Charlotte Lawrence
New music
How it Ends
Photography Christian Anwander
Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Stella Hofferman
Charlotte Lawrence has a voice that demands to be heard–a raw talent and lyrical ability that can’t be contained. As her discography expands and her sound grows more intricate, so has her dedication to creating art that is unapologetically vulnerable and honest. This journey to self-expression is chronicled in Lawrence’s previous single, “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” where the singer lays down her armor to expose herself to her emotions, rather than continuing the tireless battle of trying to fend them off. She no longer wants to pretend; she doesn’t want to dance anymore.
On the cusp of the release of her newest single, “How It Ends,” the 23-year-old singer-songwriter discusses her creative process, her inspirations, and gratitude.
In your song, “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” you confess a desire for emotional vulnerability. When utilizing your sound to externalize suppressed feelings, how do you determine what you want to share with the world, and what to keep private?
I don’t really have rules for myself on what to share and what not to share, to be honest! I write what I feel in the moment and if I ever do not want to talk about something, I won’t. I feel comfortable writing about most everything–such as therapy–but of course, some things I keep just for myself.
The music video for your latest release was directed by your friend, Charlotte D’Alessio! What was it like getting to collaborate with her?
It’s heaven. It just so happens that one of my favorite people in the world is also insanely talented and driven and down to collaborate … It’s amazing, and it’s so easy. We have full trust in each other, creative and personal, and it just makes work fun. There’s never any pressure. She also does all the work–I just show up!
What is the ideal environment for writing music–is it more collaborative, or do you prefer to keep to yourself?
I love both worlds! Collaborating is so wonderful, and I’m so lucky that I get to work with such talented, special people. It’s just awesome and sometimes vital to get to bounce off of someone. We always leave our egos at the door! Everyone’s equal, all ideas welcome. I think that way we prioritize making the best art possible over any ego or fear or whatever. It’s also nice to feel so lost on something, and have someone else figure it out. Again, all of this makes work fun. It’s wild honestly to even call it work at all. But with that being said, a happy place for me is sitting alone with an instrument writing a song. A lot of times I find myself writing my most authentic shit like that.
What, in your experience, has been the most rewarding part of your musical career?
All of it, honestly. It’s so wild to me that this is my job. I’m grateful for all of it from the writing, to the music videos, to the performing, etc. Getting to perform for people who listen to my music is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. I love connecting in that way. It’s also so different looking at numbers online versus people in person. It’s so fucking cool that some people like to listen to what I make. It’s true ecstasy and just brings me so much gratitude. Can’t wait to get on tour again (and never stop)!
Who inspires you as an artist?
So many people! Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, Lana Del Rey, Bon Iver, Taylor Swift, Adrianne Lenker, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Strokes, Sufjan Stevens, Postal Service…I could go on forever. I’m also inspired by my friends and family and loves and movies and sunsets and trees and animals and all things that spark feelings.
How do you cultivate your own unique sound, and how do you think it’s changed since your debut in 2021?
I feel it’s almost less cultivation for me and more going with the flow. I feel an artist’s art should grow alongside the artist. So, the more I learn and experience and listen–the more I love and break and love again–the more my music will evolve. I really learn from those around me. My collaborators, my man, etc…I definitely think I’ve been able to hone into my musical inspirations more in recent years, and be unapologetic about my likes and dislikes. And, my love for guitar and live instruments have grown a lot. But, my “sound” is just what I wanna make exactly when I make it.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
I have a new single coming out on April 26. I’m opening up for Madison Beer until May 18. Then, hopefully, more touring, a TV show out in late summer, and then an album right after! And then, much more touring! WOOO!
