Written by: Cameron Gustin
Pearl Charles, otherwise known as the modern embodiment of the wave of fluorescent 70’s female artists, returned to the music world this past week with the release of her second album, Magic Mirror. With vocal patterns following the likes of Norah Jones, Fleetwood Mac inspired instrumentals, and deeply rooted Carole King-like lyrics, Magic Mirror is the glistening, psychedelic blues-rock album this generation didn’t know it needed. Alongside the introspective album, Charles also released a music video for the starter track on the record, “Only For Tonight.” The video features 70’s disco-inspired visuals containing a frilly wardrobe complimented by fruitful, glowing colors.
Photo Credits: Moises
Charles has been creating music since the age of 5 and joined her first country duo at 18 called The Driftwood Singers. These country experiences have carried over to her solo work in a cosmic sense, as listeners divulge into the sounds from lap steel guitars and twangy keys. After the country duo ran their course, she joined a rock band as a drummer. Her multifaceted skill set then evolved in a way that caused her to pursue her own songwriting, which led to her debut EP. Magic Mirror is her second studio album.
1. What are some of the earliest records you remember listening to? Do any of these influence your music today?
Growing up my mom listened to a lot of singer/songwriters, anyone from John Prine to Leonard Cohen, while my Dad showed me bands like The Beatles, as well as Bob Dylan and Frank Zappa. The first album I ever bought was Eagles Greatest Hits. I’d say just about all of those artists and their sounds/songwriting styles still influence me strongly to this day!
2. The main message you'd like listeners to receive from your work?
I know that listening to music has made me feel less alone in the world, so I write about my personal experiences hoping that I might able to do that for someone out there who needs to find a friend in song.
3. How do you define success in regards to your music?
I just know I’d love to be able to share my music with as many people as possible and hopefully be able to make a positive impact in someone’s life, the way that other musicians have done for me.
4. What is one experience from your career that has impacted you the most?
I’ve been extremely lucky to get to tour the world and share the stage with some of my idols from the LA music scene (Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, and The Heartbreakers, Jeff Lynne) so I count those two things as some of my greatest moments as both a musician and a music fan.
5. Favorite experience while creating this album?
Not gonna lie to you, my favorite experience was probably the day that we dropped acid and recorded the basic tracks of three of the songs on the record, one of those tunes got cut, but I wonder if you can guess which the other two are? ;)
Photo Credit: Dana Trippe