Canadian soul / R&B singer-songwriter, Tanika Charles, initially performed as a soloist, under the stage name Ms. Chawlz, before releasing her 2010 premier EP, What! What? What!?. The now-based in 'The Six' Charles, would later return in fall '15 with the title track, "Soul Run," from her full-length debut album of the same name.
The 2x Juno Award and 3x Polaris Prize-nominated songstress is back with "Don't Like You Anymore," taken from her anticipated, soon to be unleashed fourth studio collection, Reasons To Stay.
Let’s hop right into this single / video, "Don't Like You Anymore" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?
When I sat down with fellow collaborators, Kyla Charter and Scott McCannell, we were brainstorming on what the content of this next album would be. The topic of family relationships came up. The complex emotions, misunderstandings, tension and love.
Of course "Don't Like You Anymore" comes courtesy of your upcoming body of work, Reasons To Stay -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
As a child, I grew up in a LOVING, but complex situation. As an adult, I recognize some of my characteristics / behaviours might have been questionable. During moments of silence, when I would actually allow myself to think, there was / is a lot of pain. It all stems from somewhere. Do I stay in said toxic environment or do I figure it out and grow from it? I chose the latter.
How then does Reasons To Stay either differ and / or compare to previous Tanika Charles' efforts?
Reasons To Stay is personal. That’s not to say my past album tracks aren’t lived experiences, they are. This album touches on topics at a deeper level.
As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
This is going to sound cliché, but from me real lived experiences. Inspiration, for me, comes from existing in this lifetime and documenting it.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for Tanika Charles?
I've always loved music, and I’ve always loved singing. But, I never thought of myself as a singer. My father played Steel Pan and Sax in Trinidad, and his love for music is definitely in his album collection. Thousands of records. As a family, on weekends we would listen to music after dinner and my dad would encourage us to really listen to each element in any particular song. My younger brother and my mother have beautiful voices. My older brother is somewhat of a prodigy. He can play any instrument. A composer, producer, and engineer, I would say my first foray into singing would be through my brother.
Now you’re from Edmonton, Alberta, correct? So growing up in the "City of Champions," who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
My father introduced me to a LOT of music growing up. Bob James, George Duke, Spyro Gyra. Mostly Jazz but his album collection is extensive. As I got older, I discovered Patti Labelle and the raunchy, sharp tongue of Millie Jackson. Prince, Michael / Janet Jackson, Guy, Jodeci, Blackstreet, Jill Scott, SWV, '90’s R&B, I could go on…the passion these singers felt expressing their love and / or desire, the visuals, the riffs, harmonies, this is where my musical influences stem from.
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
It’s so hard to define my style. My first album Soul Run was Motown-esque with hip-hop beats and a touch of Bluegrass. My 2nd album, The Gumption, I was heavily influenced by Alabama Shakes, Black Pumas and Turkish Psychedelic funk, it ended up leaning more towards Rock / Rootsy R&B. My 3rd album, definitely Jazz influenced. This album? I’d say, Retro soul.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
If anything, I would hope listeners can relate and in turn, start a conversation. Music for me is therapeutic especially when I understand or “get” what the writer is trying to express.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Frank Ocean, to me, is one of the most prolific writers that we should be so lucky to experience in this lifetime! I discovered him under his alias Lonny Breaux, and lost my mind. His writing makes me cry. He sings stories with unique melodies and harmonies, and manages to reach the masses while absent. Would love to know how his brain works and perhaps absorb some of his magic should we happen to be in the same room. Obsessed.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Why? The Grammy Stage!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
I'm absolutely loving the resurgence of R&B! Some of the artists popping out as of late are bringing me life and inspiration! Durand Bernarr, ARE YOU KIDDING?!
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
As arduous as this career can be, the key to longevity is to stay hungry, humble, consistent and enjoy the journey...trust that the best possible outcome will come to you at the right time.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Yes! Having dipped my toes in theatre, on stage and TV, might refresh my acting skills and try to take a stab at it again!
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Getting nominated for a Juno(2x) while on the road, acting in a docu-musical written by one of my closest friends and contributor on my 3rd album Papillon de Nuit, Khari Wendell McClelland. Touring and selling out shows in Europe. Releasing 4 albums!
What’s an average day like for you?
I have the MOST average day ever. Wake up, drink coffee or a smoothie, maaaaybe workout, spend a couple hours answering emails, posting, listening to music. Toronto is full of incredible musicians, so, if the spirit hits me I’ll head out to a show. I have an amazing group of friends who send me new music / artists that I should listen to. That’s love right there. Now, show day? That’s a different conversation.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I'm pretty accessible. If it isn’t through newsletters, meet and greets or sending a personal message when one purchases vinyl, you can DM me on any social platform; just keep it cute.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favourite? Touring, meeting amazing people around the world, performing. My least favourite? Social Media. For all the toxic and obvious reasons.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Nothing happens overnight. Persistence is key.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Not sure. Just navigating my existence now.
As for the immediate, what's next for you, Tanika?
Releasing my album May 16th and touring!
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Join in on my Bandcamp listening party May 15th!
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