be something I’m not.

I’ve spent years doing just that, and it got me nowhere. I’m a pretty “what you see is what you get” type of person, so for that not to be reflected in my music felt like a shame. I was in a really fragile place when I made this, and I think I had no other option but to fully dig into who I am.

How would you describe the dominant emotion on “Seriously Love, Go Home”?

Probably “God, We Tried.”
I was in a really low place when I made it, but that song was the first that truly got me excited about starting over again.

With all the music you’ve released so far, do you still find time to get inspired by other artists?

Oh God, yes. Constantly.

I’m always inspired by Adrianne Lenker. Her music transports me somewhere I can’t even explain. I’m just so grateful her art exists.

I’m also really loving the new Billie Marten album. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Any artist (dead or alive) you’d love to collaborate with and why?

I’d love to write with CMAT. Her melodies are incredible and her lyrics are brilliant.

And I’d love for Stephan Bodzin to use one of my vocals. I think I’d actually combust if that ever happened.

Also, George Michael. I would’ve loved to write with him and just be his mate.

Back to “Seriously Love, Go Home” and my favorite track, “Cider and Black.” Shivers and strong Bond movies vibes. Is there a story behind the making of that one?

I was in a really self-destructive mindset at the time.

I wasn’t being a good person or the kind of person I was raised to be. My morals had completely flown out the window, and I was kind of reveling in that. It became my whole personality. I was just really lost, and this song is basically a snapshot of me in action during that time.

I assume your latest EP is just a preview of an upcoming album. Anything you can share about your next release?

Yes. We start in August. I already have three songs ready, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

I’m hoping to have the album finished by early next year, which is definitely ambitious but that’s the plan.

And finally, a big step back into your past. Do you remember your first music-related memory? How do you think it has shaped you as an artist?

When I was younger, I was incredibly quiet. My parents were actually worried about how silent I was. And if I did speak, it was usually about my imaginary mouse, Kenny, who I blamed everything on. So yeah, I was a bit of a strange child.

Then one day, I watched “Wayne’s World” for the first time, which also meant hearing “BohemianRhapsody” for the first time. I was completely transfixed and met the first love of my life, Freddie Mercury.

That evening, my parents had friends over for a dinner party. My sisters were doing a talent show, and after they finished, I whispered to my mum to put Queen on. I stepped into the center of the room and mimed the entire thing, despite only hearing it for the first time that morning.

I genuinely think that was the first moment I realized I loved performing. To this day, it remains the biggest mic drop moment I’ve ever delivered to my family. Haha.

Photo: Press release

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