Interview: Charity Stow Discusses The Release Of Her New Single “Fool”!

Upcoming Nottingham based singer-songwriter Charity Stow has recently released her brand new single “Fool” & has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her latest release.

Hey Charity, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Chairty: Thank you so much for having me! I’m 20 and a singer-songwriter from Stamford, but I’m currently based in Nottingham. I would describe my music style as singer-songwriter/alternative and ‘Fool’ is my second, original single! I also have a cover EP out called ‘Stowaway’ and a single called ‘here’.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

Chairty: During school I was a classical musician for about 7 years and I was pretty sure I wanted to join a military band, so music was always the way I spent my free time. If I wasn’t playing in an orchestra, I was singing at open mics, doing covers with my dad and probably blasting a new album in my ears between them. Music has always been a way to make myself feel better and escape, both creating and listening to it. No matter what mood I’m in, stick me on a stage and I’ll probably feel better after! Since I’ve started writing my own songs it’s really become an essential way of expressing myself and understanding my emotions through song. It feels like an extension of me and I’m not sure what I’d do if I didn’t have it! That’s why music is so important. I can name so many songs that have had a profound impact on me and helped me through something so I hope to create something like that for someone else.

Have you always known that music was a career that you wanted to pursue?

Chairty: I really only decided to try and make a career in music a couple of years ago. After I left school I was pretty lost as to what I should do next. I dabbled with loads of ideas but it always came back to what was going to make me the happiest and fulfil me the most, and that was music. I don’t think I realised that for a long time and I was scared about the uncertainty of it, but once I decided that it was what I wanted to do, I can’t think about doing anything else!

How would you describe your musical style to someone unfamiliar with your music?

Chairty: I would describe my music as soulful, subtle and new. I’ve really tried to create a certain atmosphere with the tracks I’ve put out and, for me, less is always more. I love quirks and nuances in music and so, I hope that listening to my music is an exciting experience. I have so many people to take inspiration from so I hope that I’ve managed to create something that is interesting and that the listener hasn’t necessarily heard before.

You have just released your brand new single titled “Fool”, how did the idea to create the song come together?

Chairty: ‘Fool’ was written in response to how I, and other people were feeling about my dive into the music scene. I felt slightly apprehensive about the prospect and the sensible side of me was unsure whether it was the right decision. I guess ‘Fool’ is about that, a young songwriter trying to find her sound and her way into the music business, turning away from other, much more secure career paths. ‘Fool’ is also about my own love of music; no matter how silly it might seem, I do (sort of) know what I’m doing and I’m getting better – neither of which would have happened if I hadn’t taken the plunge!

What would you consider to be the main inspiration behind this track?

Chairty: We like to listen to a lot of references in the studio. For ‘Fool’ we took some particular musical inspiration from artists such as Billie Marten, The Beatles, Palace and Camera Obscura. We really wanted to create a lilting, band-style song and songs from these artists helped us to create that sound. The lyrical inspiration for me was a need to get these feelings off my chest, I wanted to create a song that kind of said ‘you know what, I can do this and I’m getting better and even if that’s not what you think is best, it’s what I’m going to do!’, it’s definitely showing my stubborn side haha!

How have your family & friends reacted to your latest release?

Chairty: Of course they’re all super supportive and excited about it! I think my really close family and friends, who have watched this whole process and seen me progress from when I first started out, can really see something innovative in this song. My dad has been pretty involved in the production and release of this single too, so it’s awesome to work with him to get it to as many people as possible. I remember playing the demo to my sister for the first time and she was a very proud big sister that I’ve started to find ‘my sound’! I worked with one of my best friends, Eilidh Doig, on the cover and she is always very involved in the art that complements my music so we are both very eager for it to be out in the world.

What does the song personally mean to you?

Chairty: This song has a very precious place in my heart. It really feels like I had much more of an idea of what I wanted it to be from the start. I could envision the whole feeling of the song, how I wanted the video to be, what I wanted the cover to look like, and I think feeling this confident about it really helped in the production of it. I’ve really grown since my last single; I’ve left home, started a new chapter in my life and matured as a musician and I hope ‘Fool’ portrays that.

What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Chairty: In my spare time I do a lot of nothing! I love just switching off for a while and reading my book, watching something or really listening to a new album. I find that music can be all-consuming sometimes so I like to switch off for a while and find some inspiration in other people’s art.

What was the last album you listened to & did you enjoy it?

Chairty: Recently I’ve been listening to ‘Petals For Armor’ by Hayley Williams on repeat. I think it’s such an incredible album and the whole concept is so well thought through. The videos, the artwork, the music are all so honest and beautiful to listen to, its really like delving into her mind for 55 minutes – it’s got a song on there for everyone and it’s a wonderful piece of art.

If you could perform a duet with anyone in the world, who would you choose & why?

Chairty: Oooh so, so many people. I think one of the best concerts I ever went to was an Eminem concert so he’d have to be my man.

Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?

Chairty: I’d love to say a massive thank you to your readers for continuing to support you, and therefore artists like me. Exposure is the best thing for us musicians and without readers, there would be no you to introduce us to the world! I really hope everyone is still staying safe and as happy as they can be; hopefully see some of you at a future gig! xx

You can check out “Fool” on Spotify below.