INTERVIEW: Electronic Pop from Charli Lark

Charli Lark is a singer-songwriter with a resilient spirit and a keen sense of self-liberation whose been making an impact in the music scene with her cutting edge electronic pop sound. Armed with a stunning voice, she distils turbulent emotions with a therapeutic songwriting approach, rejecting societal norms that seek to confine and limit.

Her journey is one of growth from the ashes, a rejection of a life that failed to nourish her and a return to her creative self. Through her meaningful lyricism and intense vocals, Charli Lark becomes emblematic of the shift toward self-liberation in a post pandemic era of reflection.

Having dreamt of making it in the music industry since childhood, Charli’s path was not a linear one. She performed at local events while attending Catholic school, sang at open mics in various cities while holding down a corporate job in San Francisco and New York, before taking a hiatus when the demands of work clashed with her musical pursuits. However, her return to the music scene is built on lessons from heartbreak, defiant ferocity and the bliss of self-earned freedom.

Making her entrance in February last year, she dropped her debut single “Amnesia,” which she followed up with a string of well-received singles throughout 2023. Now she’s back and brings us her latest release with her new single titled “Limbo,” a track that covers the aftermath of a breakup. With potent lyrics and expressive vocals, Charli’s performance rides the synth-driven track, creating an infectious dance-focused pop cut.

Opened by bright layers of processed vocal lines, the song erupts with a pulsing beat and buzzing synth tones as Charli’s compelling voice soars above. Build up with pattering hi hats and fluttering synth shots, the track builds to the chorus where instantly catchy vocal leads take flight backed by a driving mix of danceable beats and grooving energy.

Serving up a thrilling electronic pop experience from start to finish, Charli’s slick songwriting flair and vocal panache combine to deliver a memorable and energising listening experience. Peppered with pitched vocal elements and colourful array of synth tones, “Limbo” sees Charli Lark continue to go from strength to strength with a sensational new single.

We caught up with Charli Lark to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Limbo” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Charli Lark below.

Hey Charli, how’s things?

So good. Kinda floating right now with this new release.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I definitely remember a lot of tear stained, lyric filled journals from my teen years. But my earliest memory is probably from second grade. I was part of this gifted and talented program at my school, and I would leave class to work with Ms. Caspari, this sweet and quirky voice teacher. It felt pretty special to have that one-on-one time. But I went to a Catholic school and my music time overlapped with religion class. When I would return to class, the religion teacher made it clear to me, and every other kid in that class, that I was not special and there would be less chance of heaven for those not dedicated to learning about him. But Ms. Caspari got me singing at local events, and it was my first step into performing and being confident in my voice.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Currently and completely obsessed with Raye, Caroline Polachek and the big intense feels of Labrinth.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Just being a human walking around in this world we’ve created, and trying to work through my own stuff is the deepest well of material and inspiration, and it helps me understand myself better. I also feel and notice everything pretty intensely, so there’s no denying how big a factor that is for me and my creative process. I get really inspired by emotion and trying to capture a feeling or situation. And then there’s the stuff that just shows up, I definitely get melodies and lyrics just out of the blue. I’ve given up trying to define where that comes from, now I just welcome it.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

I released my first song in February 2023. Singing is all I’ve ever really wanted to do. I spent so many years of my life following rules, centering others, and not listening to myself. It was scary, and also incredibly exhilarating. That first experience of creating something from a collection of pieces in your heart and mind, and turning it into something that lives out in the world, there’s layers of empowerment, beauty and alchemy in that that I’m not sure I can fully describe.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Well, I have some dreamy music and I have some very middle fingers up kind of stuff so kind of depends on the song. But for my latest release, Limbo, singing in the car with your friends on the way to a night out is definitely it.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Caroline Polachek, definitely. Absolute visionary artist and producer.

How did you find making your new single “Limbo”?

I feel like Limbo always wanted to come out of me. I had lived this experience and was on the other side of it. Something I think a lot of people go through as you’re breaking up, that tense time right as a relationship runs dry. When you’ve given a thousand wasted chances and just finally had enough, and anything after that is too little too late. It had kind of been rolling around inside me for a while, and the song poured out of me one day.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Really I just wanted to express that feeling when you finally let go. You try so desperately to fix it while it you’re in it, and then there’s a shift and you remember your value and your power. It’s very moved on, your loss, barely a glance in the rear view sort of energy.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Currently and completely obsessed with Raye, Caroline Polachek, Melanie Martinez, Little Simz and the big intensity of Labrinth.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want to make music that impacts, that makes a person feel, that carries my energy through to others, and maybe helps alchemize something within them. And damn, we are so powerful. There is so much power and potential locked up behind these identities and rules we’re given to follow. It mutes the gorgeousness of who we can be. And if there’s anything in my music that reminds people of that, as I excavate my own stuff, that’s pretty cool.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Seeing Billie Eilish and scream singing Happier Than Ever with tens of thousands of people is one of the most amazing connected moments I’ve ever had.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Beyonce, Tove Lo, and I think I have to throw in some old school Sade. A day show in the sun listening to her smoothness would be an amazing vibe.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Anything is possible. I was living a completely different life four years ago, a wife and mother in a tiny, dark mountain town. You really can do whatever you want, and you should. It’s not too late and it’s not that far out of reach, just keep going.

Listen to Limbo below