Chloe Charles

Five Canadian Acts to Watch: Artists Breaking Across Borders” - Billboard Magazine

[Chloe Charles] sings unique and colourful songwriter – pop songs with an introverted beauty of surprising clarity. - Rolling Stone

Une “pop-folk planate, fraiche, bourree de surprises” - A Nous Paris

“Chloe Charles sort de la nuit comme une guerriere qui pratiquerait le love combat” - France Inter

“Des melodies pop qui se lovent dans les oreilles des la premiere ecoute” - Glamour

“un nouveau talent qui se joue des etiquettes” - Femme Actuelle

“Meet Chloe Charles, Toronto’s next big singer-songwriter.” - Globe and Mail

“…[Chloe's folk songs are] multi-faceted jewels“ - Elle

“Judging by the strength of her debut record, Chloe Charles is well positioned to break through the noise [with] Break The Balance…a collection of orchestral and jazz-touched folk pop songs with a healthy dose of experimentation—at its core is Chloe’s classical guitar prowess which led Guitar World Magazine to name her one of the top 10 female guitarists you should know– and Then, then there’s her Voice, an instrument unto itself, and one that bends effortlessly to demonstrate strength intimacy, excitement…“[Chloe’s] going to be one of those people we get to know in the coming years in Canada and beyond!” - Q With Jian Gomeshi

“…[Chloe’s] vocal and guitar talents are undeniable… her charisma and skills guarantee that we’ll be hearing a lot more about her soon. “ - Now Magazine

With the power of her voice and her stories the Lennon stepsister is breaking the balance of our accepted customs. She’s not searching for the quiet middle. She is focusing on the unventured edge. Chloe Charles is a brilliant singer, guitarist and songwriter. - Jazz Thing

“…magical, deftly arranged” - Globe & Mail

The biggest revelation of the night was vocalist Chloe Charles, who was a standout on these two tracks. - Mechanical Forrest

“a smouldering session of magic soul by Chloe Charles and her accompanying 5-piece band” - TORONTO IS AWESOME, MINDBENDER

“Compared to the likes of Portishead, Bjork and Feist, this type of music and genius is still a rare form and we should all be excited if given the chance to listen to it live. Charle’s voice floats effortlessly above the amazing string performances of her band with a otherworldly transcendence that at times seems to have a deliciously manipulative quality if one does not pay attention to the lyrics.” - JUXTAPOSITION APE

“In a time when musicians increasingly aim at “genrelization” (the ability to be easily categorized into a specific music genre), Charles is bucking the trend. With an undefined sound that borrows from all genres, she is allowing her fans to connect with different musical experiences on each track.” - Sway Magazine

Backed by an eerie mix of violin, cello and sparse percussion, it’s the perfect canvas for Charles’ gorgeous voice and intensely plucked classical guitar. - Guitar World

“Her ongoing accomplishments as an indie artist are reverberating throughout the industry, and the same can be said about her music.” - American Federation of Musicians

It’s that time again! Here is my list of the best EP’s and 7?s from the year that was 2010. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order (according to an artist’s last name, where applicable). Whenever possible, I’ve linked to a review that’s been written on this website, so feel free to revisit the recent past to refresh your memories.

Best EPs, 10?s, and 7?s of 2010
Chloe Charles – Little Green Bud EP
Class Actress – Journal Of Ardency EP
Dirty Projectors – Ascending Melody 7?
Dirty Projectors and Bjork – Mount Wittenberg Orca
Girls – Broken Dreams Club EP
Grandfather Child – Waiting For You / Dog Water 7?
The Holy Mess – Benefit Sesh 7?
Junior Battles – Junior Battles 7?
Maker – I-91 7?
The Manichean – Whispers EP
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Say No To Love 7? - Dryvetyme Onlyne

For those who like: Alicia Keys, Ani Difranco

Take an R&B spirit and lay it atop a folk foundation and you'll get the unique combination provided by this buzz-worthy Toronto musician. - T.O. Snobs Music

Chloe Charles – Little Green Bud
Posted by Lauren Festa | October 15th, 2010

Those eyes. That voice. Chloe Charles makes it difficult not to fall in love with her.
Meet Chloe Charles, whose name in Greek actually translates to the title of her debut EP, Little Green Bud. Born in 1985, the Toronto native, whose rare beauty comes from her Canadian/Trinidadian background, picked up the classical guitar and, without any formal training, carved for herself a special niche in the music industry. Her sweet, soft voice is a juxtaposition to her painful, emotional songwriting, that makes you want to smile and cry all at once. Backed up by her ever-changing ensemble, including, but not limited to: cello, electric bass, and violins. And always, of course, Chloe’s acoustic guitar, that comes to life as she fingers the strings in only a way that Chloe Charles can.
Chloe recently finished a successful European tour. We were able to catch up with the mesmerizing Chloe Charles, in between her European and North American tour, to discuss love, inspiration and Fry boots.
Who/what inspires you?
People and emotions, relationships and nature. I am a pretty extreme person, totally happy and excited, super energized or dead. I am very sensitive. I feel a lot and my music is greatly inspired by strong feelings of beauty, sadness, confusion, anger – always extremely intense, occasionally funny little experiences.

