this talk: is about affirming your worth as an emerging young artist - with Charles
Hi, could you tell our readers a little about yourself and what you do?
Hey, my name is Charles and I’m an artist from North London. I’m 6ft 6 and I eat chicken wings with a knife and fork.
What was your journey into your industry?
I’ve been singing and dancing since I was little. Growing up in a house that blared music every Saturday and Sunday morning I started to gather my love for music. My journey into the industry started 6 years ago when I left my west-end job on the stage to pursue music. I always felt I was never able to express myself as much as I would have liked. So when I started to write I found I could tell my story my way without any restrictions.
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjGskIXiAU&w=854&h=480]
Were there any standout struggles that you faced along the way?
Many, I think when I first got into music I assumed the hardest bit would be writing new songs and performing them. But the biggest struggle is waking up every day and telling yourself “You can do this”. You have to believe it the most, as you are the artist. It's a struggle of trying to make everyone else see what you see in yourself, without giving up half way through.
What tools did you develop to cope, or overcome these struggles?
Being kind and allowing myself time. Time to write when I felt like it, and time to simply not write. There is this overwhelming pressure as an artist to always feel like you should be doing something. I’ve learnt to listen to my mind, and create when I feel like creating.
Do you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work / life balance?
This is something that I have always battled with. Being an independent artist I still need to work a side hustle to eat and pay rent. Juggling music, a full time job, and a life is a constant struggle but it keeps things exciting. I have the most incredible group of friends who I can always count on for a night out or a dinner to take my mind off things.
Do you find that social media has a tangible effect on your mental health?
I think social media has a tangible effect on everyone’s mental health. It’s also a hard subject because although I would love for us all to live in a social media free world I know the huge benefits for me as an artist it brings. I’m lucky that I have got to a point with it that I only see it as a business account, rather than a personal one. I think I would see a noticeable difference in my mental health if I only used it for personal reasons.
Do you feel like there is a problem surrounding mental wellbeing in your industry?
I have had enough rejections and criticism to last me a life time in this industry. That being said it does take its toll. I do believe that the music industry has actively started to help with mental wellbeing, but it’s far cry from being able to say there isn’t a problem. Many platforms offer free advice and talks on mental health which I definitely recommend using. Especially if you are an independent artist doing this alone, it can be overwhelming and at some points crippling, but there are organisations out there to help.
If so, how do you feel it could be addressed?
Talking about it more. Up until recently, mental health was something that was never really mentioned. I know personally that before I would never really reveal that side of myself, and if I’m totally honest I still struggle with it now. I think by being honest and talking about your struggles makes people realise they are not alone. Then once that conversation has started people would be more likely to seek help.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Trust yourself. Regularly remind yourself of the small things that made you decide to do what you do. And lastly do whatever the fuck you want.
What’s your positive corner of social media / the internet?
In these wild times that we are currently in with lockdown I have definitely found a new love for both of those things. Being able to connect with all my family and friends when at times being at home has been overwhelming has been a life line. Without it, I think this interview would have read a lot different.
You can find Charles on:
Instagram