Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Charlotte Clarke
THE RELEASE
Beginning the year with her debut single, “Yet, I Still Miss You,” rising pop artist Charlotte Clarke has had a great year. After her second single, “Fixation,” on March 29th, broke 70,000 streams, it was clear Clarke had fan support. She’s currently working on her debut album with Swedish producer Carl Engstedt for a 2025 release. Before then, her debut EP, “Growing Pains,” takes on themes of age-gapped relationships, challenges of adolescence, and shifting power dynamics. The EP serves as a cathartic release for Clarke, closing a painful chapter in her life that listeners will be able to relate and find inspiration with.
“Growing Pain” opens with, “I Hope You Choke,” a harsh critique of a man who abused power and those who protected him during Clarke’s early teens. Reflecting on conflicting emotions that come after an unhealthy relationship, “Yet, I Still Miss You” helps to make sense of the aftermath. Breaking traditional gender roles, “Fixation” is an anthem of intense desire as Clarke makes the first move on another girl. Placing Charlotte in the role of the red flag in a new relationship, “Green light, GO” takes on fears of commitment and hurting her partner. The EP concludes with the titular track, “Growing Pains,” directly confronts the emotional minimization Clarke experienced as a teen and the mental health struggles that came with that. With plans to release singles “It’s Not My Fault” in August 2024 and “Magnetic” in October, Charlotte Clarke plans to keep listeners satisfied..
THE INTERVIEW
"Growing Paints" dives into some serious personal themes that listeners will be able to relate to. Can you share what inspired you to tackle those topics on your debut EP?
It came very organically, songwriting has always been a healthy outlet for me and my experiences. I found turning pain into something that can help not only me but others brought forth a new level of healing.
The pop of your music is really catchy without losing your introspective lyrics. How do you balance creating melodies while taking on heavy themes?
That would be down to creating with my songwriting producer Carl Engstedt. He has always found a way to keep my music melancholic sonically. I also find great inspiration from pop icon Taylor Swift. One of the reasons why I love Taylor's music so much is because she can have you bopping to her music on the way to work whilst still making you feel seen and heard within her meaningful lyrics.
"I Hope You Choke" addresses someone who abused their power. How did you find the courage to write and release such a vulnerable and confrontational track?
In all honesty around that time of writing 'I Hope You Choke' I didn't feel like I had more to lose. The want to be heard overshadowed any doubt or fear I had. I also gained a lot of confidence in releasing 'I Hope You Choke' after a viral video of mine covering Taylor's song " Would've, Could've, Should've " which talks about inappropriate relationship blew up after I changed the lyrical age from 19 to 14. My comments section was flooded with nothing but support and honesty by other women who went through similar experiences. That's when it really hit me just how powerful and important music is and the kind of positive impact I could have in the future speaking on my experiences.
You've talked about "Growing Pains" being a cathartic release. How has creating this EP helped you process past experiences or evolve personally?
Releasing my EP has helped me move forward as if I'm closing the chapters on those experiences but also set the tone of the kind of artist I am. I call it owning your ugly truths. That's me and my music through in through.
Your singles, "Magnetic" and "It's Not My Fault," are coming out later this year. Will these songs continue the narrative and themes of "Growing Pains" or take your music in a new direction?
"It's Not My Fault" carries a similar theme to "I Hope You Choke" but this is a more healed, grown version. Less anger more care free. Giving back the blame. Where I had glitter in my smudged mascara for the front cover, in this new song front cover I'll be in a glitter blazer. To resemble growth and resilience.
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