Charlotte Jones - Interview

1. Please tell us a bit of background on yourself.

My name is Charley. I am a vocalist and vocal coach from the South of England. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and it’s in the last couple of years I decided to venture down the route of teaching.

 

2. How long have you been singing metal music?

I started singing Rock songs in my parent’s covers band many years ago (when I was a young teenager). From there my taste grew and got somewhat heavier! I have been dabbling with metal and more extreme vocals for about 10 years now.

 

3. How did you come to work with the band Secreum?

Sonny (the lead vocalist) and myself have been together for a number of years now, so I guess it’s only natural that we share a passion for music. My old band, Winter’s Edge, ceased back in 2018 and my vocals didn’t get as much of an airing as they used to. Sonny kindly asked if I would do a song for Secreum just to get me back in the game and keep my pipes working! Since then, I have sung for them on guest spots, plus done their graphic artwork for their various releases and helped them whenever they have needed an extra pair of hands (and lungs)!

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4. What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

Music is the universal way of being able to express your feelings and fears in a positive and controlled way. It brings people together and makes others aware they are never alone. Music gives people the drive to pick up an instrument and pour their hearts out into art. It’s therapy.

 

5. What bands inspire you? Ooof! That’s a tough one! There is definitely a long list! I’ll narrow it down to a few: Arch Enemy, Devin Townsend, Nightwish, HEAT, Iron Maiden, Amaranthe, Kissin’ Dynamite, Orden Ogan… that’s a few! My taste can be quite eclectic within the genre, from cheesy 80’s rock to more extreme bands.

 

6. Who is your idol?

I have a couple of musical idols. One being Angela Gossow (ex-Arch Enemy). I went to see Arch Enemy when I was 18 years old and I was blown away! I guess that’s where the passion for extreme vocals started! (Thanks Angela)! Another idol is Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. I wanna still be running and jumping around on stage performing the music I love when I am older! He’s a very talented chap! One more idol I feel I ought to mention is my Dad! Without him, I would never have become the musical person I am today. My love of music was inspired by him. He was a rock star!

 

7. What is the best gig you have been to and why?

I don’t have a best one. I have lots of amazing gigs for sure! I guess Nightwish are one of my favourites to catch live. They always put on an amazing show! I also love seeing friend’s bands play in small venues!

 

8. What song do you feel you connect with the most and why?

Again, I don’t think I could narrow it down to one song. I have a list of songs that hold a special place for sure!

 

9. Do you think that more women would attend gigs if they had a ‘safe space’, away from the mosh pits on the dancefloors?

I see plenty of women these days at concerts, although it would be nice to know there is somewhere anyone can retreat to if it gets too rowdy! Gigs can be crazy and intense at the best of times, but that’s part of the experience.

 

10. Do you feel you get frowned upon for being a woman in this genre as it's a very male based style? Not at all. The opposite! Women in metal is not really a new thing so much these days, so it’s rare (certainly here in the UK and in Europe) that it would be frowned upon I think. I have been fortunate to have nothing but compliments. I’m sure there are places in the world where it may not be as accepted so I count myself lucky.

 

11. What changes have you seen in male attitudes towards you (as in female artists), if any?

I have been lucky to have nothing but compliments. I don’t consider myself to be a frontwoman that wears not much on stage (mainly because I don’t think I could get away with it, HAH). I dress up, but I won’t show loads of cleavage, leg, etc. That’s not entirely what it’s about for me. It’s true that sex sells though. I know from experience in previous bands that “female fronted” can attract a bigger crowd. It really doesn’t bother me though. I’m flattered if anything.

 

12. Have you got any words of encouragement for other young female artists wanting to do the same style?

Do it! Enjoy it! Have fun with it!