Joelle Charan – Closer

By starrymag | November 6, 2023

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) What have been the musical influences that you consider that inspired you to shape your musical concept so far? 

 

A) So far, my musical influences have been Laura Mvula, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Daniel Lanois, Shreya Ghoshal, Katie Melua and Sarah McLachlan.

 

Q) I would like to say that listening to your music is a pleasant and oneiric ride that might as well be labeled as a whole new genre which brings me to my first question. How do you manage to put together all of these majestic sounds and deep lyrics?

 

A) In the past few years, I absorbed many different sounds, from the jazz I heard in New York nightclubs to the classical Indian instruments resonating from my roots to the magnificent orchestras echoing through European concert halls. I try blending all these seemingly rigid instruments I hear in my songs. By doing so, I hope to delight listeners by showing the beauty of unexpected combinations, such as mixing the Eastern sitar with the Western harp.

My lyrics are mostly inspired by nature, poetry, paintings and memories. I’m particularly fond of Shakespeare, Yeats and Romantic poetry, with poets such as Blake, Wordsworth, Keats and Lord Byron. I bring depth and layers into my lyrics, searching for exciting metaphors and double meanings. Also, I recall romantic scenes from paintings and places I’ve been in my lyrics.

 

Q) The mix of orchestral sounds along with your soft and angelical voice make “Forgive Me” an astounding piece that definitely transported me to a cinematic moment while I was listening to it. What could you share with us about the process you followed to create this beautiful song?

 

A) “Forgive Me” was co-produced in London with John Reynolds (Sinéad O’Connor, Brian Eno, U2, Damien Dempsey). I wrote the song in New York, a long way from home in the aftermath of an argument, seeking forgiveness. I also arranged, recorded and produced it on my own. The verses have a smooth jazz feel and the choruses are layered with vocal and instrumental harmonies, leaning towards a new and more experimental direction with an outro provided by French horns.

The French horns voice how lonely I felt in New York with their mellow, soft lines. They also portray the old-world elegance in modern Manhattan that I saw around me while walking down the rainy avenue that inspired “Forgive Me.” The outro for solo French horns was influenced by Laura Mvula’s “Father Father” as performed on her 2014 album with the Metropole Orchestra. The high piano and celesta depict human fragileness, while the backing vocals resemble a church choir. I chose acoustic rather than electronic instruments because their sound felt rawer and closer to the song’s core emotions. Finally, the vocals hold back for a long time until I cry out about halfway. This felt similar to holding back a strong emotion as long as possible, until crying out at last.

 

Q) You have mentioned that “Forgive Me” was inspired due to a particular moment in your life alongside the emotions you were experiencing back then. What emotions do you experience when you perform it in terms of the emotions that inspired it the first time?

 

A) When I sing, I recollect memories and experiences whose emotions match the song. Every time I perform “Forgive Me,” feelings of tender love and guilt linger.

 

Q) The release of “Forgive Me” as the first single of your album Closer has created some high expectations about what’s to come. What made you decide this had to be the opening act for the album?

 

A) The overarching theme of my forthcoming debut album Closer is my coming-of-age story. It is a recollection of all the memories and struggles I have gotten past that have transformed me from the girl I was to the young woman I am today. The album has two acts, mirroring the two phases of my coming-of-age story. “Forgive Me” is the first song on the album, because overcoming the loneliness I felt living in New York was crucial for my growth.

 

Q) What can you tease about the themes you’ll be exploring on Closer?

 

A) The album has two acts, mirroring the two phases of my coming-of-age story. In terms of instrumentation, I wanted as many of my favorite Indian and orchestral sounds as possible on this album. “Forgive Me” illuminates the beauty of the French horn.

 

Q) With the debut of your first EP back in 2020 called Ashira came a series of singles released year after year. What did it take for you to put together a whole new album like Closer?

 

A) It took me a couple of years to compose an entire new album. I didn’t want to rush any of the songs, so I refrained from setting deadlines. I gave every bit of my imagination, time and effort to the music and lyrics you hear on Closer, hoping each song would become the best version of itself.

 

Q) How would you define the experience of partnering with John Reynolds in the adventure of creating a new album?

 

A) Collaborating with John taught me a lot. I felt honoured to work with him, as he had worked with the likes of U2, Brian Eno, Damien Rice and the late Sinéad O’Connor. He is a true master of sound yet will never impose his taste on the songs. He always remained humble about what the music needed, which made going down the creative process together a wonderful experience.

 

Q) Are there any special collaborations on Closer that you believe we should be looking forward to?

 

A) I don’t do any collaborations on Closer except the co-production with John.

 

Q) What was the part that you enjoyed the most in the process of bringing Closer to life?

 

A) What I enjoyed the most was the collaboration with John and the days and nights I spent in the studio with the musicians and engineers. Seeing and hearing them bring my musical imagination to life. To be surrounded by music, color and sound all day long was a dream come true.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners of Closer – either emotionally or as an overall message?

 

A) The coming album, Closer, is a carefully curated collection of songs grounded in a message of forgiveness and empowerment against hate and injustice. Just as I fuse ancient East and modern West in my sound to honor my own truth, I hope to offer a cathartic experience to those who listen to my lyrics, encouraging love and acceptance for yourself and others.

 

Q) It is known that as of this month and until the first quarter of 2024 you have some tour dates booked in the UK and The Netherlands, how do you prepare for a live experience of this magnitude?

 

A) I book transportation a year in advance and start rehearsing the setlist months before the performances. As I sing and play the piano simultaneously, there’s always a double to prepare!

 

Q) What message would you like to send to your fans and supporters out there?

 

A) I’m very thankful to all my fans out there for their unconditional love and support, to those who have followed my work up until now. My fans really mean the world to me. I love engaging with supporters; I look forward to seeing them at my live shows, talking to them and reading their comments online. The greatest thing is to make people happy and touch their lives. That’s the reason I make music.