[PREMIERE] Singer Charlz Gives Us a Track for an Alternate Reality
Australian singer Charlz is inspired by some sick movies and directors all the way from David Lynch to Tim Burton, and “Blade Runner” to “The Matrix” — and you can definitely hear that in her music.
Besides being a doppelganger for Selma Blair, Charlz definitely has those cool girl vibes from rocker fashion to sick music tracks that we need in our life.
Today, she releases a killer track called “To You,” with chill verses, an infectiously melodic chorus, dark and brooding vocals, all while telling a story of self-realization.
Check the track out below (wait for that chorus to drop, tho!) and then peep our Q&A with Charlz!
https://soundcloud.com/latroit/lliam-latroit-to-you-ft-charlz-radio-edit/s-EGCnv
What are some of your nicknames?
Charlz, Charlie, Chuck
Any Mantras or sayings that you live by?
“It’s an adventure.”
Who are some of your influences?
I am a huge David Lynch and Tim Burton fan. Twin Peaks had a strong influence on me since the first time I watched it at 16 years old, and many times since. I recently saw Tim Burton’s “Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children” — the whole movie had me longing to create music to go with the incredible footage and storyline. Most heavily I am influenced by the journeys and situations I experience. I am forever analyzing and questioning my reality. She is my muse for creating art. It’s not often I remember to listen to other artist’s music, being very occupied by my own creations — when I do it is a rare treat! I love most music that is executed with ambition and style.
Describe your genre in sounds and pictures.
James Blake meets Little Dragon meets a scene from “Blade Runner.”
If “To You” were on a movie soundtrack, set to a specific scene maybe, what would it be and why?
Neo’s first real fight scene in “The Matrix”.
Why do you think it would work well with that imagery?
Because “To You” feels like it’s the music to an altered reality action scene from another world.
Tell us more about “To You.” What is the inspiration behind it?
“To You” tells the story of emotional transmutation. It tells of power and ambition that are formed from loss and grief. It’s a song of self-realization and gratefulness for the challenges in life… but all the while bobbing your head, while you’re subconsciously obsessed by the melancholy beat.
You’ve previously released music with Sunset Child — what made you decide to release as CHARLZ?
Sunset Child is an Australian producer — great friend of mine. In that scenario, I was contributing to his sound and his work, without much regard for where that fit in with my personal sensibilities as an artist and writer. I have other collaborators that I’m excited about, that speak a little more toward my personal direction. Producers like: M-Phazes, Lliam Taylor and ATTLAS, among them.
Your collaborations with ATTLAS – what was that experience like?
Working on ATTLAS’ music is a joyous experience. I relate strongly to his art and writing melodies and lyrics on his music is deeply therapeutic for me. I can express a lot of depth there and there’s no rules writing to his stuff so it’s very fun.
What bands/music are you listening to right now?
Recently I’ve been introduced to Jai Paul and Majid Jordan’s music. Both artists create deeply moody and melodic music with an edgy electronic vibe.
If you could play an acoustic show like MTV Unplugged, what songs would you cover?
“Ordinary World” by Duran Duran. “This must be the place” by Talking Heads, and “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails.
You have a gorgeous look… What are your top five makeup products so we can steal your look?
YSL Mascara, MAC foundation, MAC Peachy Blush, NARS Lipsticks, and MAC Individual false lashes.
My Tip- Light on everything except blush… its makes you super healthy and glow!
Tell us how we can steal your #girlrocker fashion vibes.
I’ve I shop mostly at vintage stores. I love classy classic looks. Vintage black boots with a small heel. Black tights, Black dress with ¾ sleeves, hair messy and out. And black wayfarer Ray Bans.
Any fashion designers you are obsessed with currently?
I love Wheels and Dollbaby. They often collaborate with Dita Von Teese.
What do you hope to accomplish this year? Where do you think you’ll be in a year?
This year will see some of the exciting collabs I’ve been working released, followed closely by some of my solo releases. In a year I’ll be hitting some solo tours and working on more exciting collabs. Touring and lots of studio time. It’s very exciting.
Most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while on tour or while performing?
Brain freeze mid song on stage. Forgetting lyrics to your own song is always funny and slightly embarrassing.
When can we expect to hear a full album from you? What’s next for you? Is there an upcoming tour?
Next year I will have a solo record out. No tours booked yet as I have a lot of work to finish up in the studio and many songs on my release schedule. But next year will be tours definitely!
How Can we stalk you?
Instagram – @charlzinsta
Twitter – @CallMeCharlz
Spotify – Charlz
Soundcloud/callmecharlz
