Featured in American Songwriter: Daily Discovery:
Nuela Charles Wants You To Stand Up For Your Own Worth
“I started writing music when I was a teenager living in the Bahamas,” Nuela Charles told American Songwriter. “It was during the rise of Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, etc. Seeing all of these women who were writing and playing their own instruments really inspired me.”
While it’s easy for the legacy of acts like Lavigne, Branch and Carlton to be overshadowed by the impact of some of their contemporaries like, say, Birtney Spears, the story of Nuela Charles is a testament to just how enduring the influence of those singer-songwriters was for folks all over the world. Twenty years after that scene blossomed, Charles is keeping their spirit alive with a unique R&B twist, augmented by her signature style. On April 29, she put out her newest single, “Nerve,” a groovy, string-clad number demonstrating the adhesion to authenticity those early 2000s stars inspired all those years ago.
“When I write songs, I want them to be universal and relatable, but also stay true to myself and my experiences,” Charles explained. “I like taking bad situations and turning them into positive or empowering moments. ‘Nerve’ points to a failed relationship and the impact that that person had on you. Sometimes they leave you as a better person, but in this case, you came to a realization that you didn’t like who you became. You also don’t like the fact that now that it’s over, they’re crawling back for a second chance, as if nothing happened. Ultimately, you’re better off and stronger for it. Stand up for your own worth.”
A lot of songs these days tout an “empowering message,” but with the way the minor chord progression turns around with a IV7 into a ♭VII—especially with the James Bond-esque strings carrying the change—the inspiring nature of “Nerve” is just as palpable musically as it is lyrically. For her part, Charles thanks her collaborators for helping her bring this vision to life. Originally written with Don Mills (Juice WRLD, Giveon, Snoh Aalegra), Laura Welsh and James Thomas, she brought the track to Ryan Worsley for all the finishing touches.
“Writing for me is such an expression of who I am and collaboration is such a key part to that,” she explained. “For me, it’s really important that I can relate to what I’m saying, and that I ask myself ‘Is this true to who I am, and what I want to be about?’ With ‘Nerve,’ it was a process of bringing my perspective to a song that I was drawn to already. I also have a deep love for the James Bond soundtrack and tend to lean in that dramatic direction, even if only a little. So, when I enlisted the help of Ryan Worsley, he was able to take this song to its finished state. Knowing I’m a big James Bond fan, he was able to add in those dramatic strings in the last choruses, and just brought it all together in such a great way.”
Coming alongside a new EP—entitled Beautiful Madness, also released on April 30—”Nerve” carries the legacy of the past two decades along with it, honoring the authentic artists who’ve been beating the drum. Yet, at the same time, it’s an exciting encapsulation of everything Charles has to offer, and to that end, is a great peek at even more good music that’s yet to come.
See full article: https://americansongwriter.com/daily-discovery-nuela-charles-wants-you-to-stand-up-for-your-own-worth/
NEW "BLISSFUL MADNESS" EP - OUT NOW
Blissful Madness is a musical snapshot that was started before the pandemic, but was finished, thankfully, well into the lock down. I wanted to tell the story of all of the emotions one can feel in 24 hrs. Whether it be, sassy and strong, to loving and endearing, or don’t try me, testy vibes – it’s all the feels wrapped up in 3 songs. This EP is more soulful sonically and allowed me to experiment vocally as I discovered new textures and tones in my voice.
OUT NOW - https://ffm.to/blissfulmadness.owe
Official Music Video "SPACE"
This video was definitely a creative project for me! I filmed this in my apartment on my iPhone with 1 light and a projector. Enjoy!!
WARNING: Contains rapid flashing images. Viewers discretion is advised.
Directed by Nuela Charles
Filmed in Apartment by Nuela Charles
Lighting by Nuela Charles
Assisted Filming by Tafari Anthony
Edited by Nuela Charles
Colorist By Brock Davis Mitchell
Text me +1-310-340-2647
Listen in Advance
If you didn't know, I have a Community Phone Number that allows me to connect with you beautiful people on a more personal level.
So in honour of my new single coming out on Friday - if you would like to hear it in advance, text me at +1-310-340-2647 and I'll send you a link that self-destructs on Thursday at Midnight.
You can say you heard it before anyone else :)
"MELT " Makes Edmonton Music Prize Long List
The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) and Alberta Music, in collaboration with the Edmonton Arts Council, are pleased to announce the 2020 Edmonton Film Prize Short List & Edmonton Music Prize Long List.
This is the ninth year that the Edmonton Music Prize has been offered, and it awards $12,000 in prize money to Edmonton-based musicians or musical collectives who have released a full-length recording in the past 18 months. The award is sponsored by the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council and administered by Alberta Music.
Alberta Music assembled a jury of industry professionals, who reviewed the 27 nominations that were submitted and selected from among them a long list of 10 artists. From this list, the jury will be selecting the 3 finalists who will receive prize money and be recognized by the Edmonton music community. In addition to the primary assessment of the musical component, the jury also takes into consideration how the artists have made a unique contribution to the city. The top 3 finalists will be announced on March 22nd and the winner will be announced virtually on March 22nd fromThe Starlite Room and broadcast on Alberta Music’s Facebook page.
Edmonton Music Prize jury member noted that, “After a year of next to no concerts, it was a joy to meet virtually to select this year’s short list. Discussions were spirited – we were impressed by the vibrancy and vision of Edmonton’s artists.”
Edmonton Arts Council Executive Director, Sanjay Shahani says “This year’s nominees demonstrate the rich diversity of form, genre and style of Edmonton’s music and film communities. All the nominees show great dedication to their artistic practice during a time of uncertainty and disruption and this list captures the creativity, resilience, and innovation present in their works – they are a source of inspiration and hope for us – and continue to demonstrate the positive impact of the arts on our city. The scope and scale of works created by these shortlisted artists are helping to build an Edmonton that is a vibrant hub for extraordinary creation and reputation.”
The first place winner will take home $10,000, and two runner-up prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. The three finalists will be announced virtually on March 22nd.
This year’s Edmonton Music Prize Long List, (in alphabetical order) are:
Bad Buddy
Beppie
Farhad Khosravi
Joe Nolan
Lucette
Lyra Brown
Mac MillOn
Marlaena Moore
Nuela Charles
100 mile house
"SPACE" AirPods Pre-Save Contest
Hello!
It’s been a minute but I’m so excited to announce my PRE-SAVE contest where I’ll be giving away one pair of Apple AirPods to a lucky winner.
This contest starts today and ends on March 19th with the release of my new single Space.
All you have to do is, PRE-SAVE my new single on Apple Music or Spotify by clicking this link https://ffm.to/space-nc.owe . Make sure to go all the way through to the end of the process and submit your email address because that is how we will be selecting a winner.
The winner will be announced on Instagram Live on March 19th, 2021 at 1PM EST.
If you have already PRE-SAVED prior to today and aren’t sure if you’re email registered, just send me a message and I can double check for you.
This is the least I could do for all of your support, and I’m happy to share in the joy of releasing new music.
Lots of love,
NUELA
OFFICIAL RULES: Email address must be submitted to qualify. Not affiliated with Apple Trademark. Winner will be announced on March 19th at 1PM EST. Contest open worldwide.
New Single "SPACE" Coming March 19, 2021
Excited to announce the release of my next single “Space” on March 19, 2021.
