Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Charley Young
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Two memories immediately come to mind. My maternal grandfather would play acoustic guitar, and he would teach me different folks songs to sing with him. Additionally, I remember my Mom’s huge briefcase full of cassette tapes she would bring with her to her aerobics classes. She was an aerobics instructor and was always searching for, discovering, and playing new music, especially in the genres in which I now create music: dance, electronic, and pop!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I began writing songs when I was about nine years old, in my grandmother’s yard. I watched music videos religiously at her house and would go outside and “create” my own “music videos,” using the natural world around me as inspiration. I was so proud (and I still am) of being able to write lyrics at nine years old that played on the words petal and pedal (I still remember most of what I wrote that day!).
What’s the story behind your current music project? I am currently working on a new EP. I have realized that my two prior EPs have been about five years apart (I do want to release subsequent EPs with less time in between them), so that would make my third EP due this year. However, due to switching producers in 2025 and having to reorganize my plans, production, and more, it will most likely be early 2027.This third EP of mine will have a focus on self-empowerment, confidence, boldness, and some fun too! I already have two of the five songs for the upcoming EP finished, and I almost have the third song completed!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My music has been influenced by many different artists and genres, and my catalogue is definitely indicative of that. However, if I had to pin my overarching genre down, I would say it could roughly be categorized as popwave which is influenced by synthpop, new wave, pop music, electronic music, and dance music. I like to say it is similar to Kylie Minogue and Madonna, perhaps with a bit more rawness in emotion.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? I think, for me, it is the fact that all recorded music now lives in perpetuity. What I mean by that is, today, in the digital age, even when things are “deleted,” there is a good chance someone still has a screenshot or recording of it, especially in the era of smartphones. With that being said, I do not release anything that I haven’t analyzed, reviewed, and scrutinized multiple times; I really am a perfectionist. With this attitude in mind, I do have a few earlier songs in my catalogue that I would like to re-record because I have evolved so much as an artist and as a singer.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Voice memos are essential in my creative process. I never know when inspiration might strike, and having the ability to capture that melody or those lyrics before they are replaced with the next thought is crucial.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I can’t point to one artist or song in particular – I have many independent artists who are friends, colleagues, and collaborators, and I try to support each and every single one of them!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences have played an integral role in my artistic voice and vision. For better or worse, what happens to me is reflected in my music. Music and songwriting, as well as writing in itself, help me process my experiences. Almost every song I have written directly corresponds to a certain moment or experience in my life. My music has become my open diary. To be authentic and genuine is my mission as an artist – I want listeners and supporters to know that I too am trying to navigate life. It is important to me to let others know that they aren’t alone, that the feelings they feel, whether they be positive, negative, or somewhere in between, are valid.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
My mission is to empower listeners. I spent many years of my life feeling not good enough, disenfranchised, unseen, and unheard. Funnily enough, that time of my life directly corresponded to the years I actively battled anorexia nervosa. For the past 10 years, I have been on a mission to not only recognize and celebrate my own power, but to help others who may not have the confidence to also embrace their own power. I also want listeners to know that they can be unfiltered in their life. I feel like we all try to wear so many masks in life and really, what’s the point? The truth will come out eventually. It is much easier to be yourself and accept who you are, regardless of what society or others say/think/believe you should be. I also want my listeners to be strong, use their voices, and fight for justice on every level.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me many lessons, especially in pursuing it as a professional. I think the number one thing it has taught me is patience and the importance of “running your own race.” As humans, we tend to look outside ourselves for validation and hitting certain benchmarks or milestones both professionally and personally. In music, there is no one path to success, and there also isn’t a definite timeline of how long it takes to become “successful.” Additionally, the definition of success may look different amongst musicians. So, therefore, it is important to stay focused on your goals and what you really want out of a career in music.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
While I love performing, creating and performing in music videos and recording in the studio is my main focus and passion. I want what I create to be accessible to everyone no matter where they are in the world. That being said, I really want to perform in Europe, especially England and France.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would probably say Depeche Mode. They make music that is deep, authentic, and evocative and pair it alongside stunning visuals courtesy of their longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn. I also love to create music filled with raw emotion and pair it with my wonderful, longtime collaborator, Emilia Mendieta Cordova. Depeche Mode’s music is cinematic, and I want mine to be the same. Additionally, Dave Gahan (the lead singer of Depeche Mode) has been a huge inspiration of mine, alongside the phenomental writing ability of Martin L. Gore and the production genius of Alan Wilder.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
All of my links are available through my official website, www.mscharleyyoung.com. My username on all platforms is @mscharleyyoung, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, Lemon8. Here’s my Linktree so you can find all of my links quickly!: https://linktr.ee/mscharleyyoung
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I just got one of my songs placed in an independent film that is being submitted to film festivals worldwide. I would love to continue to get more of my music in film and television as film is another huge passion of mine. Whenever I can combine the fields of film and music, it makes my work doubly rewarding and fulfilling.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I want listeners to know that I try to write every song from a place of truth and genuine emotion. It is imperative that my music carry authenticity – I think listeners can determine pretty quickly whether a song is a passing amusement or a work of art that resonates within and asks the listener to confront their own thoughts and feelings. I want to be an artist whose music leaves a lasting impact on the listener and helps them navigate all the different aspects of life.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂 I love all of them, so here’s my Official Music Videos playlist on my Official Artist Channel on YouTube! https://ffm.link/cyofficialmusicvideos
