How long and what got you into making music?
I’ve been writing for years and years. Initially it was stories then poems and since I’d been learning instruments all throughout my childhood like the keys, guitar, self-taught the ukulele during covid haha, I eventually merged the hobbies to write music. In terms of producing and releasing music, i moved to london three years ago for uni where I am studying a music course and is where i evidently met my producer ‘QTorra’. Prior working with him I released a few collaborative projects and then finally honed into my own sound, and we’ve (being me and Q) been making music ever since.
Are you a solo artist?
Yes, i am, as much as I’ve done a lot of collaborative work and there was talk about me being in a group with previous collaborations, I’m glad I stuck to solo. I find I have way more creative freedom that way, but each to their own.
Why the name CHRLI?
So my actual name is Charli, spelt like charli xcx but seeing as I always wanted to incorporate ‘ALL CAP’s/capitals’ to my brand (C.A.P are my initials- so playing on the fact that my music is ‘all mine’) a friend actually suggested the name and seeing as ‘R’ makes an AR sound and I was kinda running out of time seeing as I was releasing a collaborative EP and needed a name fast I just went with it, and honestly I’m so glad cos i really like it now, though people call me Chrli which is fair 😭
With the track April what inspired you and what were you thinking about when writing/producing it?
This alongside another track I’m releasing in the next few months came to me so quickly. This song was done in one and a bit of a session with Q- we just really fancied doing something new. I tend to not really know what I’m writing about till I read it back- just tend to let my subconscious take over, if I think too much I freeze. It’s about a once fleeting relationship that ended kinda badly and I’ve now reconciled my feelings about it all with this song; I’ve definitely healed. It was written in April hence the name, as well as a slight reference to the turn of phrase ‘april showers’; allowing nature to take its course and let it inevitably wash away with the rain.
What other artists inspire you?
Sooo many it’s hard to really pin it to a few but I listen to A lot but who I’m rotating a lot atmo is hiatus kaiyote Kendrick Lamar and anything psychedelic rock/soul (Khruangbin, Ocean Valley)
Are there any upcoming gigs?
I’ve got some in the works but no confirmed dates unfortunately but I will keep anyone interested posted on my insta … stay tuned!