Photo by Alina Vorobeychik.
Tell us about your EP release of Little Green Bud.
It was a great show, amazing turnout. I couldn’t have asked for more. The energy of the crowd was so high and that made my energy on stage increase drastically. I always feel more at home in front of a full crowd. A reciprocal flow fills the room. Sacred Balance, the other band I sing and write for is incredible. The musicians are ridiculously talented and beautiful people. We’re like a big family. My good friends always give me chills and rile up a crowd. On top of that, Ed the sock and Liana were hilarious and so sweet to be part of the evening.
Where did the name Little Green Bud come from? Our imaginations are swirling…
Well Little Green Bud is actually the Greek definition for my name, Chloe. I found it very fitting because this EP is like a little bud, and there is so much to come from this project, to blossom in the future. It was the beginning for me of something long lasting, but something that needs nurturing and support.

Photo by Marc Schlichman
How does collaborating with other artists help you, musically?
It inspires me. Some of the most important aspects of music for me are the relationships and connections made with other artists. There are so many ideas that would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for the joining of minds. When I collaborate with other musicians, my passion is renewed and I get so excited to create. Other musicians do what I do not or perhaps cannot and with their influence I grow as a musician as well. When playing with others, I get goosebumps hearing my songs reinterpreted and often get a little giddy until I become desensitized. Anyone who has rehearsed with me knows that silly fact.

Photo by Alina Vorobeychik
Best experience, career wise.
My best experiences are whenever I prove to myself that I can accomplish something that was before daunting. I guess my most recent would be touring Europe. I didn’t know where to start but i did and it was so successful.

Photo by Alina Vorobeychik.
Worst experience, career wise.
Worst experience, which was more hilarious than bad, was about a week ago when my songs were aired on a certain radio station ( I will not say which one) and somehow they had been sped up so much that I sounded like a chipmunk but not enough for it to be obvious. I was furious but also couldn’t stop laughing.

Best place you’ve ever visited?
Italy! This summer I toured there with another singer songwriter Aly Tadros, and we were exhausted from 1 1/2 months trekking around Europe with bags on our backs, trying to navigate our way around on buses trains and planes. When we arrived in Italy we were treated like princesses! For this part of the tour we had an amazing booker on board so did not have to worry about much for the first time. We stayed with him and his family in a refurbished farm house, had a whole studio to ourselves, were fed delicious wines, espresso and food constantly, slept, partied, then stayed on the Lago Magora where we went sailing. All the while we were pretty pampered. We played amazingly organized shows, met incredible people on top of that and had the honour to collaborate with Davide Santi, an incredible violinist who at times plays with Andrea Boccelli.

Photo by Alina Vorobeychick.
Worst place you’ve ever visited?
That is an incredibly hard question. I haven’t actually had any bad experiences traveling thus far. However, I was a little creeped out when I was in Texas playing at a venue in a small - Contra - Ideas, People, Culture

I can’t tell whether it’s the Canadian’s delicately soulful voice or the eerie, wintry arrangements, but there is something deliciously creepy, yet so very enticing, about the music of Chloe Charles. Lying somewhere between the work of Etta James, Erykah Badu, Tori Amos, and Joanna Newsom, the Little Green Bud EP runs the gamut of folk influences, ranging from Laurel Canyon school to that of the chamber and freak varieties. Charles’ lilting, rich alto is striking and powerful, so its sets the tone for these five songs early, and carries the project quite easily upon its large, strong back.

The record takes its instrumental cues from the work of Clogs and Lewis And Clarke: violins and cellos make for fine dancing partners, plinking pianos and acoustic guitar fills toy with each other, the bass creates space for itself with runs that are both fluid and languid in pacing, while the drums and percussion assert themselves (but only just so). But it all bows to Charles with great deference whenever her voice comes to the fore – it’s overtly ghostly at first, but that quality only serves to draw you into its depth of character and resonance.

It’s as if the middle sibling of St. Vincent and My Brightest Diamond decided to extract herself from the wall where she’s been planted and announce that she too can make music. “Soon On A Snowflake,” “Progression,” and “Salamander Red” are beautiful tracks that call to mind someone walking along the path of a great forest watching the trees lose their luscious fall colors as the grey of winter approaches. The lyrics are romantic in tone and laden with nature metaphors, but are neither schmaltzy nor hippie-dippy. Chloe Charles and her Little Green Bud wrap up the listener in a big, warm blanket, reminding you that, despite the dark, blustery weather outside, everything is more than OK inside the house.

–
My Wife Says: I like this. I really, really like this.

- Dryvetyme Onlyne

I can’t tell whether it’s the Canadian’s delicately soulful voice or the eerie, wintry arrangements, but there is something deliciously creepy, yet so very enticing, about the music of Chloe Charles. Lying somewhere between the work of Etta James, Erykah Badu, Tori Amos, and Joanna Newsom, the Little Green Bud EP runs the gamut of folk influences, ranging from Laurel Canyon school to that of the chamber and freak varieties. Charles’ lilting, rich alto is striking and powerful, so its sets the tone for these five songs early, and carries the project quite easily upon its large, strong back.

The record takes its instrumental cues from the work of Clogs and Lewis And Clarke: violins and cellos make for fine dancing partners, plinking pianos and acoustic guitar fills toy with each other, the bass creates space for itself with runs that are both fluid and languid in pacing, while the drums and percussion assert themselves (but only just so). But it all bows to Charles with great deference whenever her voice comes to the fore – it’s overtly ghostly at first, but that quality only serves to draw you into its depth of character and resonance.

