I had the pleasure last week of being able to interview Charlotte Sometimes, a new singer-songwriter from the Geffen Label. Her debut album is called Waves & The Both Of Us and comes out today, May 6th.
We heard about the album and immediately checked out some of the tracks over on her official website. I totally loved the style and vocals of Charlotte, so of course I jumped at the chance to ask her a few questions about the big debut.
While you read this article, you can listen to a few of her songs along the way. The first is called How I Could Just Kill A Man, which has a reinterpreted refrain from the Cypress Hill song (link has some NSFW lyrics) of the same name.
The first thing about Charlotte Sometimes, which she says is unimportant, is that it’s not her real name. Charlotte is actually her middle name, and the surname of Sometimes was taken from a children’s book written by Penelope Farmer called, what else, Charlotte Sometimes. The story is about a child who gets stuck in another time and in a different body.
“I thought the idea of being trapped in another time as another person while trying to find your way back to yourself was really interesting,” says Charlotte. “I think I’m always searching for my core personality but I attach myself to various moods and ideas and remain just out of grasp with my true reality.”
She says the name is her character’s name, her band’s name and sometimes…her name.
So what is her real name? Ah, it might be something for you astute readers to discover, which might be her plan.
“It makes it more fun for fans to go on a scavenger hunt for it.”
But why the stage name?
“I wanted to be able to get off stage and go home and feel like a songwriter, normal, and be a little timid. It’s nice to know I don’t always have to be Charlotte Sometimes all day… I think that’s why the name is so much fun for me.”
Being adopted, Charlotte didn’t even know her true birthdate. Those struggles, of feeling like an outcast, or not knowing who you really are, helped forge the lyrics she writes.
“Not knowing simple things about yourself and not looking like your family feels like such a big deal growing up,” she told me. “I think I’ve always struggled finding the definitive picture of who I want to be and am. The themes on this record can definitely relate back to that feeling.”
One of the interesting things about her music, which is more evident in Sweet Valium High, is that it is a lot darker and more mature than one might assume by looking at her photos and website. Charlotte is only 20 years old, but her words and tone seem much older. In fact, the album contains an explicit lyrics warning label.
She has a reason behind it.
“I have a lot of dark lyrics and dark topics I talk about, but I look young and display a young image to everyone for a reason…. You’d be amazed of all the challenging and disturbing things that happen to young women. I want them to know they aren’t alone.”
Charlotte was born in Wall, New Jersey, which hilariously is only a few miles away from Brick, New Jersey. You gotta love the way some old towns are named. She grew up there as a folk singer, playing in coffee houses and small clubs until she got her big break.
She describes herself as “alterna-pop…Fiona Apple meets folk and hip hop beats.”
Whatever it is, I like it. I totally thought of Fiona Apple the first time I heard this song, and another artist that definitely comes to mind is Ingrid Michaelson. They sound a lot alike I think.
Now, being Pop Critics and all, I would have regretted not asking Charlotte anything related to television or movies, because everyone should have an opinion on that.
Some of you will love the fact that she has a “secret addiction” to The Hills, and is dying for the Sex and the City movie to come out.
She’s not totally girly though, as her favorite television show used to be Roswell, a sci-fi series on UPN/The WEB that only lasted three years.
Charlotte Sometimes is heading out on the very popular Warped Tour starting in late June, with a ton of dates in about a bazillion cities.
“I am super stoked about the warped tour! I think it’s awesome they are inviting singer-songwriters now,” gushed Charlotte. “And female singer-songwriters! It’s gonna be great!”
Good luck to Charlotte with her new album and the Warped Tour. You can grab her album today over on Amazon.com and if you want a preview of all her songs, they are on iMeem.com right now.
Below is a YouTube video of How I Could Kill a Man done to a recent photoshoot.
[youtube P-207iDuyGo]
What do you guys think? Would you buy her album? She’s definitely got an indie vibe, which I dig, but she’s not totally without any pop influences.
From what I’ve heard so far I’m really digging her sound. I’d keep my eyes on her. I think she could be huge.
Brilliant from what I have heard so far – loved it.
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Great write up Mo!!!! How cool could the interview have been!!! Very cool she spent some time talkin to you and not Jason!
I like what I hear so far, good stuff….
Nice interview and good sound. I’d listen to more.
@Cap’n –
That’s not right. Besides, we agreed together that Mo would get this interview. In exchange I get to write about other stuff that doesn’t involve interviewing anyone.
@Jason… I didnt write that… do you guys have capability to edit writing? I actually was ribbing Mo, that some how she agreed to speak to him and not you instead…. it was altered my friend…
@Cap’n – Your words confuse me. Are you saying Mike edited the comment? Hmm… But what you just said is exactly what your other comment says…
Yes I’m claiming shinanagans…. I ment to say that she somehow spoke with mike instead of you… that she settled speaking with him and not the mighty jason…i wasnt sure how he manged to talk to her instead of you… such and such…
Ahhh…now I see. “The Mighty Jason” I like that.
Somehow, in all your talk, I’m still the one getting bashed
Well look, let me just say, it was a really great article overall, a terrific score for an interview and my sincere apologies if i in anyway offended any of the great writers of this article or their partners and extended family members, or pets at my attempt at ‘trying to be funny” really missed the mark here. Next time I will ensure I collaborate with my friend Ape to see if the rib,poke,jab,muse,funny saying, actually works for everyone and does not offend.
thank you for your time…
Almost sincerely, Cap’n Schwartz…
ROTFL!
No one was offended, but I wish I was so that apology/rant could be seen more often
I find the Cap’n’s apology offensive.
Haven’t had a chance to listen to the music yet, but with titles like ‘How I Could Just Kill A Man’, I’m on pins and needles. Plus she’s a fan of the hills and sex in the city. It just gets better…
Seriously, I’ll check out the music when I get a min.
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@Scotty – LOL – Yeah, I can see your hesitation, but her music is actually pretty good.
Sex and the City was a good show!
I LOVEEEE Charlotte Sometimes. I first saw her back last September when she went on tour with Butch Walker!!! I absolutely love their sound, and Charlotte is so cool! They are going to be HUGE and I think the Warped tour is going to help A LOT!!!
Keep an eye out!
Jordan, good to hear!
I saw her live @ the picador in iowa city… she is amazing. I bought her album and it rocks as well… she has an awesome voice and the lyrics just grab you. you’re so lucky to get this article and you did a nice job with it.
Thanks Cathy, I appreciate that…
I need to get her album as well!
[...] to get an exclusive interview with the hot new artist Charlotte Sometimes last month (which you can read here). I’ve heard her album and I actually like it pretty [...]
OH MY GOSH I CANT BELIVE I FOUND THIS SONG!!!!! IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT LIKE WHAT 20 MINUTES. YAY!I LOVE HER SONG (HOW I CAN JUST KILL A MAN)SHES NATURALLY PRETTY AND SINGS REALY GOOD.I LIKE HOW SHE PRONOUNCES HER WORDS.HEY IM ONLY 10 BUT MY MOM IS A FAN OF THOSE KIND OF SINGERS. AND A FEW PEAPLE ABOVE ME LIKE CPTIN OR JASON…I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT THEIR TALKING ABOUT…ANY WAY EEEEEEWWWWWW MY DOG JUST BARFED OH GOOD GIRL…..SHE STOPED…WELL GATTA GO LISTEN TO HER SONG BU-BYE BU-BYE BU-BYE…..SEE YA
ROTFL! Greatest.Comment.Ever.
Cass is another one of your personalities isn’t it Mike?
@Cass…its ok… the Capn is often misunderstood… =)