Artist Interview: CHAR

“I am over the moon to be putting on this gig as I feel like it has been a long time coming” CHAR mentioned, stating she is usually a perfectionist which can lead to putting shows like this off – now, she is learning to trust the process, leaning into the support she has from her band and those closest to her.

Lillie-Apple Charters 6 days ago 60

CHAR

Calling alt pop/indie/shoegaze fans, CHAR is here and ready to take on the world! Based in Leeds, she has carefully crafted a sound that she enjoys all whilst staying authentic to herself – making the music that she loves with no compromises.

“I have had people try to box me into certain genres based on my looks and aesthetic and it just isn’t the route I want to go into at present. I will never say never if in the future I do decide to dip into a different sound, but for now I am loving what I am creating!”

The band that brings her creations to life consists of Callum Van Schalkwyk on drums, Tiana Coley on bass, Rowan Scourfield on rhythm guitar, and Will Alway on lead guitar. CHAR, alongside her musical powerhouse, have already blessed the ears of many lucky audiences and are planning some even bigger things for the future!

What’s Your Background In Music?

“When I was younger, I used to irritate my younger brother with the amount of singing I did around the house, so I am glad to be putting that to use now!”

CHAR began her career on a whim after starting her degree in law, and following her dreams got her accepted into every institution she applied to! With no professional training, she utilised everything she had learned in GCSE music and now flourishes as an artist at Leeds Conservatoire.

What Is Your Biggest Achievement So Far?

“I think the last year as a whole has been really progressive for me.” Despite only writing music for just under two years, CHAR has made some large waves in the industry thus far, supporting artists like The Redroom at Hyde Park Book Club in April.

“I’ve done various support acts in venues across Leeds, collaborated with some fantastic people, had work experience with Live At Leeds and within a music law team so I’ve been very busy! I also got to sing with FLETCHER in May 2024 which was the most surreal experience ever, I still can’t get my head around it!”

Who Are Your Biggest Inspirations In Music?

CHAR’s inspirations tend to change as time goes on, influencing her unique style of writing. She mentioned how much she has been enjoying artists like Florence Road, Trophy Wife, Keo, Nieve Ella, Chloe Slater, Wolf Alice, ELLUR and FLETCHER at the moment, what a list of powerful names! CHAR claims to be a creature of habit when it comes to listening to different artists, and recently she feels she has done a good job challenging herself to broaden her creative horizons.

When asked who she’d love to collaborate with in the future, CHAR said Hayley Williams, “I am absolutely obsessed with her new album ‘Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party’.” Hayley has a specific style of writing which captivates a listener from start to finish, making good use of honest lyricism and high production quality to tell stories. Initially uploading the album to her website hayleywilliams.net for fans with a secret early-access code, Hayley then released EDAABP to music platforms in July with artwork made by Jordan Short and Zachary Gray. Her frequent collaborations with other artists is something CHAR admires greatly, “she has always been someone I look up to in that respect as she definitely empowers the people around her to showcase their talents”.

Recommend Me An Album/Single/Soundtrack

CHAR recommends the single ‘Francesca’ by Hozier, a powerful and intricate ballad about acting on feelings with no regrets, and facing the consequences with pride.

After seeing his headline at Leeds Festival, CHAR was “blown away by his musicianship” and admires how he is a large advocate for underrepresented groups; “I am glad he is using his platform, and music, to highlight these ongoing issues.”

What’s Next?

CHAR has a headline gig coming up at Hyde Park Book Club on 4th November. There, she will be performing new music that she has been working on with her band, and you can find tickets for the upcoming gig here. “I am over the moon to be putting on this gig as I feel like it has been a long time coming” CHAR mentioned, stating she is usually a perfectionist which can lead to putting shows like this off – now, she is learning to trust the process, leaning into the support she has from her band and those closest to her. Announcements for her support acts will be at the start of October, and what a great way to kick off the autumn; “the line up is amazing”.

And that’s not all – as CHAR is returning to the Hyde Park Book Club alongside Lucas Assagba to support Claudia Fenoglio on 26th November. Tickets are in high demand, so grab yours here before it’s too late!