Chloe Charles is gearing up for “THE most important show” of her musical career—the Canadian release of her album Break the Balance. That’s saying a lot, considering that she’s played over 300 shows in the span of a few years. Plus, she’s already released the 12-track album in Germany.
“It was so easy to do it [in Europe],” said Charles – “I felt like European culture understood my music a little bit more [than North American culture]. It’s less pop and a little bit more willing to take risks. But it’s funny because I find in Canada that if people somewhere else think you’re good, Canada’s a little more receptive to what you’re doing.”
Well, Canada – it’s your turn to listen.
Break the Balance is a mesmerizing showcase of Charles’ prowess as a singer, songwriter, lyricist and guitarist. The album stretches across genres, from chamber, to folk to soul and pop, while somehow always evading a distinct category – it’s definitely a risk worth taking.
Teaming with lush guitar riffs and haunting soundscapes, the balance is tipped between the dreamy and the eerie.
“I like things to sound a little mysterious,” explains Charles. “I love the sound of sneaking in strings or whispers—things that aren’t as common in pop music.”
Chanting, echoes and breathing are just a few of the other effects Charles uses to amp up the mystery. Yet, even with the atmospheric foreboding, it’s the lyrics that create the real intrigue. Charles laces her songs with lessons she’s learned and love stories without happy endings.
“Most of everything [I write] is through experience for me. I feel like I’m two people: one of me is the one who’s living the life, and the other one is observing it. I always try to learn from my shitty experiences,” said Charles. “Even the worst experiences can be positive if you look at them, or take them and learn something from them.”
Her classical guitar playing and steady strings keep the focus on the ebb and flow of her words. She has such strong control over her voice, but there’s a gentleness that always persists.
Break the Balance is the kind of album that allows you to get away from the noise of life, demanding only stillness in return.
Catch Chloe Charles at the Revival on Feb. 13 for the release of Break the Balance.
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