Exclusive: 5 Minutes with Charlotte Cardin

Charlotte Cardin might be Montreal’s best vocal gift to the world currently. The talented singer has been dropping lyric-driven tracks with a soothing voice that hits the soul deeply. She’s gearing up for some massive things, but she managed to spare 5 minutes with us for our segment.

Hi! I’m good ! I’m flying out from Europe today, we played two shows in london and one in Paris this week. It was so much fun!

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
My sound is a mix of pop-jazzy-trap. I like the idea of combining classic timeless sounds with super modern and edgy twists.

Can you the name albums and artists that have influenced you the most?

In rainbows – Radiohead
Dummy – Portishead
Either / Or – Elliott Smith
All Celine Dion albums

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Kendrick Lamar’s “To pimp a butterfly” is absolutely insane. I’ve been listening to it ever since I saw him perform at Osheaga last year. He was amazing onstage and all the songs are excellent.
I also listen to Alt-J a lot. I like how unique their sound is and they have beautiful harmonies, which I really dig.
I also have been discovering Kurt Vile’s music and love his style.

What would we find under the category of “Guilty pleasures” in your music collection?

NSYNC, Spice Girls. I know all the words 😉

Where do you gather song writing inspiration?

Mostly in feelings. I usually write after highs or lows and try to reproduce certain emotions I have felt when I write.

What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?

I think playing at Notting Hill Arts Club in London (five days ago hahah) was the most intense/fun gig I’ve had. There was such a cool aura at that venue and the crowd was very receptive. And it was also our fist show outside of Quebec, so that was also super special for us.

And the worst?

I’ve been lucky enough not to have absolutely terrible gigs so far, but a few years ago I was opening for a friend and literaly forgot the words to ALL the songs I was singing. It had never happened before. So I just hummed a lot and then cried when I got off stage.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

A few years ago I wanted to be a doctor and was in school in the goal of becoming one. So I guess family doctor?

Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?

Playing Coachella would be insane. And I would also really love to play Metropolis in Montréal. Some of the best shows I have seen were there and since Montreal is my hometown it would be extra special.

If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?

Snoop Dogg or Radiohead.

Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I’m very excited to be playing Osheaga this summer. It’s a festival I’ve been attending myself for a few years and it’s a great place to discover new artists. I’ll also be playing Shows all over Quebec and a few outside the country (all dates are on my fan page and website). We also just finished recording the album and we’re planning on releasing a bunch of new songs in the upcoming months 🙂