Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Charlotte Clark

Singer-songwriter and keyboardist Charlotte Clark has left us in complete disarray with her impressive new single. As a member of Harry Styles’ band, Charlotte has performed around the world in iconic venues and shows like Madison Square Garden and Saturday Night Live.

But she’s stepping out on her own as a solo artist with the release of “Disarray,” a song that explores both the human condition and love.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Charlotte to chat about this exciting new chapter in her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Charlotte: I grew up going to WOMAD Festival every year where my parents were exposing us to every genre of music from every corner of the world. It was a combination of that and living in a house full of instruments—and my dad’s stellar record collection—that my passion for music just naturally came about.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Charlotte: Back to the last question, definitely my parents. They just introduced us to such good music from Neil Young and Carole King to Fela Kuti and Chic to Nirvana and Nick Cave. I never really realized how lucky I was to have that kind of childhood until I grew up and realized that I wouldn’t be making the music I do without having this knowledge of music that they taught me and my sisters.

PC: You’ve had tremendous success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Charlotte: Ah thanks. Success is such a personal thing, I think. I find most of my success in writing songs I love where I’ve managed to articulate something well. In terms of a moment, I got to play Hammersmith Apollo about a year ago, which was genuinely something I never thought would happen. I saw people watching and seeming to enjoy it, which is a bit of a “holy shit” moment.

PC: You’re a member of Harry Styles’ band. What have you learned from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
Charlotte: Harry is so inspiring to watch and learn from as a performer, and his energy on stage is contagious. Watching someone let go and fully immerse themselves in a performance like that is one of the best things to see, and I’d love to be able to apply that to performing my own stuff. That and that drinking water is so important.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Disarray.” What inspired the song?
Charlotte: “Disarray” is about the end of a relationship when both of you clearly know it’s already dead but you’re kind of in denial and trying to salvage it. I’m sure everyone that’s gone through a breakup knows exactly what I’m talking about, so yeah, it’s about that.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Charlotte: N.E.R.D. I don’t know if that’s surprising? N.E.R.D has such good tunes.

PC: First album you bought?
Charlotte: All Saints’ self-titled album

PC: First concert you attended?
Charlotte: WOMAD Festival in 1997.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Charlotte: Jeff Buckley’s Grace. The first song I heard off of this album was “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” and it was the first time I listened to the lyrics and realized how powerful words can be in songs. I could genuinely talk about this album forever, and I played it on repeat for years. That album influenced my writing more than I probably realize. It’s a perfect record.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Charlotte: I’d love to play Glastonbury. Textbook answer, but that would be a big moment.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Charlotte: A good book and Listerine strips. They’ve become my obsession since going to America.

To keep up with Charlotte, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Disarray” today.