I used to write these things in the third person, as if I could pretend I had a whole team of media moguls helping me promote my songs. It took a little while before I realised that the most important image I could ever show people was my heart, and so I have given up on trying to pretend anything that isn't true.
When I was 14 and I started writing songs, I decided I'd better learn to play the guitar to accompany myself because I didn't think anyone would want to play my songs. Seven years, dozens of songs, and three bands later, I'm constantly astounded that not only will people listen to my music online or on the radio, but will actually pay money to buy the album and see me and the band perform live! I've been privileged enough to play with some great musicians, and I'm sure I will continue to do so.
I recorded my debut album in 2007 with my fiance Hans whose first band was a metal band, who yet manages to play my folk-rock songs with soul and creativity, and Vince Waide, who has this incredible ability to play beautiful melodies on the bass and yet remain solid and grooving. We recorded the path unclear with a man named Robbie Duncan, who has an incredible musical ear, awesome gear, and 20 years of experience. He's also a very gentle and nurturing person and we were lucky to work with him. We had a cellist, a violinist, and three different guitarists also add their parts, as well as my Mum, who travelled up to sing a song with me which she had written when I was a kid.
In the summer of 07/08 Hans and I toured NZ with Dana Orrock-Binnington, the bass player from my old band Qarousel (Vince couldn't come, as he has an actual job with obligations). Travelling the country with my fiance and one of my best friends, playing music in all sorts of different places to all sorts of different people was pretty great. I'd like to tour again once I have enough money to buy a bus and convert it to vege oil.
In February, my friend Joe Ryan joined us on guitar, which was really exciting, and took some of the pressure of me being the sole guitarist! We've played some really great shows, but sadly, as I write this, Hans and I are preparing to move to Auckland, and I have to leave Vince and Joe behind.
I hope to be able to travel the world and make music with some more amazing people. It's everything I am. Sometimes I hate staying up late to play music to drunken people who don't know me from the barstool, dealing with selfish publicans and disinterested media, and the feeling that I am trying to do so much on my own. But the word is starting to get out, and every day I do this less and less on my own.
If you've read all this, I thank you for taking the minutes to be interested, and I hope you enjoy the music you've been listening to on this page. I'd love it if you buy my album, details of how to do so below. But if not, I'd love it if you were just my friend.
Love, Charlette
2 June 2008, Wellington, New Zealand