INTERVIEW: Charlotte Forman

Personifying the traits of bravery and boldness, Hear Me – the new EP from Charlotte Forman – is a genuine investigation into what it means to be truly authentic. Combining strong elements of jazz and soul, the focus of Hear Me is an intentional reflection on how it feels to be an artist keen to put their art before anything else.

“I’ve really tried to focus the EP onto the songs rather than anything else,” confirms Forman when we catch up. “I wanted to release a body of work which talked about my journey from the very start to where I’d like to be at the end. I keep journals and vision boards and so even though I can’t say for definite where I will be with this EP and what comes after it, I’m sure of where I’d like to be.”

Forman’s career path so far has taken her to some interesting places, from viral TikTok videos to earning somewhat unexpected acclaim singing in public spaces (including supermarkets!). Recent support from Youth Music’s NextGen Fund has focused her attention on what she does best: singing and songwriting.

Taken over some deeply emotive ideas and themes – “I’m inspired by singers who bring authenticity and their personal experiences to their songs and I’m trying to do the same,” she admits – Hear Me is a poppy, soulful set of songs taking clear inspiration from artists like Adele and soul singers like Sam Smith. 

We all need each other and we all need good music with strong messages. I just hope I can add to that

Recent single Follow Me Down To The River is an upbeat, jazzy track which stands out on an EP where the vocals, rather than any production, are pushed to the front and centre of the art. “I really wanted to make my singing the main focus across the EP. The production pushes my vocals and lyrics to the front of the mix in a combination that really tries to push everything to the back, apart from the stories. I really find personal connections are the most important and interesting aspect of songwriting and everything else – like what you wear, or what shape you are – is a distraction and totally unimportant.”

Piano-driven Pinch Of Salt, with its 1990’s style gentle R&B flavour and soaring unfiltered vocals reflects a different style for Forman, and another aspect of her diverse EP sound. “I tend to start most songs on a piano, which I enjoy as it helps focus on the song, the melody and the feel.  There’s various transitions the song then passes through as it works into production, so it’s interesting to hear where the songs go and where they end.”

Taking to a couple of different venues for the launch of Hear Me, including a show at Newcastle’s Globe on Thursday 12^th December, Forman’s focus is currently moving from the recording process to the performance stage. “To be honest, I can’t wait for the EP to be out there and to get on stage and perform the songs. These songs are about where I am now and what I’ve been through to get here. Every day has something to look forward to, and I want to take that energy and play the type of music that I enjoy and that I think moves people. We all need each other and we all need good music with strong messages. I just hope I can add to that.” 

Charlotte Forman releases Hear Me on 15^th November.