An Interview with Charlotte Carpenter

By Siobhain Woodhouse, published on 20 May 2012 12:00 am

When people think of Kettering, they mainly think, “…where is that?” Not many have discovered the healthy music scene within the town, although some of you may have heard of its latest export Charlotte Carpenter. Over the past few years, Charlotte has gone from performing in local pubs and clubs to releasing two EPs, touring the country and performing on a festival mainstage – all while studying for a degree, naturally. As her time at university comes to end, I asked Charlotte a few questions to find out what’s in store for her in the coming months.

You’ve just revealed you’re re-releasing Let It Go with a new track and video. What can we expect from the new track on the EP?

I am very excited to re-release the EP under istartedthefire Records. There are a few choices for the new track, perhaps expect something a little darker than the others.

How do you think Let It Go differs from your debut EP A New 
I think there is an air of maturity throughout the second EP. Some of the tracks on A New Home I wrote when I was 18! My voice has grown too, a little huskier maybe, I have quite a different tone.Home?

Last year you performed at Beachbreak Live and received a warm reception. Were you daunted before you went on stage at such a big student festival?  What have you got lined up for the coming summer?

I was very nervous but knew it was something which wouldn’t happen again anytime soon, so I soaked it all in. I had a massive response and it has been a highlight of my career so far. This summer, I’m back at BBL, Barn On The Farm, Y Not Festival and the newest confirmation is for Dot To Dot Festival in Nottingham. I’m in London a few times and in Scotland too in August.

You were lucky enough to take part in the BBC Introducing Masterclass back in January. How did it feel to be in the same environment that so many influential musicians had played in? And what did you take away from the experience?

It was for the BBC Introducing Masterclass at Abbey Road Studios and Maida Vale. It was a really special day and I felt privileged to have been chosen to attend. It was wicked to be in a room full of people with the same dream as me. I guess the biggest thing I took away with me was the importance of social media and the different ways to use it to build a fanbase.

You’ve managed to release two EPs and do a tour, all while studying for a degree! How do you cope?

I know, I don’t know how! I’ve just finished university too. I just made sure I always made time to do my work, whenever I wasn’t travelling I was reading and stuff. I had a two-month break while I wrote my dissertation so that helped massively.

What new music are you excited by at the moment? Do you still keep an eye on the local music scene at home in Kettering?

I love Lucy Rose!! She’s different to what’s around at the moment, and has a beautiful voice. I haven’t been home much for the music scene since being at uni so I’m a little out of the loop, but I always listen to BBC Introducing in Northampton to see what crops up – the latest find has been a guy called Owen Penrice. Lovely songs.

Now you’ve finished uni, what’s next for you?

Yesterday I signed to my first label istartedthefire Records so Let It Go will reach a much bigger audience with a new track and a new video. So excited for that! It’s all about touring for me now and making a name for myself.

Check out Charlotte on Facebook here.

You can also check out Charlotte on iTunes or Spotify