Lady Charles latest single, “Bedroom Pop,” takes listeners back to a time when the authenticity of DIY recording was favored over studio perfection.
This track is a captivating dialogue between collaborators, merging musical and thematic elements to explore the challenges artists often face in the music industry. Rooted in the early 2010s indie scene’s DIY ethos, “Bedroom Pop” tackles themes of exploitation and the pursuit of artists maintaining self-respect.
Lady Charles explains the song’s inspiration:
“I have seen a lot of predatory behaviour aimed at young, talented artists, and I wanted to affirm that if you’re finding yourself disrespected or worse, you do not owe anything to these types. I have always felt very protective of my artistic friends’ output, and there is little more disheartening than seeing someone’s energy sucked away by the promise of success with a hidden cost.
The song isn’t inspired by a particular experience, and that’s partially just because of how unfortunately widespread this is. I have helped bands re-record their demos after producers began to demand dates in return for what was supposed to be free help, I have been kicked out of a band only to find out that a remaining member isolated and verbally abused the other once it was just the two of them. I have seen incredibly talented people absolutely burned out by the ludicrous parasatism of these types.”
Rather than drawing from a single experience, the song reflects the widespread nature of exploitation in the industry.
Charles has helped bands re-record demos after producers demanded dates in exchange for free help and witnessed the emotional toll of abusive band dynamics.
Despite its serious themes, “Bedroom Pop” is both a warning and a celebration. “I wanted it to be clear the love I have for DIY artists. The core message of the song isn’t one that centers on the dark stuff, the abuse, but rather emphasizes the power of music and the support that often exists among friends who play music,” says Charles. The song is commendable for highlighting predatory behavior in the music industry and supporting fellow artists facing similar issues.
Musically, “Bedroom Pop” marks a shift from Lady Charles’ previous work, incorporating jazz-influenced chord progressions and saxophone and guitar solos.
These choices create a dreamy atmosphere that enhances the song’s themes.
Actress Zoe Towne’s vocals add soaring harmonies and emotional depth, enriching the song’s mood and meaning. Charles remarks:
“I love featuring others’ voices on my records – voices are instruments and everyone’s voice and how they use it is different. I have never understood the idea that as a solo artist you are presumed to take the singer role all the time when there’s so much variety and power in having others sing key parts.”
“Bedroom Pop” also departs from the guitar-heavy style of “Manic Pixie Dream World,” opting instead for a clean, reverberant melody typical of dream pop.
This choice enhances the song’s ethereal ambiance. Charles’ personal journey from enduring bullying to finding solace in music adds authenticity to their work, profoundly shaping their artistic vision and commitment to creating genuine and impactful music.
Raised in a small town near Ottawa during the 1990s, when societal gender norms were rigid and diversity was scarce, Lady Charles faced relentless bullying as a queer artistic soul. However, they found solace and inspiration in the immersive glamor of David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs, which became a sanctuary for their creative spirit.
Initially part of the indie glam-rock band Valois, Lady Charles used it as a platform to explore their artistry. Yet, when the pandemic cut short Valois’s promising trajectory, Lady Charles found themselves at a crossroads. It was during this time that they embraced their solo project fully, using it not only as an outlet for music that didn’t fit Valois’s aesthetic but also as a means to delve deeper into their non-binary identity.
A significant turning point came when Lady Charles shared a demo of “Manic Pixie Boy” in an online group dedicated to the band of Montreal. The enthusiastic response from Kevin Barnes, the band’s multi-talented artist, served as validation and encouragement. This pivotal moment spurred Lady Charles to prioritize their solo project, building a following through music releases, videos, and cultivating a carefully crafted online persona.
“Bedroom Pop” then is a poignant and timely release that demonstrates Lady Charles’ growth as an artist and dedication to addressing important social issues.
Follow Lady Charles on his Website and social media Facebook and Instagram.
Music is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.
