She’s destined for big things. Read the exclusive interview with newly signed singer/songwriter Charlotte O’Conner.

Duffy, Adele, Wino, step aside : Charlotte O’Conner has arrived.

Currrently touted as the next big British success, the half-English-half-Malawian 17-year old from Blackburn has recently signed a record deal with Columbia Records ( home to artists such as Aerosmith, Beyoncé, and Newtown Faulkner).

Although she only started playing the guitar and writing music several years back, it was almost a decade ago the singer/songwriter realised she had a talent for music as she recalls,”When I was about 6, I watched Wayne’s World with my sisters and there is a bit when they are all in the car and Bohemian Rhapsody comes on, and as soon as I heard that song I was obsessed, so I watched that bit over and over again until I learnt the song. Then one day – when I had my routine polished after hours of rehearsing – I mimed the whole song infront of my mum and dad, and I think that’s when I realized, I liked performing.”

It should come as no surprise then, that the she cites Queen as one of her musical influences alongside John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Lauryn Hill, Alicia and Willy Mason. On her varied list of musical influences she says,”From since I can remember there has always been music playing in the house ranging from blues, classical, soul, country…and from having that drummed into me, think that has affected the way I write.”

Similar to her musical heroes, Charlotte has created a sound like no other. Her voice is richly soulful and sweet. Listens to her uptempo songs reveal the lilting vibrancy and youthful vigour of her vocals, whilst her ballads demonstrate a musical maturity beyond her years. Her lyrics are poignant and in each performance the singer gives, her conveyed and heartfelt emotion (you can almost feel the heartache of regretfully losing a lover in ‘Just Like You Love Me Again’) is guaranteed to draw each listener in, a remarkable thing really, when you consider most of her songs haven’t actually been based on her own experiences. “I used to write my songs on my older sisters heartaches and break ups – which they weren’t impressed with at all – because I’m too young to write songs about love and stuff, but as I’m getting older my songs are coming from my own experiences, my friends’ sticky situations and childhood memories.”

As for now Charlotte is working on her debut album alongside noted luminaries such as Sasha Skarbek ( co-wrote James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”, Jason Mraz) and Dan Gautreau (Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keys, George Michael). Of the recording experience she says,” I’m writing a lot and working with different faces and still learning so much, but it’s all piecing together and I’m absoltuly loving it.”

When asked what the rest of the year holds for her, Charlotte is enthusiastic.”Hopefully a reaaaaaaaallllly good time.”

One can’t help but imagine things are about to get a lot more exciting for her.

www.myspace.com/charlottesoul

www.twitter.com/charlotteoc

Changing the sound of folk music forever, Oldwick are a band with a great musical vision and style. Read below to find out what singer/songwriter of the band Lyla Foy had to say about them.

‘It’s the next generation of folk.’ Lyla Foy’s statement is as bold and as refreshing as her music. From the deliberate and heart-wrenching ‘Father Lock The Door’ to the upbeat and amusing ‘Dylan’, a listen to Oldwick’s Myspace page reveals the range and breadth of her and her band’s musical talents.

It’s difficult to describe Oldwick’s music without attempting to create a new phrase or word that sums it up best. However, the singer/songwriter is on point when it comes to how she would describe their sound. ‘…it’s hard to cut an original sound, but like any genre, you push the boundaries until you have something unique. I guess that makes it post-folk. Coined!’

It would seem that music has always been important to Foy. Alongside her band members they all share a love of the music of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Doors to name a few, whilst Foy’s personal tastes include Emilliana Torrini and Wallis Bird.

On how she became interested in music she says, ‘I’ve never been able to get away from it. My dad had an Ella Fitzgerald tape playing in the hospital room when I was born, but when a much adored older companion bought me The Who for my tenth birthday, I got into rock n’ roll.’

In addition to being a talented vocalist, Foy is also a gifted instrumentalist.. ‘Cazoo’s are great because they are an instrument but it’s essentially just your own voice.’ However, the singer admits that her favourite instrument is the guitar.’It still hurts my fingers to play for long periods of time, and I like that. I never want to be so good that my fingers stop hurting or I know all there is to know.’

Due for release this spring, Oldwick’s new album ‘Silent’ is a departure from the current record, ‘Insects and Apples’ which she summarises as ‘a collection of great pop songs chucked together.’

