After spending the last few months building and developing her sound, Manchester-based newcomer Nellie Charles is now looking to introduce herself to the wider world with her vibrant debut single 'BO$$'.
Channelling a wonderfully warm and shimmering R&B aesthetic for her initial offering, 'BO$$' makes for an incredibly smooth introduction to her sound so far. With its rich and passionate textures perfectly set to her sultry vocal performance throughout, she is kicking things off with a beautifully inviting opening number here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’d say piano as I always wanted to learn it and finally taught myself the basics but listening wise and I’d say acoustic guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
If I’m honest all types of music, I was very influenced by my parents to love soul music so I would listen to old classic singers like Etta James also modern soul like Amy Winehouse but being young I’d always love Rihanna and Beyoncé and of course Justin Bieber.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember those “Now that’s what I call hits” CDs when I was really young I used to love them but other then that a few years older it was defiantly Amy Winehouse album “Frank”.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
Tears dry on my own by Amy Winehouse, makes me happy mad and sad all at once and I love that.
Do you have a habit or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well firstly I normally listen to a beat and freestyle to find a melody and let thoughts I have at the top of my head flow and try get into my feelings a bit, then I’ll touch it up afterwards.
What are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to artists like Bryson Tiller, Giveon, Laicositna, Brent faiyaz, SZA, Nelccia.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That’s a good question, either Bryson tiller or Giveon.
What do you find the most rewarding part about being and musician?
When people sing lyrics back to you or just simply know all the words to a song, Its one of the best feelings.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I feel like sometimes you can go from not believing in yourself to having full belief in yourself very quickly but I think that’s normal as a musician, for me i find frustration in always needing reassurance when it comes to my music but only because the success of music is based off of other people’s ears and opinions and you want more people to love it then hate it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To have thick skin cause not everyone’s going to love it but some people are going to love it more than you imagined.
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Nellie Charles' debut single 'BO$$' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.