Interview with Charlotte Martin 05/27/05
For Avoid Peril’s one-year anniversary, we thought we’d get back in touch with the performer who started it all and gave us our first interview.
Charlotte Martin has been damn busy over the past year, touring in support of her gorgeously assured debut album On Your Shore, and working on material for her new EP (Darkest Hour) and forthcoming sophomore album. We caught up with Charlotte on the eve of her North American tour (including a Boston stop on 6/8), and talked about her favorite parts of the On Your Shore tour, her new EP, and her feelings on being named one of People Magazine’s ’50 Most Beautiful People.’
1. So much has happened for you in the past year – the release of On Your Shore, all the touring – what has been the highlight for you?
The highlight of On Your Shore was the touring. August (2004) seemed to be a pivotal month for me and my show...there was so much going on that month and in September. SO much relationship drama that I was like a roller coaster off the tracks. I used every bit of the emotion to drill into my live show. I wanted to be rescued in the audiences. I felt like that happened several times. Phoenix, Minneapolis, LA, SF...to name a few. That Phoenix audience knew me and I knew them. NYC as well.
2. How was the Chicks with Attitude tour (with Liz Phair and The Cardigans)? What was your most memorable moment from the tour?
I really loved the Beaker doll that followed me around. Eventually Beaker got around to other buses. He was a bit of a swinger, if you know what I mean. Frisky little fellow.
3. Your new EP, Darkest Hour, becomes available at your shows this summer. On your website, you describe it as having angry origins, but then say it’s not necessarily an angry record. Tell us a little more about what to expect from Darkest Hour.
I was angry about several things going on in my life while recording the actual track. It's been around for a few months. I didn't know where it belonged. I am also in the finishing stages of the second album and have joined another group that I'm working on some recordings with, so there is a lot of material around here, you see. I picked the 6 songs that represented the time period from Jan-March.
I don't know what the listeners will think of it. They will know some of the songs...I felt this was the only place for these certain songs to be released, and during this time. I analyze the timings of things, fates, the supernatural...why things happen the way they happen. I don't think this EP answers any 'why' questions though. On Your Shore tried to...it really tried to answer a lot for me. But as I said before, what the listeners think is the true meaning of it all, of all the songs, lyrics...I'm only the messenger.
4. What can we expect from your summer tour? Will you be playing material from Darkest Hour?
You can expect a couple new songs, maybe. We'll see if they are ready.
Ken Andrews will be playing a few songs at every show. We thought that would be interesting musically because he co-produced my last 2 releases as well as the Darkest Hour EP. I will be playing material from my whole catalogue. We've been in rehearsals a little over a month now. You might see a new upright piano. My hair might be short. Just kidding.
5. What new musicians have you been listening to over the past year?
The Album Leaf, Explosions in the Sky, Iron and Wine, Snow Patrol, Nick Cave's new album...
6. Do you have any plans to bring your opera training into your new recordings? Do you think you’ll revisit opera music in the future?
Are you psychic or something? Did someone leak my next album to you? How do you know things? What is happening? Who are you? Maybe there is a little opera on the next album. :)
7. How do you feel about being named one of People Magazine’s ‘50 Most Beautiful People’?
I plucked my first chin hair last year. That little shit comes back every month now. Hairs show up in the craziest places. If I ever have to take a weed whacker to it, please make sure I'm properly sedated.
Charlotte Martin’s debut album, On Your Shore, is available in stores now on RCA records. Martin will be at the Paradise Lounge (Boston, MA), promoting her Darkest Hours EP, on June 8 (for more information, visit http://charlottemartin.com/#TOUR |
