What is your name?
Charlotte Morris
What is your genre of music?
Alt Country/Folk, with a few pop & rock influences thrown in here and there.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a singer-songwriter, born in Santa Monica, CA, but raised outside of Philadelphia, PA. I’ve been playing music for my entire life, but it wasn’t until I graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 that I really began focusing on myself as a musical artist. Since then, I’ve released 2 EPs, a few singles, and now, my debut album, Songs for My Next Ex! All of my music is autobiographical, so when you’re listening to one of my songs, you’re listening to my life! Music is how I express myself, and while I have many additional passions in my life, from theatre to personal training, music is what ties it all together.
What made you go into music?
Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a very musical household, with my parents playing instruments, singing, and always taking my sister and I to theatrical productions and concerts. I first started playing music myself at the age of 4, when I picked up the classical violin. From there I learned piano, guitar, ukulele (as well as other instruments more recently) but found song writing during that process around age 12. I had never really felt able to fully express myself until I found song writing, and it was then that I started thinking, “wow, music could actually be a career that I pursue.” I’ve definitely taken a few detours since then, focusing on different majors in college, and living as an actor in NYC, but music has always been my constant. The thing that makes me feel better when I’m down, that connects me to other people, that allows me to fully express how I feel. I can’t imagine my world without it, which is exactly why I believe it’s what I’m meant to be doing!
Who are your influences?
Growing up, my family mainly listened to classical music, musical theatre, and classic folk, all of which have been extremely influential in my music over the years. Artists like Peter, Paul, and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, Judy Collins, and Joni Mitchell have played a huge part in my journey as a musical artist. More recently, I look to artists like Delta Rae, Liz Longley, Sara Bareilles, and Maren Morris. I think that, in a number of my songs, influence from musical theatre is extremely evident. I like to tell a story, not only within one song, but through the full EP or album. I write with a clear storyline, and often turn to the instrumentation of musical theatre to build emotion in my writing.
You released your new album ‘Songs for My Ex’, tell us more about the album.
Yes! I am so excited about the recent release of my first full album, Songs for My Next Ex! The entire album was written during and/or about my last relationship. And, when listened to in order, it takes the listener through a story of new love, dreams, heartbreak, and growth. It was definitely a rollercoaster ride for me to experience in real life, and I think that we’ve been able to give the listener a similar experience. There are moments of total joy and celebration, and then moments of complete and utter heartbreak & despair. These are definitely the most personal, and most vulnerable songs that I’ve released, so I was pretty terrified that the world would hear my inner most thoughts. But Songs for My Next Ex has been transformative for me – both as a woman and as an artist. I’m excited that other people have connected to it so much so far, and that they’ve been able to find strength from the songs, like I did.
What was the writing and recording process like?
Like I mentioned above, all of these songs were written during, or pretty much right after, my last relationship. We also started the recording process very soon after the relationship ended, so to say it was emotional would be an understatement. The entire project ended up being one big therapy session, as I processed my emotions, realized what I had learned from the relationship, and found growth and renewed strength in the moving on.
On top of all of that, we started recording in May 2020, as we were all still adjusting to quarantine life! It was a unique experience to say the least. My band and I all recorded from our separate homes, and then my genius producer, Conor Keelan, put it all together. I definitely missed the experience of being in a studio together, but it ended up being really helpful to have the additional time and space to sit with the songs, process the emotions, and really perfect the story, as this album holds such a close place to my heart.
Describe each track in two words.
Crazy – exciting & fresh
Flowers – content & chill
Without Him – unconditional love
You’re Here – exuberant joy
Not Mine Anymore – shattered dreams
Three Hearts – confusion, heartbreak
More Than You – defiance, self-love
Not Every Love Story – freedom, growth
Who did you work with on the album?
The album wouldn’t have been possible without Conor Keelan, who arranged all of the songs, produced, mixed and mastered the album. He also played guitar and sang backup vocals. Conor is my go-to guy for all things music. We’ve known each other for years, so he gets me and gets what I’m trying to say through my songs. He is so incredibly talented and knows how to bring out the best in my music. I’m beyond lucky to have him on my team.
I also had a kick-ass group of musicians playing the album with me. They are: Austin Deyo (drums); Geoffrey Ko (piano/keyboard); Eric Wharton (bass); Thea Mesirow (cello); Lindsay Lyhus, Julia Lennon, and Mary Godby (backup vocals). Corbin Mayer lent me his voice for the voiceover at the top of track 5. Plus, I got to play a little fiddle on track 1!
Will we see any music videos for any of the songs?
As of now, I don’t have any music videos planned for this album. However, I know exactly what I would want the music video for “You’re Here” to look like. So, if we’re able to start getting large groups of people together anytime soon, that’s definitely the video I would shoot first.
What else can we expect in Early 2021?
I have a lot of big plans for 2021! To kick the year off, I’m moving into a van on January 4th, and living on the road for 2 months. I’ll be driving from Philadelphia to California, and back, hiking, biking, and writing a lot of new songs along the way. I’m looking at the trip as a chance to get reacquainted with myself, do a little soul searching, and figure out exactly what steps to take next with my music, and in my life as a whole. I will definitely have new music coming in the new year, but not until July at the earlier. However, I will be sharing my adventures on the road on social media, including whatever new material is written while I cross the country!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Oh boy. I feel like there are so many different paths I could take that I would be happy with. But when it comes to my music… First off, I’d like to be living in Nashville (which might be happening sooner rather than later!). I’d like to be signed with a small label or manager – someone who knows the industry and can help guide me as I figure out which turns to take, while still allowing me artist freedom to write the music that is reflective of my life at the time. I’d like to be touring as the opener for a larger country/folk act. And at the end of the day, I’d like to be making a living off of my music without the need for side hustles!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Well, if I’ve learned anything from this album… “don’t text your ex!!!”
But the actual quote that I try to live by is: “the worst you can hear is no” – and let’s be honest, no isn’t so bad! You move on and try again. If you don’t ask, you don’t give them the chance to say YES, which is why, whatever it is, I ask. I shoot my shot. I go for it!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
First and foremost, my guitar and my water bottle! Hydrate hydrate hydrate.
My capo, Chapstick, and a scrunchie (because as soon as I get off stage, my hair has got to go up!)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! I’m mainly on Instagram, But you can also find me on Twitter and on Facebook
Also – make sure to follow me on Spotify to hear all of my latest releases, as well as playlists of the music that inspires me and what I’ll be listening to while on the road!
