Music News Concerts

Charlotte Sometimes - A Combination of Uniqueness & Grit

• by Kyle Jarmon
• Apr 15, 2014

With a guitar and a vivacious attitude, Charlotte Sometimes owns the stage. The New Jersey native's voice is one of powerful emotion mixed with an uncanny technique of delivering lyrics that capitvate, enthrall and make one stop and take listen. "I've always been an attention whore since I could talk," adds Charlotte as she prepares for her final show at Room 5 Lounge in Los Angeles.

Starting out in New Jersey as a ballerina at the age of 16, Charlotte Sometimes always had music rippling through her bones. Coming up with the name from a children's book, her stage persona is one of spirited grit. Being influenced by Fionna Apple, who she respects and deems "a true artist," Roy Oribson and Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, Charlotte began writing her own songs. This would lead her to start a five piece band known as J. Polan and The Pilots in 2006. The band drew large crowds and in essence, gave Charlotte what she would need to begin her foray into the music world. "I became a songwriter for Sony and started writing for other artists," she notes.

Her unprecedented approach to music would ultimately lead her to sign with Geffen Records and release Waves and the Both of Us in 2008. The album, includes "How I Could Just Kill A Man," which Charlotte asserts "as what started it all." From there, the songs began pouring out of her. "My mood depends on the types of songs I write. Since I write for other people, there isn't often time to go into a zone and close myself off from others. I just write."

Charlotte would release a series of EPs including Sideways, The Wait and Circus Head for her fans. Each cementing her as a self-assertive rocker touting a glass of whiskey and water. The notereity of Charlotte Sometimes would provide her with the opportunity to appear as a constestant on Season 2 of NBC's The Voice. Despite being eliminated, Charlotte appreciates her time on the show. "It was hard work. I can't say anything bad about the show. I got to meet a lot of artists. It was overwhelming - a whirlwind of energy."

Recently, Charlotte released her EP, By Request, a live collection which included a new song, "Magic." "Magic is one of those songs about the feeling you get when you meet someone and you feel like you could never love anyone else and it ends and you get into another relationship and it pales in comparison."

When asked why Charlotte Sometimes is ending, she chuckles adding that "this is the curtain call. It's her funeral. This is it. I've seen myself evolve as an artist and it's time. It's been a long journey, but it's time to move to new projects. I'm ready for the final show. There are few songs that I'm looking forward to performing tonight, "Paint The Sky," and a cover of Radiohead's 'Creep,' which I've never done before so I am very excited." She laughs, "plus because Charlotte is a creep."

It is a bittersweet night filled with intense emotions and joyous moments as Charlotte Sometimes has her finale performance, wowing the crowd as she's done many times before -  and Laces, the singer's new journey actually begins. "Laces is a dark, pop mixed with a little EDM. I want my fans to continue on this journey with me." Even though her Charlotte Sometimes persona is finished, she humbly offers that she is far from finished and that every aspiring artist can realize their dreams as she has. "Commit 100%. Think of yourself as a business and always do something authentic. You have to have a love for this job." One thing is for certain - Charlotte Sometimes loved her job and it will be fascinating to see what emerges from the singer now that the lively spunk of her persona has moved on.