If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing Charlotte Sands and everything her music has to offer, now’s the time to dive in headfirst. The emerging artist has just released her debut album, can we start over?, an opus built on self-discovery and embracing the uncharted, new beginnings in life. With themes ranging from redefining relationships and personal growth, this ten-track masterpiece serves as an empowering rallying cry for anyone on the brink of transformative change.
As the euphoria of her debut release settles in, Charlotte caught up exclusively with idobi Radio to share her top 5 female artists who have inspired and empowered her throughout her artistic journey. Check out the musicians who influenced her during her formative years and continue to in her career today.
Bonnie Raitt
This always comes as a shock to people when I talk about Bonnie Raitt being my biggest inspiration, especially with the kind of music I make. She was life-changing for me as a young girl and continues to be. She was one of the first artists I ever listened to, and I clearly remember having what felt like a spiritual awakening when I first heard her song “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Her storytelling is heartbreaking and so incredibly honest that you can’t help but feel as if her lyrics are your own thoughts in your own mind.
I was lucky enough to have parents who loved her just as much as I did growing up, and my mom took me to her show at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA when I was about 11 years old. She sang with James Taylor (another favorite of mine), and I remember watching her and thinking, “I want to do that. I want to make people feel like this.”
Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette introduced me to rock music and to the concept of unapologetically speaking your mind. When I listened to her music I felt powerful and in control of my words and my mind and my body. She made me feel like the only thing standing in between me and being successful as an artist was telling my truth, even if it made people a little uncomfortable. Jagged Little Pill will forever be one of the most influential albums on me and my music.
“Ironic” was the first song I ever sang at an open mic night. (I’m pretty sure the video is still on YouTube somewhere if anyone feels like blackmailing me with it). Even at that age when I didn’t fully understand the lyrics, the sentiment, or the weight of the story, I knew what emotion I was supposed to portray. I copied certain inflections and mannerisms in her voice to try and get those feelings across. Her music is so timeless, and I don’t think there will be a day that I don’t reference one of her songs, her artistry, or her work ethic.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani changed my life with her song “Don’t Speak.” I still have the scratched-up CD that I would play over and over again in my room, singing every word and trying (and failing) to look and sound as cool as she does. She is undeniably iconic in my mind. The way she dresses, the way she sings, and the fact that she wrote so many of her biggest songs at the age of 16. She introduced me to a kind of music I hadn’t heard anywhere else, and it inspired me to find other artists and create songs outside of my comfort zone. When I think of Gwen Stefani, I think of an overpowering confidence and someone who is in complete control of the spaces she’s in. I’ve always watched in awe of the energy she exudes and is forever inspired by her.
Michelle Branch
Michelle Branch was one of the first artists to truly change my life. I first discovered her through her band, The Wreckers, and would perform “Leave The Pieces” at every family function throughout my entire childhood. Their other songs, “Stand Still, Look Pretty” and “The Good Kind,” were constantly on repeat and were one of the biggest influences in me moving to Nashville at 18.
When I found her solo music, I immediately started to learn guitar and play along to every single one of her songs. The melodies in her music are still some of the best I’ve ever heard, so simple but still completely captivating and catchy. She opened my eyes to the possibility of making music that felt deep and emotional while also being upbeat and energetic. I fell in love with the idea of writing sad songs that felt sonically happy, and I’m still constantly experimenting with that. “Everywhere” and “Breathe” will forever be some of my favorite songs to ever exist.
P!nk
P!nk has inspired me in too many ways to count. She has always seemed so fearless as a musician but also as a woman in the music industry. She’s one of those people that you know is in charge of everything: the show, the music, the creative direction, and everything in between. P!nk has always been someone who takes risks and puts herself out there, forever being fully herself. I respect her so much as a person and as an artist for being so constant in her character and in her choices. There are very few people who would be able to put on a show like she does and has been doing for so many years now. “Just Like A Pill,” “Who Knew,” and so many others hold a very special place in my heart.