//Neon Limelight Interviews: Charlotte Sometimes//

May 19

Here at Neon Limelight, we love to gush over the well-known mainstream music staples. But ever-so-often, a new artist comes along and we get so excited about ‘em, we have to be all over them so we can brag that we “knew them when” once they make their big breakthrough. We got that white-hot burn of excitement the minute we heard Charlotte Sometimes. We did a spotlight on her last month but that wasn’t enough. We were dying to get to know this spunky little spit-fire better. Because we know Charlotte is going to be HUGE, we had to let you get to know her better, too.

We were lucky enough to have our wish granted when we sat down and interviewed Charlotte via email about everything from her new album, Waves and the Both of Us, to her love for Target to making babies with Ben Gibbard. And let’s just say we’re more in love now than we were before!

When did you discover your musical talent?

It wasn’t that I discovered it I just would never stop singing as soon as I knew I could project my voice.

How did you land at Geffen Records?

It was kind of a whirlwind… I had finished the CD and I was talking to all these labels and I found Geffen to be the most excited about what I was doing… so we became a family from there

Your music is kind of hard to categorize. If you had to place your sound into any specific genre, what would it be?

I guess.. alterna-pop whatever that means!

Who were some of your musical influences growing up?

When I was growing up I always made my mom put on the oldie station… I loved it and I think that really help shape my music into what it is now.

Is it just me, or do people often tell you your singing voice sounds very British?

Hahaha.. I never heard that, but thanks? I think?

How involved were you with the creative process of this album? What influence or direction, if any, did you get from your label?

I was 100 percent involved. I wouldn’t make the record if I couldn’t be there everyday to direct production and make sure that I was making an honest CD. I didn’t really get a push in one sort of direction from anyone. We knew we wanted to make something different… in the beginning everyone was trying to make it genre specific but finally I just said let’s make it song specific and we did.

Best song on “Waves and the Both of Us” according to Charlotte Sometimes is:

Army Men

What’s better: working in the studio or performing live?

I love both, but I think my first love is writing the songs and getting to work on them in the studio.

How did you land a spot on the Warped tour? That’s got to be mind-blowing for a new artist.

I have a really good manager and booking agent? haha I don’t know… you tell me! I am stoked!

What can people look forward to on your live show at the Warped tour?

They can expect to be dancing their booties off! We really like to have a good time on stage… it can also be a bit theatrical and a tad sexual… PG 13 kids!

Are you interested in branching out into acting some day?

I’ve thought about it. I used to do musical theater, so it’s not like acting is something I would stay away from. I think music can be a bit like acting sometimes.

How do you think your music stands out among today’s music scene?

I think it stands out, because it’s such a mix of genres and I say things that not every girl or guy has the guts to say. I’m brutally honest about my life.

When can we expect a video for your first single?

It’s done! I just don’t know when they are putting it out there… soon I hope!

Your style is insane! Where is your favorite place to shop?

Betsey Johnson!! But I can’t afford it, so usually Forever 21, Target, random shops in NYC…I’ll make it work if I have to.

Who is your favorite designer?

Betsey Johnson.

I could see you with your own fashion line. Do you think you’d ever start one?

I would love to, but I would need help for sure! I am not world’s best sketcher… unless it’s ok to draw stick figures.

Your three beauty essentials are:

Chapstick, concealer!!!! (I have dark circles all the time), mascara.

What are your top 3 favorite albums?

DAMN YOU! That’s too hard! At the moment I really love “The Photo Album” - Death Cab For Cutie, “Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt“- Augustana, and “Trouble” - Ray Lamontagne

Any current artists you love?

Augustana! I love their new CD! I also love love Neko Case.

What would people be shocked to find on your mp3 player?

Hanson

If you could front any band, other than your own, which would it be?

I would just want to start a folk band with Ben Gibbard and make babies with him! haha

Ever want to branch out into another genre?

Always… I want to do a folk cd, a rock cd, a dance cd, an indie-experimental cd… you name it.

Who would be a part of your dream collaboration?

Van Morrison!

Congrats on the album! It’s seriously hot. Thanks for your time!!

Thank you!