We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlotte Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Charlotte thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am not saying the life of an artist is easy, especially when it is your main source of income or only income. What I’ve learned over the years is that I needed to diversify my skills within my music career. I started as an opera singer, went to college and earned that degree so I could teach one day if I ever needed to fall back on that. Then after college, I moved to LA and got signed to RCA records and never looked back, however I found ways to use my training in opera to help aid the longevity in my voice. I always taught myself to write songs during this period. I was already a piano player so over the years aside from being a recording touring singer songwriter making albums and playing shows I began to write for other singers, learn production and engineering in my own studio, became a session pianist and singer for other artists, which eventually led to having my own label on Universal Records at one point. Later I used all these experiences to launch my music school SLA (Support Living Artists Music School/Group). I now teach pianists, singers, songwriters as well as produce and write my own material, and produce/write with and for other artists! I know Im doing my passion. It’s insane amounts of work and sometimes unpredictable but because I didnt give up, I became an expert in vocals, composition and performance. Now I pour my experience and knowledge into others. Truly a full circle moment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have only been a musician since 4. Lol. When my parents learned I could play Bach by ear at 3, and then could match pitch, I began performing locally and then started seriously studying voice and piano (opera) at the age of 7 and never looked back.

Im the founder of Multilevel singing, the first vocal method for the contemporary virtuoso based in Bel Canto Opera. In my experience, classical singing is the only training a singer needs regardless of the genre or style of singing.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Please support living artists, if you are tempted to use AI, then seek out an artist or teacher that can help you beat it or learn to sing, write yourself. The magical part is in the learning and the process, and AI takes that away from humans with the click of a few prompts, prompts do not make a human a musician.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Hands down, the music and connection with the people Im making it with, performing it for, and going into my right brain to work, where I think that is my connection to God.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlottemartinmusic.com
• Instagram: charmarmusic
• Facebook: charmarmusic
• Twitter: charmarmusic
• Youtube: charlottemartinmusic
• Soundcloud: charmarmusic
• Other: https://charlottemartin.bandcamp.com

Image Credits

Emily Rehm
Roger Lurie
Erin Russell