Hiya Charlotte, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I’ve always been surrounded by music. My Dad, Grandad and Uncle were all in bands throughout my childhood. My Grandad taught me how to play ukulele in his kitchen when I was 14, and I then progressed to guitar. I started playing open mics, singing covers. But my love for music really sparked once I started writing my own songs.
Introduce us to you all and your musical history.
I’m Charlotte Grayson. I’m a 24 year old singer songwriter from Hartlepool in the north east of England. I’ve released 2 albums (Grow – 2020 & Sugar Coat – 2023) and 12 singles so far. I am about to release my first new track in 2 years, which I recorded with my old band The Shame Areas and is released on Jan 24th on Shy Bairn Records.
What’s the live music scene like in Hartlepool right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The music scene in Hartlepool is much like the rest of the UK at the moment. Dying, and full of indie boys with electric guitars and too many pedals. I tried to fit in with this for a while, hence the band, but quickly realised this didn’t really work for me. It was not authentic to my music and above all else, I wasn’t a boy. There are a few gems amongst the rough. Ruby Kelly, Amelia Coburn, and Mt Misery all stand out in the area.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
The grassroots industry is not doing well, to put it politely. The funding and opportunities are simply not available for smaller artists. Venues in our local area are closing at an alarming rate, and the only sold out gigs seem to be the Counterfeit Stone Roses and Scam Fender. It’s understandable that venues need to host events like that to remain open, but it isn’t very encouraging for local acts. I did find myself wondering if I wrote better music would people show up more, until I realised it was happening to everyone in the local scene, including acts I love and admire. Introspection is important; and improvement can always be made, but this is an industry wide problem.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
If the industry was a party, I’d be the girl sat in the corner, scared to speak to anybody, and sipping my drink quietly. Praying someone would come and speak to me so that I could get involved.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
My first paid stage performance was at the age of 11 in Germany
For 5 years, I’ve been a medical mystery and had so many procedures I’m on first name terms with a surgeon within the NHS.
I won the Hartlepool Raft Race 2 years in a row with my team “The Summer Hill Billies”
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
I never did until I got “cancelled” for some comments on a podcast. Now I try to make sure my meaning is very clear, and keep my humour to myself. And I don’t do podcasts.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not.
I fully believe in aliens, but I don’t think they’re little green guys. The universe is too large for us to believe that we are alone. Other than that, no. Most things are exactly as they seem on the surface.
What was your best experience on stage?
Playing at The Tall Ships Festival with my band in 2023. Even though it rained all the way through our set, and there was a lightning warning in place, I loved every minute.
What was your worst experience on stage?
When I first started playing, my Dad was adamant that I needed to play some really bad gigs before I got to the good ones. He booked me in to play at Dawdon Miner’s Welfare Club, and before I went on stage he said “this is the worst it can get”. I was genuinely scared, and not about my playing! He was right though, those loud, rowdy rooms prepare you very well for any future performances.
Tell us something about you that you think people might be surprised about?
I work a full time job in a solicitors office, and I am studying for a law degree online. I think it often surprises people that music isn’t my job, or my only focus.
What are the next steps you plan to take to reach the next level?
I have begun writing another album, and I hope to go back to my roots more. Acoustic shows, in intimate venues to truly tell my stories. I think this is where my songwriting and my performance shines most.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
We recorded the next 2 singles with my band live in the studio. This is the exact opposite to my previous experiences recording, and the sound is different to anything I have released before. These songs are a loud mixture of genres, full of sass and fun!
What was the recording process like?
It was very different to the solitary way I have recorded in the past. I had people to bounce ideas off, and to contribute their own ideas too. It made the process much more fun, and took away a lot of the stress and decision making. Getting the full band into the studio brought amazing energy to the room and I think this comes across in the final mix.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I had to learn to give up some control. I was used to writing entirely alone, and hiring session musicians to play the parts I couldn’t. Having the band write their own parts was strange, and giving up control initially felt scary, but I enjoyed the new spin they brought to songs I wrote in my bedroom. The parts they wrote made it so much bigger.
Would you change anything now that its finished?
Other than release it 2 years ago, no.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I don’t think so, we have covered a lot of bases from music, to aliens, and the Hartlepool Raft Race. I think that’s about all there is to me.
FOLLOW CHARLOTTE HERE
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