Charlotte Martin
10.20.03

Her popularity is growing by leaps and bounds because her music is creative and honest. Now, Charlotte Martin tells us about facing life’s trials, her obsession with Coca-Cola, and…streaking.

Your new EP, In Parentheses, is truly amazing. I love the eclectic piano riffs and the raw lyrics. How did you hook up with RCA to get this album out? In your words, tell us about the EP.

I guess RCA found me really. We've been dating a couple years now. The EP is just a snippet, a blip, a very very short introduction to my voice as a writer. It introduces my music on a very simple level as being emotional, dark, and slightly classical.

Any cool industry people you met along the way? Any plans for a full-length album to come?

Yes, Howie Day and I have become friends. He is a doll face and a super-talent and I'll always kick anyone's ass who says otherwise. He's just amazing. I've also worked and written with Carole King, which was pretty cool. We wrote 2 songs together. I had the pleasure of working with The Crystal Method, and Ken Andrews from Failure and Year of the Rabbit, is producing my upcoming full-length album. David Campbell and Craig Armstrong arranged strings for the full-length, which is almost finished. I am mixing it now...and have only a few more tracks to record. Though I have no idea for a title or art direction yet. It's still a mystery to me.

How exciting, I can’t wait to see what comes of it. The song, "Monster" is my favorite on your new release. Tell me about its origins....who or what is the "monster" to you, personally?

Monster has several meanings. It explains my fear about telling people how I really feel. You know...the ultimate denial game we all play. We say we're fine but we're just ripped to shreds inside. It also is about my love for Kate Bush and her music.

Wow, that’s so unique. When you're writing these songs, is it about you or things you see others go through?

My writing is mostly about my experiences at this point.

Where do you usually write your music?

I write my music at the piano in my house. All of it.

You touch on a lot of obscure but real topics in your music (eating disorders, etc.) Why do you think it's important to bring these topics to light?

I write about these types of topics because I went through them...the eating disorders being one of them. These first songs on the EP and for the album are all pretty confessional.

That’s great that you can be so honest. I think a lot of people relate very well to the themes in your music. It seems to be the dominant aspect of your intense connection with your audiences. How do you think that sets you apart from other artists?

My stories set me apart...they are very personal experiences, but my experiences are very universal. That's what I try to do with my writing...keep it personal and universal at the same time.

How do you feel about mp3 swapping and the RIAA lawsuits going on?

I think downloading entire records is wrong. I think the only time an mp3 should be free is if the artist has given permission, otherwise it's stealing. I have free mp3's up on my site...but they are with my supervision and in my control. With that said, I think live recordings should be free for sharing. I actually had this conversation with Howie. We both think it's cool for people to record our shows, but if someone wants a studio recording, please pay for it.

If you could hear any artist on the radio that isn't, who would it be, and why?

My Bloody Valentine! Cause I love them. Ooh, and Failure!

Give us some background...where were you born? What did you listen to music wise, as a kid? When did you start playing piano?

I was born in Charleston, IL, a very small farm, college town. Not much to do there which leaves a lot to the imagination I guess. I listened to a lot of classical and Christian music. I was singing in churches when I was very small. I sang my first solo in church when I was 7 I think. Started studying piano and voice at 7.

Tell us about the "real" you (aka non-music wise). What do you do when you have time to yourself?

I'm really a hermit. I love my space...whether it be my little house in LA or my little hotel room in a Chicago Suburb. I love to read, I love to listen to records by myself. I love to drink Coca-Cola classic and wine...not at the same time, of course. I don't prank call people any more. I love to write in my journal, and read comic books. Not really much for phones although I talk on it a lot. I call my mommy every day...and before and after every show. I love to take baths. I love to eat...I love sushi. If I found out I had 3 days to live, I'd eat at Nozawa in LA for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have a problem. I absolutely love movies. I used to be an avid runner, but I'm taking a break right now. No time to run really while I'm on tour.

Wow, that’s a mouthful! What do you think of your fans and your street team? How have they kept you inspired?

I love them. The people I have met are just amazing. They are all talented, intelligent, passionate, loyal, and inspiring. Most of them are pretty emotional and creative people. We "get" each other.

That’s cool. How has your touring been going? Tell us a funny tale from the road.

Funny tale? Someone in one of the bands streaked on the bus. That was pretty funny. We were all hanging out having cocktails and listening to music and he just walked out naked. It was hysterical.

What can we expect from you in the coming months?

More touring and my full-length album and a lot of hugs.

Hugs to you, Charlotte! You’re a great musician and it was fun to talk to you! Best of luck and keep us posted!

Interviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com