It’s as if the middle sibling of St. Vincent and My Brightest Diamond decided to extract herself from the wall where she’s been planted and announce that she too can make music. “Soon On A Snowflake,” “Progression,” and “Salamander Red” are beautiful tracks that call to mind someone walking along the path of a great forest watching the trees lose their luscious fall colors as the grey of winter approaches. The lyrics are romantic in tone and laden with nature metaphors, but are neither schmaltzy nor hippie-dippy. Chloe Charles and her Little Green Bud wrap up the listener in a big, warm blanket, reminding you that, despite the dark, blustery weather outside, everything is more than OK inside the house.

–
My Wife Says: I like this. I really, really like this.

- Dryvetyme Onlyne

Chloe Charles’ voice defies categorization—she sounds like several iconic female vocalists ranging in diversity from Beth Gibbons, Sade and even Joni Mitchell—and is absolutely riveting. The five songs comprising this EP could best be described as “chamber pop,” as Charles plays a classical guitar and there are violins and violas and even glockenspiel, and yet modern enough to entrance, with some subtle programming here and there. There was no press sheet with this EP and I still don’t know where she came from—and more importantly, why she isn’t signed to a label yet—but hers is a major new talent. All five tracks are consistently fantastic and I found myself listening to them over and over again. Lyrically, I was reminded of the intelligence of Suzanne Vega—and especially her eponymous debut’s lyrics of cold, winter and cracking—but her vocals defy a solid comparison to any specific artist. The absolutely gorgeous “Soon On A Snowflake” is like a lullaby captured inside a snow globe and “Progression” and “Water” are equally lovely. The EP’s closing track, “Salamander Red,” is perhaps that most pop-friendly tune here, and where Charles’ voice sounds its freest. This is a fantastic introduction to a talent we’ll hopefully be hearing a lot more of in the future. –Dean O Hillis
- Slug Magazine

Chloe Charles breaks in this CD with a subtle beginning that is down played to bring her voice into great perspective. This CD is a great combination of Folk, Soul and Classical inspiration. To me her voice is very reminiscent of Joan Armstrading whom I feel is a great comparison to. There are so many ethnic influences with in the dynamics of her songs. This album was both interesting in that one didn’t know what the next song musically would bring and finding out what backgrounds influenced Ms. Charles album. Chloe Charles has a great future and it will not be long before we find her in the polling for the next “Best New Female Artist”. - Da Belly Magazine

It’s a wintry Saturday, one of those “waiting room of the world” days in February, the cold is dragging on, the trees are shivering in their barrenness, the skies are grey. Or perhaps it’s nearing fall, and there’s a whispering amongst the trees that they are going to start throwing their leaves at random. You’re planning to re-grout the tiles in the bathroom. Or try your hand at abstract expressionism. Whichever the case, it’s a great day to put on Chloe Charles’s new ep, Little Green Bud.
Chloe herself seems like a little green bud on the tree of singer/songwriters firmly rooted in the tradition of gals like (you guessed it) her fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading; the perennial whose branches include modern acts like Kat Jones and former Illinoisemaker Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond. Orchestral maneuvers mingled with new wave-ish tempos and pitch-perfect vocals combine to create a soundtrack worthy of rumination or experimental modern dance.
The songs flow in seamless fashion; there isn’t much profundity in her lyricism, more like musings out of a personal journal, or recorded one-sided conversations, but there is satisfaction in their entire composition. “The Heavens” and “Soon on a Snowflake” present a mystical frame for the jazzy-fairy-tale-like-utterly enchanting voice of Charles, who conveys her every feeling with each note. The frenzied action of “Progression,” a tumultuous dialogue about a relationship in a bad place, switches things up a bit with digital, symphonic undertones. “The Water” hearkens Mitchell’s “The Last Time I Saw Richard,” both in moodiness and vocal range. A cello and some shakers provide the backdrop for the upbeat “Salamander Red” (you’ve taken a stroll to the park on this same Saturday, the clouds have broken for a bit of blue sky); things end on a cheerful note:
“take back what you had
Replay me your past
And sail away.”
With songs progressing from pretty to pretty intense, Chloe Charles is coming atcha and won’t settle for being just background music. Rich, layered and colorful, Little Green Bud seems like a unique bloom on the burgeoning tree of female singer/songwriters in the forest of Indie Pop-dom. Somewhere, probably, Joni is smiling, and Billie Holiday rests secure her work was not in vain.
–Holly Etchison, September 27, 2010 - The Blue Indian - Georgia's Indie Music Hub

Growing up in an artistic family - with ties to musical royalty - downtown Toronto resident Chloe Charles seemed almost fated to one day release her own album.
Charles' mother played classical guitar and sang while her father married John Lennon's first wife - and Julian Lennon's mother - Cynthia Lennon.

While Charles herself was always musically inclined, she did not always envision a career in the arts. She studied psychology along with music and art at Glendon College and has only really pursued her passion for song professionally for a few years.

"I was in school and trying to multi-task, but I just kept coming back to music," she said.

She performed locally with a variety of musicians, but really began turning heads when she toured the United States and Europe earlier this year. Her travels, punctuated by a powerful performance at the Memphis Folk Alliance and a European tour alongside Texas-based singer-songwriter Aly Tadros, helped her garner buzz not only overseas but at home as well.

"It was really funny how people started paying more attention to what I was doing when I was away," she said. "I had a tour blog and people really followed that, so I became more popular here even though I didn't do anything here."

Charles would hardly be the first Canadian artist who made waves at home after first finding success abroad. She said audiences outside Canada seemed more appreciative of her, though she is unsure as to why that is.

