Set for her headline show at Sidney and Matilda’s, and having regularly featured on the BBC Upload show, Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Branson spoke to Exposed about her career so far. Here’s what she had to say…
Picture: Charlotte Branson
Words: Charlie Parker
How long have you been singing and/or songwriting?
I have been singing since I was 15. I started songwriting shortly after. However, I started off as a dancer, and my main goal was to become a triple threat (singer, dancer and actor). This changed slightly to acting, singing and songwriting. One of the first songs I sang was At Last by Etta James. It was artists such as Etta James, along with Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, who inspired me to perform and write soulful music. I wrote a lot about what was happening in my teens and then recorded them with producers in Sheffield.
Where do you draw your inspirations from?
Over the past 9 years, I have developed my own writing style and love to use my personal situations as inspiration for my music. I like my songs to be relatable, but some of my most recent songs have been more fictional. I enjoy writing a story that takes you away from reality and into a fantasy. Artists like Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse have been some of my lyrical and musical influences.
What can we expect from your latest work, ‘Paradise’, ‘Next Chapter’ and ‘Hypnotised’?
‘Paradise’ is my summer single. With its Latin style backing and romantic lyrics, it offers a romantic summer feel. ‘Next Chapter’ has a lot more of an R&B and Hip-Hop vibe. ‘Hypnotised’ will be my next release and will be out November 2022! It’s an edgy, upbeat, mystical song that is very different to my other singles. ‘Next Chapter’ is about a time recently where I was looking at a picture that took me back to the person I was. In that moment, I saw how far I have come and the lessons I have learnt up until that point. I felt ready to take all the lessons I have learnt and use them in the next chapter of my life. I wanted to create this song as I feel that through hard times and heartbreak, we can learn lessons that make us stronger and take us forward into a brighter and better future.
Who were your idols growing up?
My mum is my main idol. She brought me up and never stopped believing in me. Her determination and positivity inspires me daily. I have many musical idols, too. Some of them include Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and Lana Del Rey.
I wanted to create this song as I feel that through hard times and heartbreak, we can learn lessons that make us stronger and take us forward into a brighter and better future
What should we expect from your upcoming gig at Sidney and Matilda’s?
I am so excited to perform my music live with my band at Sidney & Matilda 20th October. My band will be performing my sassy, soulful and upbeat original music. Support acts will be the amazing O2-headlining Daz Cadwallander and Pattern + Push 2022 winner, Sarinity Jones. I will also be showcasing my new single ‘Hypnotised’. It’s set to be a great night.
What would you say to young female artists looking to get into this industry?
Push yourself out of your comfort zone, embrace you and the things that make you an individual, dare to dream and work hard on being the best you can be.
What are you looking to work on in the near future?
My new single and its music video which will be filmed and released in November 2022. I am also organising more gig dates and songs for 2023, so stay tuned!
For tickets to the gig, click here. For more music interviews and news, click here.
