The non-binary artist spoke to DIVA ahead of the release of their energetic single BOY JOY!
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY PLASTIC FRUITS
It’s been a big year for producer, engineer, songwriter and creative director charlieeeee. They launched as an artist just last year and have already been named NME’s Breakout Artist and collaborated with the likes of RAYE, Ellie Dixon, MNEK and more.
Today (6 June), the genre-blending musician is releasing their new energetic and dopamine-boosting single, BOY JOY!. The feel-good track is coming out amid a crucial moment for trans people in the UK at the moment, following the rollback of our rights. This song acts as a love letter and form of resistenc for the community when we need it most.
Here’s what charlieeeee had to say to DIVA ahead of the song’s release…
DIVA: Many of your listeners go to your music to find queer and trans joy. Can you tell us about where you go to find queer and trans joy?
charlieeeee: I feel so lucky to have found a group of people who all bring out the most joyous sides of ourselves. I love bringing people together and learning about their lives – it helps me learn more about myself. I try my hardest to invite everyone I vibe with to everything I do, and it naturally creates a beautiful community.
Do you remember the moment you knew you wanted to pursue music?
Well, there are two moments. Initially, it was when I was 11, I was lucky enough to get my first guitar and enough audacity to think that the first step (before knowing how to play) was to start a band so I did! I always wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but music was the thing that actually got my heart, and after I got kicked out of school at 17 for “taking music too seriously” I decided to actually take it seriously and have never looked back.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Honestly, performing at London Pride 2024 was a core memory! I have never played to so many people and to have everyone screaming with me. I will never forget that feeling.
Your Instagram bio reads: “shrek is life shrek is love”. So I, of course, have to ask, what is your favourite instalment in the Shrek Cinematic Universe?
I know it’s basic, but Shrek 2. It might have something to do with it being stuck in my DVD player as a kid, though. Over the years of watching it, the meaning has often resonated with things going on in my life, and especially the concept that you should not have to change yourself to have to fit into rigid structures that aren’t designed for you!
How does it feel that BOY JOY! is coming out amid a really terrifying time for the trans+ community with the recent rollback on trans rights?
I think there is almost too much to say on this topic, so all I will say is that I want to represent the joy and the hope of this community, a silly little light that puts a smile on people’s faces.
I’d love to know what you can tell me about your journey in founding Trans Creative Collective and what your hopes are for the production company’s future.
The Trans Creative Collective was something that was born out of necessity. My friends and I felt there was nothing that represented us (that we knew about), we were after something that was productive and a celebration of everything we did in our lives in a safe space. A big part of the TCC is that we are inclusive, not exclusive, and we encourage a mix and people from the community and allies, because we believe that is where the real change happens when trying to integrate more people from the trans community into speciality fields such as music and film.
Are you working on any other projects you can tell DIVA readers about?
Yes! For starters, there is even more new music on the way! I’m also a producer, MD and writer predominantly, so have worked with a mix of established and emerging artists and an artist I have been working with that I am very excited about is LOVEDAY.
You can listen to BOY JOY! on your streaming platform of choice.
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