Charleesa, a soulful English electro-pop artist, eloquently delivers emotive lyrics with layered edgy harmonics riding upon synth waves. Her evocative and often provocative narratives are empowering & brazenly unconventional. Creating Folk Jazz songs before transitioning to Pop music, her new sound spins onto the dance floor as a bold fusion of storytellers memoirs with mesmeric vibes.
Composing on a Boss RC-505 mk11 Loop Station, she draws influences from Aurora, Dub FX, Sahida Apsara & Florence Welch. Fans who love Electronica, Synth-pop and Dance music are delighted by songs similar to Lady Gaga, Ladyhawke & Lamb.
The brand new single ‘Bright Light’ is out now. Further tracks from the collection are set to emerge this year.
Charleesa’s world has reverberated with music since she was enveloped by rhythm in early childhood. Home life; though variable was constantly resonant with an eclectic array of audio gems. Her creative spark ignited with her very first hit, "Banging on the Floor with a Hammer," a precursor to the catchy creations, later affectionately dubbed as "ohr wurms," or earworms.
Music always was, and still is, a tradition. Her grandfather, a multi-instrumentalist Jazz musician, was best known for his skills on the double bass. He toured England & Europe with his band, performing underneath the Eiffel Tower and playing with British Clarinetist Acker Bilk. Her grandmother adores Elvis Presley, 50s classics, and musical theatre. One aunt was an ardent Glam Rock fan & avid 80s Pop follower, another a dancing queen. Her mother, Jacqueline, a singer, writer, and Holistic healer, was Charleesa's greatest supporter, boosting her confidence to sing whenever opportunities arose. She once joined her on stage for support, switching off her microphone so that her daughters was the only voice to hear. Several of Jacqueline's poems were published and continue to be encompassed into Charleesa's songs. Sound creation strings the family together, she enjoys singing with musician/singer-songwriter cousins and her young son, in English and German.
Growing up in the 80s/90s, at a time when the British Pop & club scenes were exploding, Charleesa was influenced by the music of the generation. She learnt to sing like artists she admired and often tuned into The UK Chart Show, BBC TVs Top of the Pops & MTV. At age 14, she got a standing ovation for her own song.
Throughout her 20s she composed striking songs, embracing the abundant creative freedom she experienced from her life in Southern England & travelling around Asia. In the beginning, she sang covers songs only acapella, sending bustling rooms into astounded stillness with her smooth sultry vocals. High praise encouraged her to introduce original material, enchanting audiences with profoundly poignant text and a unique ability to sing completely unaccompanied.
She became lead vocalist of The Bloozy Toonz, composing a jazzy number 'LMTD Dreaming' whilst picking Apples in Kent. She bought the whimsical tale about India, to life with guitarist and composer, Guy Fitz, upon her return to England. They recorded an alternative version, making an EP of the singles plus an 'in action' video from a converted caravan in 2013.
Her inspiring song 'Keep Climbing' was made in Goa and after receiving a free download, a fellow adventurer successfully ascended the summit of a mountain; motivated by the strengthening lyrics. This gave Charleesa new insights into how her art affected people. Called by the sound of music, she relocated to Austria where she now lives, composes & performs. She found a studio where she reworked her most empowering songs into Pop singles, aiming to reach wider audiences.
What was once a need for expression, developed into a fierce urge to pursue life-long dreams and fulfil her true purpose.
While Charleesa explored various musical styles, she discovered her niche within the realm of electronic music when she joined forces with DJ/producer Andreas Weisz to craft electrifying pop songs in his home studio.
‘I delved into the sounds of electronica in the late 2000s, and it felt like the most natural place for my musical expression, far more so than the traditional approach of crafting songs with musicians or within a band setting. It was an obvious progression for a confessed groove addict. I love special effects and 360° directional changes when I’m listening to or making music. When using Moogs, polyphonic keyboards & drum machines to highlight the foundation, there’s an interesting scope for stepping out of the box to form a distinctive pulse.’
Charleesa has hosted Live Sessions, and appeared on Brighton’s underground radio & supported local artists in Hove. She's performed at Goa’s Anjuna Flea market, Tunnel and the Eden Bar in Vienna, and her singles played on Austria’s online radio stations KronehitYAM & KronehitLOVE, and in America on Women Of Substance, A.V.A Live Radio, Indie 101.5FM, Jamz 95.3FM & Fluent Radio Chicago. She's been featured in Medium, British Invasion, Viennese GOT & Nepaliprint.
Her first Pop single In Sunland was released in May 2017 going straight into the iTunes charts. Things to smile about was released in July 2018. The release of Powerhouse caused a storm with its 70s disco-style in December 2018.
The musical journey soared as she flew to Ibiza, singing for friends at their wedding in October 2018 & performing at Radio City, Valencia in 2019. Climbing, the Pop version came out onto online platforms in 2020.
In August 2023, the first electro-pop single Out Of Here, arrived with an official music video. The launch was celebrated with a unique premiere in the vibrant heart of Vienna. The Non-Functional Harmony Remix came out in October.
Charleesa loves diversity and has created numerous variations of her songs in multiple genres. They've been remixed by House music producers & sampled in Trance tracks, these collaborations enable her to explore new arenas with influential messages and continue to add new dimensions to her sound.
“A beautifully singer! I've been blessed to listen live to her amazing voice which I feel is hands down one of the best. She's making her dreams come true & sharing powerful love through her music in a humble way. The world will be lucky to experience her sound the way I have. Keep shining SiStar” - Amanda Baldwin
“Charleesa's a storyteller & a dynamic performer. She's a cross-over artist who experiments with her vocal styles in every song, conveying messages with compelling strength” - Slinky