With the new album there is a greater sense of cohesion between the songs, as though the threads of a story are being sewn together. ‘…it stays on the same few themes and explores them until it almost gets boring. If it’s not as instantly exciting then that’s ok, ‘cause it’s in real time, as it were.’

Produced and arranged by Foy and her band, ‘Silent Be’ is an authentic and uninhibited collection of songs, enhanced by the creative freedom given to the band and Foy. ‘It made the album reflect how we are as a live band, rather than being a version of our songs with someone else’s vision. Working with producers is wonderful and eye-opening, but not what this album is about. Most songs are about stuff we’ve experienced on our own and although I write the lyrics, we all have our own very particular sound and style which, given some time, results in something good.’

So what does inspire Foy to write music? ‘The need to write poetry, and putting it to music is the only way I want people to hear it. I think a song is more powerful than a piece of prose because you can almost taste the emotion.’

Oldwick’s distinctive style lends itself to a new type of country music and if any genre of music was designed with poetry in mind, it’s country. Speaking on the popularity of it as a vehicle for storytelling, Foy says it’s down to the simplicity of the melody. ‘It’s generally a softer sound, so it’s easier to make out the lyrics’

Given the singer’s dulcet voice and the cleverly implemented band instrumentals, it’s almost impossible not to be moved by Oldwick’s music. With plans to continue touring and bettering what already makes for great musical performance, the band are poised for even greater success this year.

In addition to her great musical talent, it is Foy’s beckoning message to fans that is sure to inspire and excite listeners the world over. She speaks the words of the unafraid and pioneering. If there’s one thing you will take away from listening to her music, it’s the following: ‘Do try this at home.’

www.myspace.com/oldwick

www.lylafoy.com

Hailing from Arizona , USA , The Maine formed in 2007 after bass player Garret and drummer Pat’s old band broke up. Through Pat’s elder brother, lead vocalist John was added to the line-up, and Kennedy (guitars and vocals) joined the band replacing a member, as did Jared (guitars). The band’s fresh pop-punk sound quickly garnered them many fans, so much so that they played their first live show to a crowd of 600 fans, among them record label scouts. Soon after the band signed onto indie label Fearless Records (Mayday Parade, Sugarcult, Plain White T’s).

The July 2008 release of the band’s debut album ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ has been the cause of much of the online frenzy surrounding the band. With frequent plays of their music online, and their tracks appearing on hit MTV show ‘The Hills’ and the trailer for upcoming Lindsay Lohan movie ‘Labor Pains,’ The Maine continue to draw fans from all corners of the earth with their infectious, 90′s alternative influenced sound. The album is a collection of irresistibly catchy tunes about girls, heartbreak, love and everything in-between. It’s sincere enough to be relatable and guaranteed to brighten up those dark and dreary winter months. ‘It’s a party through and through’ Kennedy says of the record. ‘The main message is to stay positive.’

Underlying the upbeat message of The Maine’s music is a real sense of unity within the band. The song-writing process allows the chemistry between the band members to be channelled in creative form. ‘ John does a majority of the writing; he will come to the band with an idea, usually a chorus. Jared then will work with John to structure the song, then the band will all put our two cents in to make the song complete.’

Asked when they know that a song is to be given “the OK.” Kennedy responds, ‘Generally, everything clicks. We all have very similar views on our sound and songs flow pretty smoothly through us.’

The band also show off their fun side in the recently shot ‘Everything I Ask For’ video, which shows the guys messing about with some female models in what appears to be the backstage of a pageant catwalk show. ‘We had a lot of fun with this video, I think it really shows some of our sen

Whilst the band utilize the net to communicate with fans globally, playing live is what they relish the most. ‘Its a chance to show kids that you really can play your songs, and hopefully give them something far more exciting than just listening to the album in their bedrooms.’

Live performances also give the band a chance to communicate with fans face-to-face, as they did when they ventured over to the UK in autumn last year for some shows. On the subject on how fans either side of the Atlantic compare, Kennedy replies, ‘The fans are similar. I think that if anything they are a little more excited, just because they don’t get to see us every month or so.’

Although they have accomplished much in their two years together, The Maine refuse to rest on their laurels. With plans to tour this year, the band is continuing to build on the success they have achieved by communicating with current fans, and reaching out to new listeners. One thing’s for sure, if The Maine have made as great an impact in such a short time, then there’s no limit to what they can achieve in 2009 and beyond – keep your eyes and ears peeled for these guys.
www.myspace.com/themaine

www.bebo.com/themaine