Charlotte Sometimes: Words Beyond Her Years

Have you ever felt like an outcast? Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Did you ever just want to escape? Well then, you can sympathise with VH1's Artist You Outta Know Charlotte Sometimes. Growing up in her hometown of Wall, New Jersey, she felt like the weird one in her school. You know, we all have had that person. Kinda like Alley Sheedy's character Allison in The Breakfast Club. So misunderstood, but deep down, they were just like you and me.

Well, Charlotte did escape through writing and performing. Her name was taken from a children's book and is the name of a boarding student who is magically transported some 40 yeas into the past and into the body of another girl. The book was written in 1969 by Penelope Farmer. The whole premise of the book really caught her attention. The whole idea of escaping into another personality or another person's persona intrigued her.

Charlotte has always been into performing. "I took dance and theater until I was 14. That's when I decided to pick up a guitar and start performing songs about how I was feeling," said Charlotte. The lyrics that poured out of this young woman were far beyond her young age. "My mom used to say that I had a 40 year old woman trapped inside my body!" She drew alot from bad relationships and there was plenty of material to draw upon.

Her debut cd "Waves and The Both Of Us" draws heavy upon relationships and the constant struggle between men and women in these. The lyrics tend to be deep and brooding in parts and somewhat explicit. One tends to wonder what all is going on inside the head of this young woman to be so inspired to write lyrics of such twisted substance. Take the lyrics of "Sweet Valium High" in which she sings of a bad relationship and asks "Do you think of me when she screams your name?" Other songs questioning the different aspects of relationships include the stand out tracks "In Your Apartment" and "Build The Moon".

"I guess I have never really been very good at relationships. I don't think that I have these false expectations, but I know I do have standards that just never seem to work out," said Charlotte. Well, on her cd, she has put all these trials and tribulations to pen and music and has crafted a lesson in relationships 101 that. It may not read like a Harlequin romance novel, but it does prove to be very interesting listening.

So, what does the future hold in store for this blossoming young talent? "I went out on tour with Gavin DeGraw last year and that was alot of fun. I am hoping to go out in maybe February in support of myself." Of course my last question was my stranded on a desert island with one cd question. What would young Charlotte take along for the ride? "Probably Photo Album" by Death Cab For Cutie. I would want to have something to listen to that inspires me."

In today's every changing industry, there seems to be alot of female artists popping up who get compared to Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos and I can see similarities with all three, probably most with Tori Amos who draws on bad past experiences in her music. Charlotte also has a very unique voice that definitely grabs your attention from her first words. I would definitely suggest the cd to everyone, especially those bored with the typical influx of blonde wannabe singers talking about the perils of being pretty while showing off their boobs. Charlotte is very old school in that aspect. She is a very sexy performer, yet she doesn't rely on cheap gimmicks such as overly sexual lyrics or cleavage. Check it out and give it a listen and you to can escape into another world like in Charlotte's favorite book.

Alisa Turner: A Voice As Sweet As Syrup

Pancakes and musicians. You would think that they are two totally different entities, but think about it. Remember how excited you used to get when your mom or dad fixed you pancakes as a kid? Doesn't your favorite singer also give you that same kind of feeling? Pancakes come is all types of flavors and with all types of toppings. Singers are the same way. They have different styles and ranges. That brings us to Alisa Turner. This young lady has taken an ordinary food such as pancakes and created an association with it that will satisfy your appetite.

Alisa became a very skillful songwriter at a very early age as a way to deal with pain. "I was hurting alot inside and nothing seemed to help me get it out. I think around 11 or 12 , I started writing as an outlet. It was the only way that I could get out what was going on inside of me. We moved alot when I was young and I remember not feeling good. So, to keep myself stimulated, I would write and use my dreams as an outlet."

She has been through alot of pain in her life. Her mother was very sick when she was a small child and there was some question as to whether or not she was going to make it. Then, she lost her father, who was a pastor for 25 years. Her father is actually the catalyst for her association with pancakes. "Dad use to make pancakes for us on Saturday mornings growing up. It's a special memory that I have held onto. We were very close and it was so hard losing him. I sometimes think that my songwriting came out of my love for God and he gave it to me as a tool to help cope with all this pain."

Today's music industry seems to have alot of strong female persona's and it is hard to find your niche as an artist. It seems that there are always the comparisons to Sara McLachlan or Fiona Apple for an artist like Alisa because of the similarities in songwriting. She does site those women as being influential to her, but her main source is Karen Carpenter, who we know had her own share of suffering throughout her career. Another odd, yet understandable favorite of hers is My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade" cd. "I wasn't so much into their earlier stuff, but this whole cd just fits together so perfectly and tells such an amazing story. Each song fits together so well with the others."

Alisa books her shows and loves playing live. "The labels want to see you doing it all yourself. Every aspect from advertising to booking to sales. It shows your commitment. House shows are very hard and demanding on me. I try to make as many one on one commitments as I can. The more dedicated you are, the more respect you will gain." Alisa does begin her house shows with a sit down pancake dinner. In all my years and as many concerts that I have been to, this is a first.

My last question for Alisa was if she was stranded on a desert island with only one store bought cd , what would it be? "Oh, without a doubt, the Carpenters Christmas album. I listen to it all the time. I just love Christmas all year long!"

In this industry where female artists are so heavily marketing based on heavy makeup and cleavage, Alisa is truly an inspiring artist with so much to tell. Her childhood may have been filled with enough heartache for an entire city block, but she has used it to tell some of the most touching stories that I have heard in years. Her shows are very intimate and the connection that is made is one that will never be forgotten. Please take the time to get to know this amazing young lady at www.myspace.com/alisaturner. You and your heart will not be disappointed.