Starting over with Charlotte Sands
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Sands kicks off her very first Australian Tour this Friday. The world tour is a chance for Charlotte to showcase her new album ‘can we start over?’’ for audiences in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. We caught up with the amazingly talented Charlotte Sands to ask her about the new album, the challenges involved in being a fully independent artist and what fans can expect attending her live shows.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, what genre do you place yourself in?
I would say my music is somewhere between pop and rock. I feel inspired by so many different genres and so many different artists that I try not to limit myself by trying to keep to one specific sound. I love that genre overall is becoming less and less relevant and listeners are more interested in the journey of the artist and the individual songs and stories
Charlotte, you have just released your new album, 'can we start over?'. Can you tell us about the new album?
This album is so special to me. It feels like a combination of so many experiences and parts of my life and I am so happy it’s out in the world. It’s a representation of so many pieces of myself that I feel lucky to be able to express on these songs, from isolation and loneliness to joy and confidence - they capture my personality and journey over the last few years of my life.
“When I started writing the first songs off the album I immediately knew I wanted them to live together and be released as a singular project.”
You never had any intention of creating a full-length body of work, is that correct? What changed for you to make 'can we start over?’ a complete album?
I always intended to create a full-length body of work but wanted to wait until the right time. I wanted it to feel organic and I knew that when the moment came to create an album, I would know. When I started writing the first songs off the album I immediately knew I wanted them to live together and be released as a singular project. I couldn’t be happier with this album and I am so proud of the songs we made.
What does this album mean to you?
The inspiration behind the title ‘can we start over?’ came while writing a song for the album about the idea of restarting a relationship, and the idea of beginning again or re-introducing yourself to someone. I’ve changed so much over the last few years both personally and in my career and I love the concept of starting over as who I am now with the information and knowledge I’ve gained. It’s not about forgetting the past or regretting our choices but more so letting go of the previous version of ourselves and meeting each other where we are at this moment in the phases that we’re currently in. I think this album for me represents exactly that, standing firmly where I am as the person I am today.
Do you have a favourite song off the album or one that is particularly special to you? What makes this/these songs stand out?
I love them all for so many different reasons it’s so hard to choose a favourite. I think “Blindspot” is my current favourite because it sounds like so many songs I grew up listening to. I’ve been wanting to write that song for so long and I am so happy with how it came out. It stands out to me because of the melody and lyrics, I love the story it tells and I’m glad it is finally out in the world.
“I’m proud of being an independent artist because it gives me the chance to be in control of and have ownership of my art”
Charlotte, you are very proud (and rightly so) of being an independent artist, why is this important to you?
I’m proud of being an independent artist because it gives me the chance to be in control of and have ownership of my art. It’s a huge challenge to have to do so many jobs myself and it comes with so much responsibility but it’s worth it to me. So many people have told me that it would be impossible to do and I’m proud to continuously prove those people wrong.
What are the best and worst things about being independent?
The best thing is that I have ownership over my career and creative choices. I get to decide what to release, when to release it, and make all the decisions when it comes to the artwork, merch, visuals etc. The worst thing is that it’s really difficult to compete with companies that have millions of dollars and can ask for favours or pull strings that I can’t. It’s a lot of work to be in charge of every part of the operation but it also makes each win so much sweeter.
You started writing songs at age 9 and then released your very first album at the tender age of 15. How has Charlotte Sands, the person and the artist changed since that time?
I have changed so much over the years in my career and as a person. I have learned to trust my gut fully and to trust my intuition in every aspect of both my life and my career. I feel more confident in who I am and what I want and feel so much more capable of accomplishing my goals.
“I would tell her to trust her intuition and to surround herself with positive people”
What would you say to the nine-year-old Charlotte Sands? What advice would you give her?
I would tell her to trust her intuition and to surround herself with positive people. I’d also encourage her to constantly release music and make art that she is proud of with people that she enjoys being around.
May 2024 sees you bringing your 'can we start over?' world tour to Australia, is this your first time Downunder? What are you most looking forward to seeing or doing while in the country?
I am so excited to be in Australia for the first time ever! I have been wanting to visit for so long and can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m mostly excited to meet so many people that I’ve met online and be able to finally see them in person!
“They can look forward to a high-energy show where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves and being surrounded by positive people”
What can fans attending the live shows look forward to?
They can look forward to a high-energy show where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves and being surrounded by positive people. I want people to have fun and be able to let go of any stress from their lives for a few hours and feel validated in whatever feelings they’re experiencing.
What's next for you? What is coming up for Charlotte Sands?
Next up is my UK/EU headline tour which I am looking forward to. After that, I’m going to be writing more music. I can’t wait to release more music into the world this year!
CHARLOTTE SANDS CAN WE START OVER? WORLD TOUR 2024
02/05 Stay Gold, Melbourne
03/05/23 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
04/05 The Brightside, Brisbane
Tickets via https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/charlottesandsaus or via Oztix
Interview by Michelle Symes
May 2024