Te Whanganui-A-Tara-based pop artist Charlotte Oldershaw has just released her second single Strange. The bouncy electro-pop single touches on authenticity, with a take-away message of following your dreams. NZ On Air Music included this relatable tune on their NewTracks compilation this May. 

What’s your full name, where are you from and what instruments do you play (if any)?

My name is Charlotte Oldershaw and I’m from Wellington. I’m a singer-songwriter and I also play the guitar!

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

I grew up in a very musical family with my dad as a musical director and mum involved in theatre. I started dancing and performing at the age of three, and I have grown up in musical theatre. I went through the Napier Operatic Society’s theatre school from age 11-16. The theatre school gave me my love of performing and such good training and opportunities. I moved to Wellington at 17 to start my Bachelor of Performing arts at Te Auaha – I’m in the final year of my degree this year!

What’s the background of how you evolved into a recording artist?

I started posting covers to social media in 2020 and gained a fair online following from that but have only recently discovered my love for writing and singing pop music. 2022 is my first year putting my work out to the public, and my first single Julian came out in January this year. 

I am so new to creating music, it’s been a massive learning curve from starting out posting covers online. I had no idea how much was involved, especially on the production side. When I first went into the recording studio I was terrified, but as I worked more and more with Jonny Avery I felt more comfortable sharing creative ideas and opinions.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

A pretty big highlight has been friends sending me videos of my songs being played in clubs and bars they were at! It all feels pretty awesome to think that people are listening to my music. Also being featured on playlists such as Apple Music’s “new music daily” and “new in pop AU and NZ”

What makes Strange stand out for you as a single?

For me, Strange feels like a single that really reflects me. I love the pop beat and some people have been saying they hear a reggae beat in there which is funky. 

What is the story behind Strange?

I’ve always very much been my own person and I find it fascinating how so many people change themselves to impress others, and are not being their authentic selves. It was especially fascinating as we all moved to uni etc., watching people act completely different to impress new groups of friends. Strange is about a guy changing for different people, but it’s also generically about all the people who change to be liked.

What’s your favourite moment of the single?

I really love the lyrics, “I thought I knew you but the new you is acting strange.”

Who did you write/record the track with? 

The song was written with Hayley and Dan Munro. The recording and production were all with Jonny Avery. One of my favourite parts about going to the studio is my producer’s dog Bowie… He sings (absolute star). Puppy cuddles and making music, how good!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

There’s a couple of things. First of all, if someone likes you because you are behaving in a way just to please them, then they aren’t really your friend/lover. But secondly, Strange shows that you can follow your dreams! I’ve been told so many times by people that putting out music and performing was not a career option in NZ, I needed to get a ‘real job’, and music needed to be a hobby.  I persevered and have kept trying and it’s paying off. 

Who else is in your team?

For both Strange and Julian I have worked with Jonny Avery the most awesome producer. Woodcut Music have helped me out massively with publicity and marketing and general music industry advice. And The Munros have been awesome songwriting mentors.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? 

I am currently working on heaps of awesome projects! I have at least two more singles coming out in the very near future, planning an EP and am working with some awesome people doing some feature vocals. 

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

• Muroki: Wavy
• Stan Walker: Take It Easy
• Benee: Find An Island