"People maybe showed their excitement more at my shows, but I don't know if that's because they were more appreciative of emerging artists or maybe because I wasn't from there. I was something new and different," she said.

Regardless of the reason for her success, she is now set to embark on a new chapter in her career with the upcoming release of her debut EP, Little Green Bud. The album certainly does not lack for ambition, as it includes some intricate orchestral backing along with Charles' own guitar and vocals.

In mining that ambition, Charles was able to channel some of her own influences, which include a disparate spate of artists ranging from Etta James to Bjork.

"I wanted to do something different and authentic rather than fit into a specific genre or category," she said.

The 25-year-old Queen and Sherbourne streets area resident will officially launch Little Green Bud at a special show hosted by raunchy puppet Ed the Sock at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1 at the Rivoli. - Inside Toronto

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Chloe Charles began crafting her music using her rural surroundings and folk legends Joni Mitchell and Etta James as influences. Though Charles dangerously comes close to mimicking Mitchell’s style, she takes the best qualities of Mitchell’s craft and adds her own mix of instrumental experiments (e.g. violin, cello, keyboards). When you compare Mitchell and Charles side by side, you see two folk artists with similar qualities, but while Mitchell experiments with jazz, funk, and ballads in her folk music, Charles instead uses classical influences (“Water”), soul melodies (“Salamander Red”), and haunting acoustic chords (“The Heavens”) as her music’s core.

Little Green Bud is mainly composed of melancholy tracks, but Charles takes a tiny step outside her comfort zone to reveal her more aggressive side in “Progression.” The most energetic track on the album, her angry lyrics and strong vocals over mid-tempo percussions makes the song a favorite. What is most intriguing is how Charles uses folk music’s calm serenity to create a stronger, richer sound using her voice and drums as the lead.

The album puts Charles in the spotlight, and her distinct voice will keep her shining. Though Charles doesn’t give us much to judge fairly—there are only five tracks on Little Green Bud—we can guess that her deep and peculiar sounding voice will give her an advantage and, soon enough, a record contract. This is definitely an album to be proud of, and hopefully she can give us a little more next time around.
- Venus Zine

The Little Green Bud EP will immediately strike you because Chloe Charles has a phenomenal voice, but we all know a great set of pipes means squat if the music behind it can’t support it. Fortunately, Charles’ five song collection showcases not just her lovely vocals, but also an interesting mix of chamber pop, folk, and jazz.
While anyone can strum an acoustic, Chloe brings a classical guitar to the table. Her songs are rounded out with violin, double bass, and other instruments that set the stage for her mellow songs. Lead track “The Heavens” is an ethereal piece that uses spare instrumentation to lay a sweet, soothing groove.
The aptly named “Progression” is the most complex song on Little Green Bud and Chloe displays a penchant for smoky jazz and soul with a modern twist. No two minute pop ditties here, Charles instead favors well arranged pieces that have plenty of room to breath and grow. “Progression” does a lot of dabbling while still maintaining the cohesion of an expertly crafted, powerhouse song. If this is indicative of Chloe Charles’ future, this Canadian chanteuse has a bright future that is just beginning to germinate.
Little Green Bud isn’t a masterpiece, but the five songs here are all solidly built affairs that show great talent. Chloe Charles has a lovely voice and this self-released EP is a good start. While all of the songs have merit, I’d love to see Charles cut loose with more tracks like “Progression” on her next release, as her more complex arrangements definitely bring more oomph to the listening table. - Adequacy.Net - Indie Music Reviews

Chloe Charles, 25, is not typical.

A black singer/songwriter who goes against the obvious, this Canadian musician got me hooked on her music.

I’m not a big fan of Erykah Badu or Bjork, but she takes both of the singers, add some sparks of post-77 John Martyn, and manage to turn me on with her new EP - Little Green Bud.



The songwriting is surprising in its quality, a nice merge of the classic singer/songwriter thing, meets a desire for experimentation, but the arrangements are the name of the game in this case. Classic guitar, violins, cellos – all make this beautiful wrap to Chloe’s beautiful voice and songs. The bio sheet mentioned that she’s the step daughter of Lennon’s first wife Cynthia, but with her music – I don’t believe any additional facts are required. She certainly got me surprised, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for a full album. And she’s beautiful.

- Small Town Romance

Honorary Mention - Alarm Press

I was sitting at the Tequila Bookworm bar talking to Jeff, and in walks the new Canadian rising star Chloe Charles.
Chloe Charles

Coming over with her usual warm greeting, she spends lots of chat time catching up with me.

Such friendship is uncommon in the time of Toronto TIFF promoters.

I’ve been a not so secret Chloe fan since I met her sitting next to me at a table one day. She didn’t wait for the formal intro. Chloe just made warm conversation with a stranger. Take note aspiring anyone: beauty’s ok, but warmth works better.

Such a rare personal gift of brave openness shows in the already accomplished singing style of Canada’s new original singer-songwriter. On stage at The Cameron, Gladstone Hotel, Slacks, Free Times Café, Clinton's Tavern, the Drake Hotel, The Press Club, The Tranzac and Not My Dog, and The Central to name a few, that raw friendliness comes out in the poetic songs of stolen bikes, devotion, anger, and love lost.

