Songstress/Songwriter Charlie Vox's New Journey

Monday, 09 January 2012 00:40 Written by  Isis Nicole

Singer/songwriter Charlie Vox, by way of Jersey City, N.J., is making her big break this year from behind the scenes and onto the front stage. Having opened for Destiny’s Child, as well as penning songs for artists like Rihanna and Melanie Fiona, Charlie is finally letting her own voice be heard. In this interview, she discusses her start in the music business, why it’s easier to “lie instead,” and her commitment to music.

GlossMagazineOnline (GMO): How did you get your start in the music business?

Charlie Vox: Funny enough, I began performing my own material and fell into songwriting. Songwriting found me. I was working on my demo, and the first song I wrote got placed. I never stopped performing while writing for other artists.

GMO: You wrote for Rihanna and Melanie Fiona, and even opened for Destiny’s Child! What was that experience like?

Charlie: It was surreal performing alongside major acts, and songwriting for other artist was amazing.

GMO: What is it like being so involved with music magic behind the scenes?

Charlie: I feel blessed to be able to give artists a voice. Everyone is not able to draw the picture for others to color it. I feel lucky to be able to do that. It’s an honor to share my stories through song for others to enjoy.

GMO: When and why did you decide to transition your voice from songwriter to singer?

Charlie: I always knew I was supposed to be an artist, and I never gave up that dream as I continued to write for other artists. Now when everything else came along, the songwriting and producing, I had no idea that would be a part of my journey. I could've never lived with the regret if I had given up on my dream along the way.

GMO: Is it ever a challenge to balance the two?

Charlie: No, it’s not difficult. I can flip the switch on and off between artist and writer. It’s like being two different people. It’s kind of cool.

GMO: What’s your most prized accomplishment(s) to date?

Charlie: Last week, we shot my video, and I dreamt of that day all my life. That was truly an accomplishment. It was definitely a day to remember!

GMO: Since you are an established artist, do you feel like you pretty much know the ropes or are you at times outside of your comfort zone?

Charlie: No, I feel like everyday is a chance for me to learn something new. Even though I've been doing this for a while, I feel like I'm finally getting my artist career off the ground. So, I'm learning new things everyday.

 

GMO: What was the inspiration behind your song “Lie Instead?”

Charlie: Fresh out of a relationship where I wasn't sure if we were together or apart. Friends and family would constantly ask if we were still together and I decided to “Lie Instead!” It was much easier to lie than explain our status.

GMO: When is your album Things I Never Said scheduled to release?

Charlie: Spring 2012

GMO: I read in an article that you will be exploring the ups and downs of relationships. Is love and heartbreak a subject you’re all too familiar with?

Charlie: I'm a little too familiar with heartbreak in relationships (laughs). What can I say? I love “love,” and I love hard. But what I've learned is that the nature of all relationships, whether they are romantic, platonic or even relationships with your family––they all have the same core. It begins and ends with respect.

GMO: These days, do you write most of your songs or do you have a favorite songwriter to help you out a little?

Charlie: I love collaborating. I enjoy incorporating my point of view with someone else's. Together we can paint a picture from different perspectives. I often collaborate with Curtis Richardson, my longtime writing and production partner, the writing team Jackson/Croft, and Angelique Cinelu.

GMO: How do you set yourself apart from other R&B artists?

Charlie: I am committed to doing things my way. I don't look to other artist to set the pace for my career. Lastly, I am honest with my lyrics and won’t sing a song if I have not experienced whatever the lyrics are conveying.

GMO: What music trends would you like to see disappear?

Charlie: Nothing in music really bothers me right now.

GMO: What Internet trends would you like to see disappear?

Charlie: I'm not sure if this counts as a trend but I know “e-bullying” is a huge issue. I've worked with youth groups, so I'm very passionate about issues affecting the next generation.

GMO: What is the craziest thing that happened to you while on previous tours?

Charlie: While performing, there was a power outage. The drummer kept playing, the horns never stopped, and I kept on singing! It was great!

GMO: Any future music videos, tours, or projects you care to share with us?

Charlie: I'm excited for the world to see my video "Lie Instead," please stay tuned! It’s gonna be amazing! And of course my album is due out spring of next year.

GMO: What can listeners expect to hear from you as start your new chapter as an artist?

Charlie: Along with great music, I'm excited to kick off my after school mentoring program for teen girls. I just want to be an inspiration to anyone who has ever had a dream. It took me a minute to get here, and I want to inspire others to go for it.

GMO: Any advice to aspiring artists?

Charlie: Never, ever, ever, quit.

Isis Nicole

Isis Nicole

Isis Nicole is a Cincinnati native majoring in Journalism at Columbia College Chicago.

She can be contacted at Isis@glossmagazineonline.com and on her blog, isis-nicole.tumblr.com.

Website: isis-nicole.tumblr.com