Jessie Poland makes music. You know, that kind of alt-pop music mostly inspired by the women who still don’t care about what you think of them. You might have heard of her back in 2008 when she performed under her pseudonym, Charlotte Sometimes, and when she released her debut album on Geffen Records.
Charlotte Sometimes was a VH1 “You Oughta Know” artist, one of Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need to Know,” and she even competed on the hit NBC TV show, The Voice. But if you’re still on the look out for the Charlotte Sometimes’ newest accolade, stop. You can now find Jessie performing under the whiskey drinking, dark-pop-music making singer-songstress brand LACES.
LACES’ music has been featured by Armada Records, Hollywood Records, MTV, The CW, FUSE, ABC, NBC, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Marie Claire, and Elle. Lyrically and vocally, her style is rare, brooding, and definitely something your misogynistic boyfriend won’t like.
In this interview, we spend a few moments with LACES to discuss the newest project, influences, and more.
Full Q&A plus links and a stream for “Some Body (2 F*ck)” are below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’ve always been a pop fan that has some sort of edge. What’s not to love about something you can’t get out of your head? I think it’s harder to write a great pop song than any other genre I’ve ever had to write for.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been doing it professionally for almost 13 years — under a ton of different names and different genres. I used to be signed to Geffen/Interscope Records when I was younger under the moniker – Charlotte Sometimes.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I’m influenced by so many amazing artists. Roy Orbison is probably my favorite vocalist, Fiona Apple is my favorite songwriter, and I continue to always be a fan of the song and less of the artist. A good song is a good song.
What motivates me to keep going is music is a part of who I am and whether or not anyone cares or listens to it – I have to get it out! ha!
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I wanted all the new singles to be female pop anthems with a twist. I wanted to inspire and make women feel powerful but still offer a sense of vulnerability and honesty.
What was the last song you listened to?
I just listened to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys because it’s still amazing!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I prefer vinyl, just because it forces you to listen to music as a whole which is lost in this day and age. That being said — I’m usually listening to mp3s due to being on the go!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer Spotify.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think the market is so full of amazing music, so it’s hard to be heard. I try not to focus on the results and just put in the work and be as creative as possible
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I do gig out. I used to tour for years, but now I just do pop up shows. My next gig will be at The Hotel Cafe Stage 2 September 15th. Doors are at 7pm!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
- www.LACESmusic.com
- www.facebook.com/iamLACES
- www.twitter.com/LACESmusic
- www.instagram.com/LACESmusic
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Thanks to all my killer fans who have stayed on this crazy journey with me for years – I am eternally grateful.
And to any newbies – remember you can make your career anything you want it to be. Don’t feel like you need to mold into whatever the hot new thing is and don’t feel like just because something works for one artist it works for you. <3