It’s been said that “Chloe's music is sweet and painful, melancholic, inspiring and sincere. As she opens herself to her listeners, Chloe tells a story of a sensitive, fragile, haunted soul always searching for understanding and her place in this strange world.” http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/search?q=chloe+charles

Always with a group of fellow talents, such as Anna Atkinson, Sam McLellen, Neil Whitford, Mackenzie Longpre, Kelly Lefaive, and Keyel Turner for example - they joke between sets, setting up smiles around the room.

We are all very proud of Chloe’s great efforts to survive and prosper in the cold circuit of the Toronto music world, just out of York’s psychology program. Even more inspiring is Chloe’s ability to make new friends around the world.

Recently back from a first European Tour De Force, you can feel Chloe's warmth on Charles’ next release, Little Green Bud is due out on October 1, at the Rivoli at 8:00.

For more about Chloe Charles at http://www.chloecharles.com/ or www.myspace.com/chloecharles. You can order copies of Little Green Bud directly from Charles on her website.

Check out a new early release video! - Basic News

Toronto-based Chloe Charles is a singer-songwriter who draws from many genres. Charles also draws comparisons to Cat Power, Erykah Badu, Joanna Newsom, Etta James, and Bjork.

Charles describes her genre as “Indie Art Folk”. From “The Heavens” to “Salamander Red”, Charles keeps the listener engaged. Chloe Charles’ style is eclectic and infuses folk and soul characteristics effectively. Chloe Charles is only twenty-five years old and she has a promising career ahead of her. Chloe Charles’ music takes listeners on a journey through vital aspects of being. - Music Blog - Covering Indie and Christian Music

Toronto-based Chloe Charles is a singer-songwriter who draws from many genres. Charles also draws comparisons to Cat Power, Erykah Badu, Joanna Newsom, Etta James, and Bjork.

Charles describes her genre as “Indie Art Folk”. From “The Heavens” to “Salamander Red”, Charles keeps the listener engaged. Chloe Charles’ style is eclectic and infuses folk and soul characteristics effectively. Chloe Charles is only twenty-five years old and she has a promising career ahead of her. Chloe Charles’ music takes listeners on a journey through vital aspects of being. - Music Blog - Covering Indie and Christian Music

Chloe Charles is making music with hand and foot. Always modest, but also expressive. She and her acoustic guitar are backed by violin, bass and other instruments that fit their view of their songs.
Music that evokes emotions, and goes to the heart to dream just as tempting.

The Canadian is on a small world tour. After appearances in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, her hometown, she now returns to Europe.

For a single show she comes to Berlin, and will take place in the Elder's free of course. - Freeguide Berlin

Melancholic, charismatic, inspiring, and sincere – Toronto-based Chloe Charles breaks black female vocalist stereotypes right away as she arrives on stage with her classical guitar, accompanied by violin, double bass, or other unexpected twists and turns of her musical imagination. A singer-songwriter, drawing from many genres with hints of various ethnic inspirations,

Charles’ uncategorizable canon postures an experimental pop sensibility, coupled with chamber folk and subtle flourishes of somber soul music. Chloe likes to express her genre as “Indie Art Folk,” and draws comparisons to Cat Power, Erykah Badu, Joanna Newsom, Etta James, and Bjork.

This year, Charles aims to break the States and Europe, after a breakthrough showcase at the Memphis Folk Alliance and an Austin residence, and her current European tour, and her most focused effort yet, Little Green Bud, September 21st. - Music Blog - Covering Indie and Christian Music

The Heavens is the first track of a five-song EP, and the imagination of Chloe Charles is fully on display from the start. Her voice is somewhere between soulful and operatic, and it’s an amazing instrument. I could tell you that the band on The Heavens includes tabla, sitar, and some sort of Indian flute, and you could almost believe it. Actually though, it’s drums, stand-up bass, acoustic guitar, and violin. The bass player bows his instrument to set up a drone on the verses, and plays normally on the chorus. The drummer plays an unusual rhythmic pattern, and gets a tone I didn’t know was possible from a standard drum set. And the violin sounds otherworldly, both because of its tone and the way it is recorded. Chloe Charles’ guitar part completes the sound perfectly. There are additional instruments on some of the other songs on the EP, but it all sounds as amazing as this. - Oliver di Place

Chloe Charles may well be a musical sorceress. Her EP Little Green Bud is completely captivating. Charles’ voice is hypnotic and spellbinding, coaxing the listener deeper and deeper into her music until one is captive to complete the journey she has laid out.

The Toronto-based singer/songwriter is the type of artist one loves to discover. Her voice is completely her own and difficult to compare. She is a fusion of folk, jazz and blues like a moody, adventurous Joni Mitchell with neo-soul tendencies.

Charles’ compositions have a haunting layering musically. The use of staccato classical guitar and lush strings behind her voice creates an aural patch of soft grass for the ears to lie down in and listen to her story. Her use of musical punctuation gives so many layers to her music; it is like a forest of sounds behind her voice.

Every song on this five song EP is strong and a prize for the ears. The songs have a slow winding quality, never rushed, building in intensity to a satisfying refrain. One of the stand-out tracks is “Soon on a Snowflake” -- a poignant winter frolic that floats the listener in a musical snowfall.

My only disappointment with Little Green Bud is that it isn’t a full-length album. I’m quite eager to hear more from this delightful singer/songwriter.


- Innocent Words

Chloe Charles has a gorgeous voice and her new EP is a folksy treat. The becalmed air of tracks like "The Heavens" makes for an intoxicating listen. The use of violin and double bass makes for a unique yet approachable sound. "Soon on a Snowflake" is an utterly gorgeous chamber folk excursion that she handles well. It recalls Joanna Newsom with a more soulful twist.

