Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I came from a musical household. My father is an enormous music enthusiast, and his rock n roll cover band echoed through our home every weekend. I was delighted by the sounds of the Beatles, Van Morrison and other classic rock icons. At the age of 4, I was given my first guitar and started learning to play. I developed a taste for singing through choir and belting out my favourite songs in my bedroom. I really hit my stride in grade 9 when I attended guitar class in school and started taking private lessons. It was the 90s, and Nirvana was topping the charts. Kurt Cobain led me toward songwriting, and I found it a cathartic outlet for my teen angst. I decided to study voice so I could perform my songs for others, and when I convinced my younger brother to pick up the bass and my childhood friend to learn the drums, I had my very first band. From that point on, I have always had a group or a musical project in the midst. Creating and performing is in my bloodstream, and being an artist is part of my identity. It’s undeniable.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Charlie Knight”?
A: Hurry up; Christmas is Charlie Knight’s first release. I set out to write, perform and produce an original Christmas song that stands the test of time. A song with all the nostalgia and warmness of the classic Christmas song era but with a modern vibe. A song that brings young and old together in perfect harmony. So many great artists have all the resources and talent to write wonderful original Christmas music, but they always turn to revisions of old standards. I want to inspire a revolution where the end game is a fresh catalogue of Christmas ditties for future generations while still remaining relevant to a wide demographic of music listeners. The inception of this song has invoked a sort of pop-crooner persona in me, and I plan to see where this journey takes me as I release more music in a similar vein. I have reached out to the radio stations regarding Hurry Up Christmas, and a few have indulged me and will add the song to their holiday playlist. I am grateful for that and want to give a shout-out to anyone who helps support independent artists. The song officially drops on Dec 15th on all music outlets, which is my birthday and up to that point, I plan to record some live videos and teaser videos to promote the release, which will be posted on all my socials. I think listeners will find this song fun, catchy, fresh, yet classic.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Tough question! I admire so many, but if I had to choose, I would say “Harry Styles.” I love how he is himself, no matter what, and he doesn’t fall into the canned pop persona. He has broken new ground in pop music and fashion, both significant passions of mine. He’s just the coolest! Lol. Inspiration can come in different forms. Sometimes, it’s a tune that pops into your head, a clever or introspective string of words you say or hear, or a catchy riff or chord progression. One little idea grows gradually until you have something you are proud of. My favourite aspect of being an artist is seeing those ideas get legs and become something you can share with the world. Charlie Puth said it’s like a puzzle; you add pieces and help them fit together. He’s right, and that’s why it’s so fun and gratifying to create. Inspiration aside, songwriting, like anything, takes practice. Whether you are inspired or not, keep doing it because you never know what will evolve and what will catch on. Ed Sheeran writes a song every day, he says most of them are crap but when he goes into the studio to cut a record he is spoiled for choice. Professional athletes play their game every day; it should be the same with songwriting. Do the work, play the game. Put in your 10,000 hours. You will only get better.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Hurry up Christmas.”?
A: I actually had different lyrics for this song, but the melody wasn’t strong enough, so I rewrote them. I played the song in my car and started singing gibberish, almost freestyling. A technique I learned from Ryan Tedder. I started thinking about Christmas and how there is so much bottled excitement. It’s a big lead-up where you add to the daily excitement by stringing lights, putting gifts under the tree, etc. The anticipation, especially for the little ones, is almost too much. Considering that there really hasn’t been a holiday song that captures the emotion behind that anticipation and excitement as we all count down to the big day! “Hurry up, Christmas.” The hook! I pictured busy shopping malls with this song emanating through the speakers, putting everyone in the mood. Once I had the premise from the hook, the story fell into place.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Fun!
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Hurry up Christmas”?
A: Just time! We started recording later than expected to ensure I could release the song around the holidays. We had a week to record and a week to mix while juggling a busy schedule. We made it! Also, my female vocalist cancelled due to illness on the day of the backup vocal session. I had a friend fill in who is the mom of one of the young girls on the song. That girl is my daughter’s friend who wanted to tag along to the studio with my girls. I figured the more, the merrier! Pun intended! I had heard my friend sing at some karaoke parties, and she could carry a tune, so I figured why not as I was in a bind. She crushed it!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I’m not sure I have a universal message. I don’t take myself that seriously. Every song is different and carries its
own message in a way. I guess my overall goal is to put out music that people will enjoy listening to, and I would like to get to a place where I can make and perform music full-time.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Paul McCartney. I grew up listening to the Beatles, and I think he is an absolute musical genius
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Develop thick skin! When you put art out in the world, you will be scrutinized. You will also hear the word No many times over. It is essential to rise above the naysayers and keep doing your thing. Do it for yourself? If you are not having fun, what’s the point? Keep at it! Even the Beatles and U2 were denied. I would also advise you to be realistic. The music industry has changed with the inception of the digital age, and as such, every artist is competing to be heard and noticed, including independent artists competing against world-class record label artists. If your music isn’t on par with the top-selling artists, you will be hard-pressed to get attention; production and songwriting are critical to a great product. Don’t skimp on this part of the process. Your song is your business card.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Make the necessary sacrifices to live your dream. No excuses. Go all in!