Charlotte Lansman - So Long (Single) + 10 Questions
Photo Credit: Matilda Hill-Jenkins
Lauded by Clout Magazine as ‘an artist with a timeless and enduring sound’, soulful UK singer-songwriter Charlotte Lansman returns, following her light-hearted, upbeat single ‘Stupid Love’, with new track ‘So Long’, which sees Charlotte move back into more familiar waters of poignant lyricism and soul-stirring vocals.
While Charlotte’s most recent single addressed those euphoric moments of early-love infatuation, ‘So Long’ takes the listener to the final exchange in a long term relationship. A solo guitar riff opens, echoing the loneliness and space felt between the couple - the addition of rolling bass guitar and rhythmic drumming drives the listener towards the end (of the song and their relationship) with the swell of strings adding intensity as the story unfolds.
“I wanted to create a moment in time with this piece of work. One that so many people have experienced in different ways. The grief and shame and loss and relief and release felt when a relationship that was quietly falling apart, finally crashes into the end”.
Originally from Bristol, Charlotte is based in London, where she writes and performs her music. Partnering with Joe Rodwell for most of the production of her music, she takes influence from Jazz, Soul, Folk and Rock. She recently performed at Rich Mix in Shoreditch on 11th November, as part of EFG London Jazz Festival.
Charlotte sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I think probably as a young child, being moved in ways that I hadn't yet experienced, by the storytelling of songwriters like Nina Simone and Tracy Chapman. The way that relationships, struggles and politics could be turned into poetry just captivated me. The music then took you fully into that world... And I loved singing! I remember blasting out M People in the school dinner hall when I was about 5... it felt so good!
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Artists that influence me - many are from the past and I wouldn't be able to work with them now! Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman... but those that are around now - Eloise is a brilliant example of someone who can create beautiful music and access her feelings so perfectly when she writes lyrics. And Jamie Cullum has always been a big hero of mine - he brought Jazz to the masses just at the same time as Amy Winehouse was changing the British music scene.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My first EP! I'm in the process of releasing it - 'So Long' is the second single of this 5 song project. And this EP is really me starting to find my sound and my voice. It takes quite a long time to start creating things without thinking about what other people want, first. This particular song is exactly that. It's the most 'me' feeling thing that I've written so far.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I'm terrible at answering this question! I suppose it's somewhere around a Soul or Jazz Singer-Songwriter. But I'm heavily influenced by Country, Indie, and 90s Grunge too!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Firstly, I suppose taking the plunge and just releasing music. I've come to this a bit later than a lot of my contemporaries in London, I'm not a teenager, it felt like more of a risk. And more recently, being asked to play at EFG London Jazz Fest. Martha D Lewis came across my music and heard the storytelling within. I don't really sit within the Jazz space, but I am heavily influenced by it - and that's the same for many writers. I love Jazz and Jazz standards, but there are a lot of new stories to be told.
Photo Credit: Matilda Hill-Jenkins
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Probably - stop paying attention to how many people are listening, and only pay attention to what you're creating and feeling. Getting lost in the game of online streaming is a nightmare - avoid it.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Raquel Martins. I love her. She's Portuguese but lives in London, and her sound is just beautiful. She plays guitar but also produces her music so she's in charge of the whole piece, and I just think she has something really special about how she can put so much into her work but know where to be restrained, where she's given enough.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Yazmin Lacey - Voice Notes. Ezra Collective - Where I'm Meant to Be.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Read, cook, eat, drink, spend time with my son, my family, my friends. I've just realised that there's not much more to a good life than to master the basics - I suppose, I'm learning that, anyway. Enjoying the fundamentals rather than taking them for granted!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Diet Coke, Coffee, Water - I suppose that's one thing - liquids!
Connect with Charlotte on Instagram here.