"Water" is equally deftly detailed though perhaps more traditional folk. Charles' talent is in clear evidence on this EP and it wets the appetite for a longer piece of work. - Luna Cafe

Chloe Charles – Little Green Bud (self released) :: Evocative soundscapes languidly swirl about like windswept snowflakes. Then Chloe’s magnificent voice materializes in the middle of your mind with a warming timbre telling warning tales rife with the learned experience of one who knows. Meanwhile, her acoustic guitar proceeds to gently pluck away at your meager defenses until you finally capitulate. - Jeffrey Morgan

Chloe Charles released a five song EP on September 21st entitled Little Green Bud. She has been compared to Erykah Badu and Bjork. While vocally, she sure does sound like the two, I’d have to compare her music more to Enya. She uses rich, warm strings in a symphonic way. And piano creates contrasting, sharp spikes here and there.
In fact, her music carries movements to them, akin to what the classical musicians created so long ago. They are quite complex, and carry you through various emotions throughout. All undertone a hint of spring, and winter melting away as the title suggests. It makes me think of Vivaldi with his Four Seasons where each arrangement was meant to represent one of the seasons.
The track “Water”, for instance, uses the piano to imitate the trickling of water. The cadence mimics the flow of water as it skips back and forth sliding down, what I picture, as a rocky surface. At other moments, a single, high note plays at a timed interval sounding as a water dripping off, perhaps a tree, into a pond below.
Overall, her music is complete. Listening to Little Green Bud is like devouring a three course, gourmet meal through your ears. And yet, you want to dance, as hearty and full as it is. Prepare to unbutton the metaphorical pants and let the auditory belly hang out. Paint me impressed.
Rating: 9.8/10 - Surviving the Golden Age

Those eyes. That voice. She makes it difficult not to fall in love.

Meet Chloe Charles, whose name in Greek actually translates to the title of her debut EP, Little Green Bud. Details to follow...

Born in 1985, the Toronto native, whose rare beauty comes from her Canadian/Trinidadian background, picked up the classical guitar and, without any formal training, carved for herself a special niche in the music industry.

Her sweet, soft voice juxtaposes her painful, emotional songwriting, making you want to smile and cry all at once. Her sound is backed up by her ever-changing ensemble, including, but not limited to: cello, electric bass, and violins. And always, of course, Chloe's acoustic guitar, coming to life as she fingers the strings in only a way that Chloe Charles can.

Chloe recently finished a successful European tour. We were able to catch up with the mesmerizing singer to discuss life, love and music.

Who/what inspires you?
People and emotions, relationships and nature. I am a pretty extreme person, totally happy and excited, either super energized or dead. I am very sensitive. I feel a lot and my music is greatly inspired by strong feelings of beauty, sadness, confusion, anger always extremely intense, occasionally funny little experiences.

Tell us about your EP release of Little Green Bud.
It was a great show, amazing turnout. I couldn't have asked for more. The energy of the crowd was so high and that made my energy on stage increase drastically. I always feel more at home in front of a full crowd. A reciprocal flow fills the room. Sacred Balance, the other band I sing and write for is incredible. The musicians are ridiculously talented and beautiful people. We're like a big family. My good friends always give me chills and rile up a crowd. On top of that, Ed the sock and Liana were hilarious and so sweet to be part of the evening.


Where did the name Little Green Bud come from? Our imaginations are swirling
Well Little Green Bud is actually the Greek definition for my name, Chloe. I found it very fitting because this EP is like a little bud, and there is so much to come from this project, to blossom in the future. It was the beginning for me of something long lasting, but something that needs nurturing and support.

How does collaborating with other artists help you musically?
It inspires me. Some of the most important aspects of music for me are the relationships and connections made with other artists. There are so many ideas that would not have come to fruition if it weren't for the joining of minds. When I collaborate with other musicians, my passion is renewed and I get so excited to create. Other musicians do what I do not or perhaps cannot and with their influence I grow as a musician as well. When playing with others, I get goosebumps hearing my songs reinterpreted and often get a little giddy until I become desensitized. Anyone who has rehearsed with me knows that silly fact.

What's been the best experience, career wise?
My best experiences are whenever I prove to myself that I can accomplish something that was before daunting. I guess my most recent would be touring Europe. I didn't know where to start but i did and it was so successful.

And, the worst?
Worst experience, which was more hilarious than bad, was about a week ago when my songs were aired on a certain radio station ( I will not say which one) and somehow they had been sped up so much that I sounded like a chipmunk but not enough for it to be obvious. I was furious but also couldn't stop laughing.

Best place you've ever visited?
Italy! This summer I toured there with another singer songwriter called Aly Tadros, and we were exhausted from a long time trekking around Europe with bags on our backs, trying to navigate our way around on buses trains and planes. When we arrived in Italy we were treated like princesses! For this part of the tour we had an amazing booker on board so I didn't have to worry about much. We stayed with him and his family in a refurbished farm house, had a whole studio to ourselves, were fed delicious wines, espresso and food constantly. We slept, partied, then stayed on the Lago Magora where we went sailing. All the while we were pretty pampered. We played amazingly organized shows, met incredible people on top of that and had the honour to collaborate with Davide Santi, an incredible violinist who plays with Andrea Boccelli.


