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We’ve had a sonic crush on Charlotte OC since we caught her at a distant pre-pandemic SXSW set. It was memorable in a time-stood-still type of way – Charlotte swirled with cerebral choruses and gave emotive surly lyrics that were rapturous, demanding attention. Following that, we waited for what felt like inevitable world wide success and arena tours, but it strangely, didn’t come to fruition… yet. The quality of all great artists is persistence and Charlotte has sprung back into our ears with a wondrous EP, Seriously Love, Go Home, that begged a followup. So we shot some questions across the pond to check in on a familiar friend, here are her words: 

It’s been a minute. Who is Charlotte OC now?

Same person in a lot of ways, but I do feel I’m a lot more settled in my own skin and a lot calmer. But, like I said, still the same emotional nutter I’ve always been.

Who have you sent home, and are they okay?

Yeah, they’re a lot better now (me). It was touch and go for a bit, but they listened, and it worked out.

Tell us about the EP.

After spending a long time in London trying to make my music career happen with no money, no real support, and all of it unfolding shortly after losing my dad, I had to face the fact that I wasn’t in a good place. I needed to come home. Back to my mum. Back to where I could really grieve, tend to the wounds I’d been ignoring, and start figuring out who I was again and how to begin piecing myself back together.

I wasn’t listening to my music or even wanting to talk about music for about three years. During that time, my boyfriend took me to the Lake District to try and take my mind off things. A few chocolate mushrooms later, I was back listening to some demos, talking about a vision for them and so on. Later that evening, I ended up writing a message to my label explaining my new plan. Bear in mind, I wasn’t even sure if I still had a label at that point, but with my newfound mushroomed confidence, I sent it. And here we are. The songs go through that period of time and everything that followed.

Any collaborators? Who produced the project?

Dimitri Tikovoi produced this record. Dimi was the first person I’d worked with in a long time who really invested his time in me, and I think that’s why this record sounds so much like me. We became mates, which isn’t always the case, or at least hasn’t always been for me.

We had some amazing collaborators on this record: Izzy Phillips from Black Honey, Ed Harcourt, Haggis Horns, and John Hassall from The Libertines, who played on all of the tracks.

We’ve been fans for a fun journey. What would you tell your younger self? Any advice for new artists?

The world is beautiful, Charlotte. You’ve just been through so much that it’s clouded your view. But you are deeply loved by those who truly know you. You’re going to meet people at exactly the right time in your life, people who will enrich your world. And then you’ll discover something even more powerful: you’re capable of enriching your own life simply by trusting that you’re on the right path.

None of this is a waste of time. You’re meant to be doing this. You will help others, even if you doubt your ability or worthiness right now. You will, because deep down, that’s what this has always been about: connection, care, and meaning. Have fun with this life, Charlotte. It’s not that serious. My advice to any young artist is be patient, and don’t surround yourself with dickheads.

Musically, how have you evolved? What’s stayed true?

I think I’m just way more controlled but also way less concerned about perfection.

The world needs a little less filter, doesn’t it. Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for?

I’m heading back into the studio pretty soon, so an album next year is definitely on the cards.

What’s inspiring you right now outside of music?

My nieces and nephews. They’re so beautiful and kind and it’s just such an honour watching them grow up and seeing their minds expand. I’m obsessed with being an aunty.

Give us your dream meal to celebrate.

Oysters to start, with a massive bottle of champagne that never ends. A gorgeous steak with lots of veg, and then if I can fit a dessert in… I’ll have all of them.

Musically, who is new but making all the right moves? Who are your current OnesToWatch?

I’m loving Nilüfer Yanya at the moment. Really good stuff and not too obvious sounding. Big fan.