Photo Courtesy of Linda Kadiri
Written by: Oliver Heffron
Only a few releases in, it’s already clear UK R&B singer Nellie Charles has a rare combination of a spectacular voice and an affecting way with words. Combining an assertive, charismatic lyrical voice with a velvety smooth instrumental on her debut single “BO$$,” Charles infuses the core of classic 70s soul with the complications of the modern age, taking the listener through tribulating romances and breakthroughs of self-discovery.
Taking the time to catch up with Nuance as she prepares her debut EP, Nellie Charles discusses her musical background, creative influences, and personal approach to R&B.
Growing up on the outskirts of Manchester, Nellie Charles felt like an outsider. “I never really fit-in.” Raised in a musically inclined family, she remembers singing and instruments being her first outlet for self-expression: “I’ve always been in love with singing from as young as I can remember, I used to sing without knowing I was singing…From a young age, like at 9 I would tell everyone I was going to be a singer but I started pushing myself to do it myself from 16.”
While Charles has always been drawn to the art form, she had to teach herself how to make music properly, starting with the piano: “I would watch videos of any song I wanted to play and try to learn the basics so I could sing along. I’ve always had a good ear for music, but I did have to learn to do it myself.”
Discussing which artist inspires her sound and approach to R&B the most, Charles shares an affinity for both underappreciated trendsetters and icons: “I’d say Summer Walker with how she writes and what she writes about. I would also say Amy Winehouse. I’ve just always looked up to her voice from a young age and loved the attitude in her sound.”
Photo Courtesy of Linda Kadiri
Nellie Charles’ latest release, “BO$$,” also serving as the lead single for her upcoming debut EP, is a vibrant, empowering statement about self-worth wrapped in magnetic soul melodies over a laid-back beat. Traveling down to London to meet the track’s producer, Dizzy, Charles says the two hit it off during the recording process that resulted in BO$$: “I really enjoyed working with him. I can be shy at first, but he made me feel comfortable and I still work with him now… I’m trying to not just work by myself and try to work with other producers so I can get an opinion face to face and a bit of a push to go out of my comfort zone, so currently I’m doing that with Dizzy.”
On the inspiration for the BO$$, Charles explains how “Most of my music is written from my own experiences and I feel like that makes my music more relatable, so with ‘BO$$’, I just wanted to make it honest and as real as possible…’ BO$$’ is about knowing your worth and getting what you give in a relationship. It’s also about setting boundaries and standards for yourself because you’re the boss.” Asked what she hopes listeners take away from the track, she says, “I hope they listen and feel like the boss in their own lives.”
Discussing her writing process, Charles describes how she takes an emotionally intuitive and spontaneous approach: “I like to freestyle mainly to find a melody and see if I have any thoughts on the top of my head, then I’ll touch it up after. I feel like over thinking things can sometimes ruin it, so I just let myself get into my feels, and see what comes out.” She also accredits her longtime producer, Blouqe, for helping define her vocals’ polished, silky finish. Charles explains, “Even if I’m not with him, he always knows what I want and how I want to sound, which is perfect for me.”
Thinking about her debut EP, due to drop this summer, Nellie Charles shares what excited her about the project: “I like how it’s a series of emotions and how it shows the different phases of a relationship break down and the healing process that comes with it–whether it is sad, mad or happy, I’m really happy with it and I hope other people enjoy listening to it. And I’m very excited for what’s to come.”