Worst place you've ever visited?
That is an incredibly hard question. I haven't actually had any bad experiences traveling thus far. However, I was a little creeped out when I was in Texas playing at a venue in a small town. On the door there was a sign saying "No Dew rags, No Long Tee's, No Gaudy Chains and I found it strangely racist. Other than that, all has been good!


Who do people compare your music to?
Joni Mitchell, Bjork, Joan Armatrading, Feist, Esthero, Imogen Heap, Cat Power, Janis Ian, Beth Gibbons, Sade. It always depen - Woman.ca

When seated rows are packed with a quiet rumble of anticipation and a room full of varying types—usually a good show is on deck. With a new album, and back in Toronto (briefly) as part of a 75-date North American tour, people were ready for Toronto singer-songwriter Chloe Charles.

The Rivoli is that venue that can work an electronic blaze style of show and an intimate performance, just the same. But it’s performers like 25 year-old Chloe Charles that cast such an intimacy that even the over-energized electronic dwellers want to slow down.

Taking song notes from famous females like Adele, Feist, and possessing a style reminiscent of Tracy Chapman—Chloe Charles oozed a striking demure and strong vocal prowess, keeping the audience captive though her savouring stories.

Songs like “Soon on a Snowflake” and “Salamander Red” struck chords that, personally, have not been hit in quite some time. Delving into her stories, Charles explains the songs relation to nature and wildlife, while exposing specs of her childhood through her own happy choir.

“Soon a Snowflake is a serenade to the snow for when I’m in places that are hot.”

Chloe Charles is a talent that not only signifies a contemporary mature sound, but the depth of her range keeps a mesmerizing lock on the ears. Slow enough to absorb, moving enough to indulge.

It started to make sense why so many were sitting down.

A refreshing change; Charles has her own style that meshes heart with vulnerability, without being too sap-washed. She sways from ballads to chants to crisp harmonies, all while politely strumming her guitar. You know that guitar is her ultimate companion and she shreds that relationship beautifully on stage.

Her backup ensemble were no less talented. A quiet drummer and a gentle violinist helped to keep the mood emotive-rich and unperturbed.

A voice worth hearing; a presence worth revisiting.

Chloe Charles is currently set to tour the eastern and southern U.S., as well as Germany, Italy and the UK. - Live Music Toronto

Upon returning to her hometown, in short, Chloe Charles may be one of the hardest working singer-songwriters in Toronto. In the middle of a 75 date North American tour, the honey-voiced Charles mixes dreamy elegant folk with chamber and pop elements striking a perfect balance between soft ambience and raw emotion. A genuine musical spirit backed by stellar violin and drum accompaniment (highlighted by a warm birthday greeting to her mother) as long as Chloe Charles continues to turn heads, it won’t be long before she becomes a household name.
- Lonely Vagabond, Exclaim

This Toronto-based songwriter has reportedly been causing quite a stir on the blogosphere with her debut EP, Little Green Bud. You can see what the fuss is about when Charles plays a hometown gig at the Rivoli on Jan. 12, with ANNA ATKINSON opening. The hard-working Charles is on a 75-date North American tour (Quebec, Ontario and the eastern half of USA), which continues in 2011 with more dates in the eastern and southern United States and then on to Germany, Italy, UK and more. Her sound mixes pop, chamber folk and soul elements, and she plays fluent classical guitar too. A pop trivia note: her stepmother is CYNTHIA LENNON, the first wife of Beatle John! Go to www.chloecharles.com for more info. - Tandem Online Magazine

Put all of your preconceptions on hold. Chloe Charles bends them and breaks them. Her blend of folk, soul and classical music isn’t quite like anyone else you’ve heard. You’ll hear elements of Cat Power, Esthero and Portishead, but listen for the roots of Joan Armatrading, Janis Ian, Tracy Chapman and even Nick Drake deep beneath the surface. Charles’ next release, Little Green Bud is due out on September 21, 2010, and is a real charmer.

Little Green Bud opens with "The Heavens", a haunting baroque-pop tune marked by dark strings and atypical rhythms. Charles creates atmosphere with the noble beauty of her voice and vocal effects that add more depth to the sound. It's Charles' voice that stands out the most here, sounding like a wayward cross between Sade and Kate Bush. "Soon On A Snowflake" is a beautiful song of devotion, where Charles' poetry is nearly as striking as her voice. "Progression" is dark and full of angst and anger, calling out another who has caused her harm in mysterious language. "Water" is a lush musical experience that finds Chloe Charles layering vocals in counterpoint to a subversive string and electro arrangement that's a thing of beauty. Little Green Bud closes with "Salamander Red", a highly textured piece of baroque pop and recollection of love that gets lost in a lack of diction. Charles plays fast and loose with hard consonants throughout the EP, but here is very difficult to understand at times.

Little Green Bud shows a lot of promise from Chloe Charles. Her voice is striking; beautiful and atypical, rich and lush while possessive of the sort of vocal anomalies that create interest rather than discord. The compositions on Little Green Bud are highly original, blending pop sensibility with strings and an almost antique musical setting. Chloe Charles has the pipes to go far, and the performances on Little Green Bud indicate an artist who is very comfortable in her own shoes. Be certain that we'll be hearing more from Chloe Charles.
- Wildy's World

“Poised, charismatic and quirky, Chloe Charles breaks black female vocalist stereotypes as she arrives on stage with her classical guitar, accompanied by viola, double bass, or other unexpected twists and turns of her musical imagination…..Melting Björk, Joni Mitchell and Etta James together, she will jolt you out of the ordinary and draw you into her intense world of emotions and sounds. Let Chloe lure you away from the humdrum with songs from her soon-to-be-released album, “Little Green Bud” , June 17th at 10pm at Free Times Cafe.”

