With lyrics that delve into the complexities of failed relationships, โmirrorโ is a poignant reflection of personal struggles and emotional depth. This track serves as the lead single for charliecityyโs upcoming album, โBoys Donโt Lie,โ set to be released in December. Promising to be the catchiest song on the record, โmirrorโ sets the stage for an exciting musical journey ahead. As charliecityy continues to evolve and grow as an artist, this release marks a significant milestone in their 2024 musical endeavors, destined to resonate with listeners and leave a lasting impact. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
CHARLIECITYY: Well, Iโve always been the more outgoing type. I grew up with performance and got into acting at a young age. As I got older, I noticed there were more opportunities for me to show my skills, but I wanted to create something that was truly personal to me. At the age of 16 I downloaded FL Studio and started producing music on there, inspired of course by many young artists my age. Then I began recording on them and fell in love with the idea of creating music that I was genuinely proud of, and Iโm still doing so to this day.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
CHARLIECITYY: I had some singing lessons when I was about 10 or 11 but only for a few months. It really was just a personal enjoyment for me. I tried to learn how to play both the guitar and piano at a young age, but it never really clicked. Hopefully I come back to them when I get older. It was singing that I always enjoyed.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, whatโs the story behind choosing the name โCHARLIECITYYโ?
CHARLIECITYY: Growing up British I was surrounded by Adeleโs music and quickly fell in love with โSomeone like youโ. That song still resonates with me to this day to be honest. I love Adele. When I became a teenager though, I started listening to a lot of hip-hop. I loved Drake and Kendrick Lamar, of course. Even Lil Uzi Vert. I fell in love with all kinds of music.
There isnโt much of a story behind my name if Iโm honest. I was just sat one day thinking of a name that would sound catchy, and that people would remember. Thatโs what I want to be โ remembered. I didnโt like it at the start because most people making music similar to mine had a short, catchy name, but I knew I wanted to use my real name in there, that was definite. Nowadays I hear โCharlie Cityโ a lot and its actually grown on me. Itโs who I am after all.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
CHARLIECITYY: Whenever anyone asks what kind of music I make, Iโm always kind of stumped. So, I usually just say Indie. Thatโs definitely what Iโm making at the moment anyways. I love saying that I make Hyperpop, though, because a lot of people donโt know what that means. Itโs also not a very popular genre in the Uk, I think. Iโm sure at some point I will end up making all kinds of music. I would love to try to make maybe a shoegaze project, or an ambient project. Who knows what else!
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as INDIE?
CHARLIECITYY: I love progressing and developing. The most important thing about music and life in general is to evolve. The thing about me is, I donโt mind deleting releases that I donโt like. I have several songs that Iโve hyped up for my fans and then the song will disappear a few weeks later. I listen to my own music a lot because Iโm my own biggest critic. I want every release to withstand the test of time. Maybe that sounds too dramatic, I donโt know. I think about this question a lot.
My musical style changes from one release to the next. At the start of the year, I was making Indie-rock, then hyperpop and glitchpop, then back to alternative indie. I like making all kinds of music.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
CHARLIECITYY: My music is predominantly emotional; I think a lot of people can tell that by now. Iโve never really been a big political person, but I will always respect artists who try to change the world through their music. I just think its levels above me, and Iโm far too young to be discussing that just yet! I would, however, love to create music for a movie or a tv show one day. Iโve always been a huge fan of the arts and to see my songs on the big screen would truly be a dream come true.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment youโre still seeking?
CHARLIECITYY: With music, you get as much as you put in. Iโve had songs that Iโve spent days on, only to get 100 plays. Itโs all about how passionate you feel about your music, and if you have the patience to deal with the hardships that come with it. Iโm only 19 so Iโm nowhere near my peak. I donโt even mind how much money Iโm making from the music, people simply enjoying what Iโm putting out to the world is more than enough for me.
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, whatโs the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
CHARLIECITYY: It usually depends on how Iโm feeling that day to be honest. If Iโve had a great day or week then Iโll make a song similar to the tracks on โextrovertโ. However, if Iโm feeling down, then I wonโt hesitate to make the saddest most gut-wrenching song Iโve ever made! I donโt consider this a bad thing either. I use music to express how Iโm feeling at every given moment. I will always say that I prefer to let the music do the talking for me. As far as collaboration with other artists go, I prefer to work alone. Aside from producers of course, I rarely collaborate with other artists. Itโs a competitive world, and I prefer to sit back and make my music in peace.
9. Whatโs been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
CHARLIECITYY: Aside from some petty relationship struggles, I suffer a lot from writerโs block. I hate going weeks without making new songs. I have this fear that Iโll somehow forget how to make music or lose all my momentum! I recently learnt that this is natural for songwriters and artists. I usually make some of my best songs after this brief period anyway (in my opinion)
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And letโs talk about your latest release and future plans.
CHARLIECITYY: I loved watching โCalifornia feverโ grow not only in numbers but grow on people in general. Itโs by far my coolest song Iโve made this year. I also just love the smaller things. Like TikTok comments saying, โRemember me when youโre famousโ. I love things like that. It shows individual people really care and are listening. Which is all I want.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
CHARLIECITYY: Iโve gotten pretty used to not listening to any hate. Most people Iโve met are supportive but any negative reception Iโve heard, I just remember the age old saying โ โHow can they hate from outside of the club, when they canโt even get in?โ
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
CHARLIECITYY: Although I havenโt performed live yet, I would love to. Especially in my hometown, that would be incredible. I have a handful of songs that I would enjoy performing to people. Itโs definitely in the cards for 2025. However, I also love just vibing to music in my room with my friends, both environments are great spaces for me.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
CHARLIECITYY: I donโt mind either way. I think itโs very important for fans to have their own interpretation of the songs. Iโve had guys tell me that they have cried to โTake care of yourselfโ because it made them think about their ex. That means a lot to me. I think itโs great if music can make you feel something. My song โNothing, anymoreโ can be interpreted in countless ways, and I love it like that. A lot of my songs are personal, but that does not mean it can only be personal to me.
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