A Conversation with Singer-Songwriter Charis

Singer-songwriter Charis seamlessly combines an early 2000’s R&B feel with a Synth-Pop sound. Influenced by artists such as SG Lewis and VanJess, Charis’ music is sure to have you dancing. Her latest release, “Own It,” is a single from her upcoming EP, setting a fresh tone for the next wave of music to come. In addition to the EP release, on February 18th, 2022, Charis plans to release a song with Polish Dance/EDM record label, Magic Records, alongside artist and producer Poylow. Her earlier release with Charismatic Records, “Touch,” has received over 65,000 streams on Spotify alone.

With her single and music video, “Own It,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Charis. Read below to learn more about Charis, the story behind her latest single, and what’s to come.

Hi Charis! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

It’s my real name actually! It’s pronounced like “Charismatic.”

What city are you from and where are you based now?

I grew up in the DMV and moved to LA four years ago.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I’ve always imagined myself pursuing music. I felt obligated to go to college for my mom, so after I got that out of the way, I moved to LA to start focusing on music. I started by recording a track in my friends’ attic in college. It came out way better than I expected. I knew I’d never stop recording after that.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

I used to listen to a lot of Motown as a kid and that probably contributed to my love for the old school tracks. I was lucky to grow up in the prime of Usher, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyonce. Those early influences are what really made me want to be a singer. I incorporate some of those early 2000’s elements in my tracks too.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

Pop R&B. I imagine myself sounding like a female version of The Weeknd haha.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I like to skate. I go to an all-girls skate group in Venice when I can. I like to travel, hike, and chill with friends. But, my favorite thing is going out to eat haha.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Right now, probably Doja Cat, Lolo Zouai, Harloe, and Dua Lipa.

Who would be a dream to collaborate with?

My dream music collaboration would be with Beyonce or Megan Thee Stallion.

What are some of your future music career goals?

I would love to go on a tour. Also, I would be down to get signed by a label haha. But, short term goals would be to grow my fan base and get some of my tracks synced into TV or film.

Now onto your release “Own it” what inspired this song?

I worked with an artist named Kedo Rebelle on this track, and he actually wrote most of it. He wrote it from the perspective of being ostracized for being queer. It was around the time of the election and a lot of mixed emotions resurfaced, making it a good time to write an empowerment anthem.

What is “Own it” about in your own words?

It’s about owning your story and being proud of who you are. It’s about barging through the door and taking what’s yours, confidently and sexily.

How did the music video for “Own it” come about? What was your vision for the video?

I wanted to film it in the desert, so we went to Bombay Beach, which is an abandoned resort town with public art pieces. We found this dope neon light fixture that we filmed a lot of the video around. My vision for the video was to show the confidence and fun that the track embodies.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Own it?”

I hope that fans feel inspired to live authentically and own their story by loving themselves for exactly who they are. Life’s too short to not love yourself. In stepping into your power, you can allow yourself to feel confident and sexy. I hope this song can help spark that feeling.

What’s one of your proudest moments in your music career so far?

Releasing, “Own it.” This was my first time doing a PR campaign on my own and the turnout has been encouraging so far.

What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?

To not hold back. Don’t judge yourself. Don’t overthink it. Just create. Someone will resonate with the music.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?

I’m releasing an EP in late January! Then, I’m releasing a song with Magic Records (a Polish record label) in mid-February.

Where can we follow you on social media?

IG, FB, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charismaticcc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharisMaticcc/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49uqm0TGX0UQPpRY27fjyU
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/charis/1492941448
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC6YzSXgDuZiSlfd2FtvOxcg
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/charismaticcc
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charismusic