Read more: http://arts.nationalpost.com/2010/06/17/the-nxne-personals-keser-chloe-charles-resplandor-more/#ixzz0yDYFZIag - National Post, The Amperstand

Toronto's Chloe Charles tries her best to break the stereotypes surrounding black female vocalists. Armed with her classical guitar, she is part Joni Mitchell, part Etta James and part Bjork. In other words it is hard to attach a label to this lady and her music, but it is easy to like what you hear. There is surprise after surprise while listening to the product of this woman's impressive imagination. Some songs are sad, even melancholic then others are inspiring. The end result is that you believe the authenticity behind every note she hits. Everything about this lady and her music is intense. It doesn't allow you to be a casual listener; it pulls you in and doesn't let go for one moment it is playing.
By Carey - Orcasound Features Review

The comparisons to Joanna Newsom and Erykah Badu are fair for this Canadian “unknown.” I’d also liken her a bit to Joni Mitchell and Katie Noonan. Generally though we’re talking smokey folk. - A Being that Never Was

Melancholic, charismatic, inspiring, and sincere – Toronto-based Chloe Charles breaks black female vocalist stereotypes right away as she arrives on stage with her classical guitar, accompanied by violin, double bass, or other unexpected twists and turns of her musical imagination. A singer-songwriter, drawing from many genres with hints of various ethnic inspirations,

Charles’ uncategorizable canon postures an experimental pop sensibility, coupled with chamber folk and subtle flourishes of somber soul music. Chloe likes to express her genre as “Indie Art Folk,” and draws comparisons to Cat Power, Erykah Badu, Joanna Newsom, Etta James, and Bjork.

This year, Charles aims to break the States and Europe, after a breakthrough showcase at the Memphis Folk Alliance and an Austin residence, and her current European tour, and her most focused effort yet, Little Green Bud, September 21st. - C.W. Ross Writers Blog

Translated Version:
This evening is therefore a little quieter. Chloe Charles comes to the economy and program will be a few of their songs the best. Feeling and emotion will not be forgotten.

Chloe Charles makes music with hand and foot. Always modest, but also expressive. She and her acoustic guitar supported by violin, bass and other instruments that fit their view to their songs.
Music that evokes feelings, my heart goes to dream and also misled.

The Canadian is on a little world tour. After performing in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, her hometown, she now comes to Europe.

For a single performance she comes to Berlin, and will be held in Elder's free of course.

Heute Abend geht es etwas ruhiger daher. Chloe Charles kommt in die Programmwirtschaft und wird ein paar ihrer Songs zum besten geben. Gefühl und Emotionalität werden dabei nicht zu kurz kommen.

Chloe Charles macht Musik mit Hand und Fuß. Immer bescheiden aber zugleich ausdrucksstark. Sie und ihre Akustikgitarre werden unterstützt von Violine, Bass und anderen Instrumenten, die ihrer Meinung nach zu ihren Songs passen.
Musik die Gefühle weckt, ans Herz geht und auch zu träumen verleitet.

Die Kanadierin befindet sich auf einer kleinen Welttour. Nach Auftritten in Austin/Texas und Toronto, ihrer Heimatstadt, kommt sie nun nach Europa.

Für einen einzigen Auftritt kommt sie nach Berlin, und der findet im Ä statt, kostenlos versteht sich.
- Freeguide Berlin

Now, this was unexpected. Starting with a Mahavishnu-esque chord declension, an arresting voice a la Joni Mitchell by way of Toni Childs began encanting a vaguely arabesqued narrative arresting the ear purely through purity of tone and emotional content. 'Bewitching' is hardly a sufficient term. At first, I was minded of Avital Raz (here and here), but, no, that wasn't quite right. Next, the idea of a Phoebe Snow with dark inclinations arose (Soon on a Snowflake), but that didn't embrace matters either. The chamber aspects wouldn't settle easily into category or definition, especially as the quartet behind Chloe Charles displays erudition beyond what even the best sessioneers Snow or Janis Ian could entice would produce.

Little Green Bud is just a 5-song EP but what a great teaser! Masterfully engineered, it entablatures highly artistic intent executed with grace and ease, a venture drawing in various disparate elements to discover new borders in not-so-familiar modes…nothing in-your-face but much that slips sinuously into awareness before recognition and enigma manifest. Charles has a very well trained voice rife with honed emotionality without going over the top. Now that I think about it, 'seductive' would be a better adjective than 'bewitching' but on an intellectual level laced with the deeper eros knowledge brings. Her back-up is cleverer than hell in setting out the singer's balmy compositions, constantly incidentalizing. The percussion in Water is not very far from Trilok Gur or Jamie Muir's still stunning work with King Crimson.

I'm not sure why the EP mode was adopted, as everything screams for full lavish CD epicness. These aren't just good ideas, they're manna for a double-disc extravaganza, and that would be exactly the length required to indite the literacy and extended narrative connoted. I also suspect the songs on Little Green Bud aren't sequenced properly, pregnant with inverted linearity, but I damn sure will be impatiently waiting to see what the true full release on this is going to be.
A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
by Mark S. Tucker
- Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

The Canadian singer-songwriter may be Julian Lennon’s stepsister but she is making a name in her own right. Scroll down for our critic’s choice of other hot jazz acts - The Times