CHARLIE LANE

Since your last release, how have you evolved both musically and as an artist? Can you share any memorable moments or achievements from your recent work, especially while preparing for the debut album ‘I’m OK Now, But I Wasn’t’?

Well, Dance with You was a month ago, but you know I’ve learnt a lot in a month! I did PR independently with that track, which was hectic and way too tiring haha, but I made some great new friends and networks. But it did make me realise, I am really capable of a lot as a woman, an artist and a musician. 

Prior to this album, I was just in a completely different space mentally due to life circumstances, so I honestly don’t think I was able to really grow musically. I definitely wasn’t able to network properly.  

Memorable moments for me would have to be getting members from Halo Gospel ensemble into Headgap Studios to sing on two of the tracks. To have a choir on your debut album is pretty special. They sound amazing too. 

‘I Hate Me’ delves into deep emotional themes. Can you share the personal experiences and emotions that inspired the lyrics of this song?

When I first came together with Lyra Caltabiano to write the chord progression to ‘I Hate Me’ roughly five to six years ago, I was still in quite a deep, dark, depressive state. I suffered from PTSD for a long time and you’ll most likely figure out why in this track and throughout the album. That's why, ultimately four of the tracks off the album were never completed until I met up with Adam Heath again. I was just a good mess for a few years. This song in particular, but the whole album too, is a reflection of that person I was and the things that happened in my life that almost completely broke me as a human. 

"I Hate Me" is an utter self loathing song, reminiscing on specifics from my childhood. It’s a sorry song to my mother, my brother, my friends, even my ex partners who I knew I really hurt along the way as a person with mental ill health. ‘I Hate Me’ is about that feeling you have when you unintentionally hurt people you love. So, although it’s about my childhood and adulthood, I do hope people can relate. 

How does 'I Hate Me' reflect the overall sound and ethos of your upcoming album ‘I’m OK Now, But I Wasn’t’? Does it mark any significant shifts in your musical direction or thematic focus compared to your previous work?

Musically, ‘I Hate Me’ is probably the one track off the album that goes from Indie Pop to a more punk sound. I wanted a huge dynamic change in this song. In quite a bit of this album, including ‘I Hate Me’ you are going to hear a juxtaposition in the darker lyrical content vs happier/ major sounding musical elements. I wanted it to reflect my coping mechanisms and emotions. This track in particular I’m stepping into punkier, rockier waters, so it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it. I’ve always been an eclectic artist, so I think people can expect a little bit of a rollercoaster. 

What were some of the challenges and highlights during the production of ‘I Hate Me’ and the album? Were there any particular moments in the studio with Rohan Sforcina or other collaborators that stand out to you?

‘I Hate Me’ was just a really fun track to explore with Adam from the get go.  It has a very different structure to the rest of my tracks on the album, so we had to play with dynamics and vocal effects a bit. The amount of mixing notes we sent Rohan pre to the album being finished too, well let's say there were a few. Sorry Rohan.

In all honesty, the challenge came when production was finished. Adam and I had planned to release the first single in early to mid 2023, however I became really ill with my third hit of Covid which turned into long Covid and now have a condition called POTs. I had to postpone till March of 2024, which, after lockdowns, working so hard on the album was a bit of a blow. However, it also gave me a break to get sorted and plan ahead a bit. 

Beyond musical influences, are there any non-musical influences that have shaped your approach to creating ‘I’m OK Now, But I Wasn’t’?

Well I think when I was writing, my mental ill health at the time, now hearing all of it and listening to the lyrics of each song, has absolutely been a huge influence on the album whether I like it or not.

I also find influences for rhythms, sounds and melodies a lot from trams, just listening to the ground or noises from outside. I sometimes start taking notes on my phone or record what I hear. 

You've worked with some impressive musicians and producers on this album. In your circle of musical friends and collaborators, who are two artists you believe are on the cusp of achieving great things, and what makes them stand out to you? 

Adam Heath. I feel he is already achieving amazing things. But I really think in terms of producing, he is just truly gifted and so humble.

A person who is also doing absolutely amazing things and created the beautiful synth parts on the album is Jasmine Johnston. Her band Jeane is phenomenal. Jazz also produces. You should check out “Emotional Baby”.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or milestones you hope to achieve by the end of 2024? Are there any collaborations, live shows, or new projects you're particularly excited about exploring?

Currently, November-December I’m planning a mini regional tour with a possible Sydney show in there too. All with some help from the lovely Alysia from Good Bookings. Massive milestone for the band and I, as we haven’t traveled interstate together before.