If you are not already in the summer mood, one listen of the infectious tunes lacing Charmaine’s new EP “Hood Avant-Garde Deluxe” will get you there. High in energy and offering endless displays of melodic bars running over dance-worthy production and features galore, the artist’s debut EP is ensuring that her new presence on the music scene is known. And for the project’s lead single “A Mi Manera”, Charmaine looked to Puerto Rican singer Valentino to offer sizzling sounds and infectious no-nonsense lyrics that are sure to be on repeat all summer long, as her intention of crafting feel-good music shines through in every note.
“With Valentino, “A Mi Manera” was right up his alley,” explains Charmaine when speaking on her recent collaboration. “His music is so fire and I needed to make sure I got the right Latin artist for it to do it justice. I’m a huge fan of Latin music so I was beyond giddy about making that one come to life the way it did. He came on and killed it!
Upon the release of her EP and track “A Mi Manera”, the rising star sat down with Wonderland to talk all things music. Head below to read our interview with Charmaine now…
Hey Charmaine! We’re halfway through the year, how has it been for you so far?
It’s been amazing! Aside from the pandemic we’re in, I’ve picked up momentum with the music and have a lot of exciting things in the works, so it’s been such a great experience so far.
You travelled a lot during your younger years, do you think this impacted your sound?
Most definitely. I draw inspiration from every sound era I came across and it all just blends into this super braggadocious, bossy, saucy vibe! Especially the dirty south, snap music era. Definitely my favourite!
How did you first start your musical journey, what is your earliest memory?
I was 8 years old. My dad loved playing the keyboard and I would watch him. One day when he was at work, I snuck into the room and started playing by ear. My mum was so shocked when she woke up to the music thinking it was my dad but it was me!
You’ve just released your new EP “Hood Avant-Garde Deluxe”, talk us through the production process!
The production process was a blast! Lantz, Ty, Brammah, David and I have such great chemistry that everything just flowed so effortlessly. We wanted to make sure we focused on having addictive sounds in the beats and infectious lyrics. Music that was going to make you want to dance and feel boasty. It’s always fun when we create so I really enjoyed it.
And you teamed up with Haviah Mighty, Kali and Valentino, why did you decide to team up with them?
For Kali, I absolutely love her vibe. The sultry cadence that still lets you know don’t mess with her. Sizzle was the perfect record for her and I knew it as soon we started thinking about features. She did her thing on that and I can’t stop listening! With Valentino, “A Mi Manera” was right up his alley. His music is so fire and I needed to make sure I got the right Latin artist for it to do it justice. I’m a huge fan of Latin music so I was beyond giddy about making that one come to life the way it did. He came on and killed it! Haviah is super dope with the rhymes and bars! When I reached out to her, I knew which record I’d want her on. “We Don’t Care” has such a UK drill vibe and I had no doubt she’d come on and kill that. And she did! It was also important for me to show our city as two black female rappers doing our thing, that there’s no need for competition. We’re usually pitted against each other and it’s not necessary. We can all collaborate and make amazing heat together!
