We had the opportunity to interview Nuela Charles, an alt/soul artist and two time JUNO Award Nominee! Her fantastic sound is unlike anything else out there, you've got to check it out! Also, check out our interview with Nuela below!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
"I started seriously diving into recording and wanting to do this as a living in 2009. Prior to that I would just hear music as a kid. My dad had a guitar and I taught myself acoustic and wrote shitty songs. Then I saw people making a living from it so I thought 'why not me'. In 2009 I decided to pursue it full-time."
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
"A lot of the last record was written in a writing camp style. We got together with two producers, we'd meet up in the morning and pitch ideas. We would start with what I wanted to say and how I wanted it to sound. We'd add lyrics to music we were creating. We spent two months writing, then went back added real horns, etc. It's never going to be perfect, but for me it's knowing its the best it could be."
"Sometimes I can just pick up a guitar at home and write a song and send it to a producer for production."
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
"I admire Alanis Morissette, I listen the to Arctic Monkeys, Nothing But Thieves, there's Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Adele. It changes all the time. I am still trying to figure out who or what I am as a musician and borrowing from the best I guess. A lot of great work behind artists comes from producers, so I always am sure to find great producers to help me fill my vision." 4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
"The acoustic I have I got in 12th grade, my dad called and said he found my guitar and picked me up. I had my heart set on a Taylor or a Martin. We got to the store and I played an Avalon and instantly loved it. He gifted it to me for graduation. I haven't been able to find one better."
5. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
"I try to build off of the recorded versions of the songs. When we play live, my goal is to make the live version a bigger version of the recorded version. A lot of the venues in Canada are small and have seen a decline in the number of venues that can host a show professionally. Each show is an experience and I try to lead people and be happy and excited.
6. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
"I want people to form their own opinions, actually listen to the music intentionally and take in all the sounds we present because I'm trying to be as honest as I can. That might change throughout my career, it's always about continually progressing and trying to grow. My wish is that everyone who listens to one song would go and listen to the rest of them."
7. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
"I am still working on new music constantly. We have a bunch of shows on www.nuelacharles.com."