Interview with Charlotte Blu
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I would say my family really drew me to music. Growing up in a church I would love watching my mother and aunt sing. My mother is a singer and songwriter so she has been my main inspiration and I’d like to say I got my talent from her. If I had not gotten into the music scene I would probably be studying in education or psychology in an attempt to make a difference in people's lives.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When I am not playing music I like to sit, analyze life and write poetry. This helps to get my ideas flowing and influences my creativity in ways that my thoughts become reality and it allows me to dwell in the writing process.
How long has music been your career?
From the young age of 15 music has been my career.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I come from a small town, Rock Island in Illinois. Being from a small town where the community is tight has influenced me in a positive way because I have been able to make so many close connections with other local musicians and in return it has helped me greatly with my music as far as authenticity goes.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
The best shows that I have played at have had the most lively audiences. I remember one show in particular where the audience had the best vibes, they sang along and danced, I loved it!! The worst shows I have played were shows where my voice wasn’t the best and for those shows I didn’t feel as good about my performance aftwards.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I would say my all time favorite venue to play at would be a local stage called the Redstone Room. That stage began my music career and life as a musician so it holds a warm place in my heart. I would love to one day play at Madison Square Garden, or Carnegie Hall.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
If I could play any show with any lineup it would hands down be Lollapalooza and the lineup would be Doja Cat, H.E.R, J.cole, The Black Keys and Lizzo would for sure be on the ticket.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
One piece of advice I would give to someone getting into music would be to have an open mind and to stay true to who they are in the music.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell Charlotte to take a chance and to go for it. I would also tell her to live confidently and boldly.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Out of the songs I have out right now the one that means the most to me would be Free Like a Bird, it is a song based on loved ones that I have lost and pays tribute to them in a graceful way. As I say in the song “I am free just like a bird”, In reference to letting go of my loved ones and being content with that feeling.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
I would say my favorite songs to play are popular songs such as Dance with somebody-Whitney Houstin, I’d rather go blind- Etta James, and Love is a losing game Amy Winehouse. The song that has been requested the most would be I’d rather go blind because it is such a powerful song and I try to convey that through my voice.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
The creative process for me when making songs is laying down the instrumentation first and then from there the melody and lyrics form. What inspires me most when writing my music is personal experiences and I like to look at the people around me and observe to help me write.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
The kinds of messages I like to get across are messages that deal with mental health, self love, and messages of spreading love to one another.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
I do have a few disagreements when collaborating with artists but I try to offer alternatives and different ideas in order to look past these disagreements.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
My plans for the future are to spread good vibes and meaningful messages through my music. I want to reach as many people as I can and it would especially be an honor for me to have made a significant impact in people's lives. I would like to plug my ep out on all social platforms titled “The colors of you”.
https://www.facebook.com/officialcharlotteblumusic