Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Wendy Wei
Emerging Canadian singer-songwriter Charissa recently returned with the release of her compelling new single, “Lonely Lately,” on May 31st via all streaming platforms.
“Lonely Lately” was co-written by Charissa and Chelsea McWilliams, a member of the Hamilton-based band The Redhill Valleys, and produced by fellow Valleys bandmate Tim Allard, along with McWilliams. The song speaks about the emotional pain of missing someone and has already resonated with listeners when Charissa has previously performed it in front of live audiences.
Burlington, ON native Charissa found her voice naturally at a very young age, taking inspiration from artists like Stevie Nicks, Queen, Whitney Houston and Alison Krauss. At only 12 years old, she was announced as the winner of the Rising Star competition at the historic CNE Bandshell stage and became a finalist at the Hamilton Music Awards Rising Star competition a year later.
Since then, Charissa has been honing a thoughtful, meditative approach to songwriting and found a sound that suits her authentic self. She has collaborated with some big names in the industry such as Tom Wilson (Junkhouse and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), singer-songwriter Lori Yates, and guitarist Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo). She has also taken part in many songwriting showcases over the years and performed at various music festivals, including Burlington’s Canada Day, Grimsby’s Happening at the Forty and Newmarket’s Splash of Culture.
Always one to march to the beat of her own drum, Charissa’s lyrics bare all, covering love, heartbreak and pain, reflecting wisdom beyond her years. That vulnerability, combined with her lush, flowing arrangements and powerful vocals makes her a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
I had the opportunity to chat with Charissa about her musical journey, her new single and what’s next.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about yourself and your musical journey so far?
Charissa: My name is Charissa, (pronounced Ka-ris-a). I’m a singer/songwriter from Burlington, Ontario. I found my voice at a young age and have been performing since I was 12 years old. In 2022, I released my debut EP “Love and Be Loved” with Coalition Music Records produced by Colin Cripps of Blue Rodeo. Music has always come naturally to me. When I was in high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music and shortly after I graduated I went to Nashville to see what music city was all about! I was so inspired and it felt like home. It all started to make sense when I began to write my own original music. I feel like that’s when I truly became an “artist”.
Kat: Can you share the inspiration behind your new single “Lonely Lately”?
Charissa: I wrote “Lonely Lately” a few years ago with Chelsea McWilliams from the band, “The Redhill Valleys”. I remember her telling me I needed a song that would showcase my voice. Chelsea started singing the chorus melody and I instantly connected with it, thinking of a previous long distance relationship. We ended up writing the whole song that day.
Kat: What do you hope fans take away from the track?
Charissa: I hope the fans can relate to it. What I love about the song is the different point of views it will have for each listener. It could be about a previous relationship, someone that has passed or maybe even a relationship that is currently struggling.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you since we last interviewed you?
Charissa: A career highlight of mine was recently at a songwriter’s show I was part of. I introduced my song, “People Like You” and the audience in the crowd cheered and was excited when I announced the title. It just made me feel so proud of the song and everything it stands for.
Kat: What have you learned along the way? Do you have any advice you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Charissa: When I started performing in 2009, it was really all about live performances. Fast forward to today, we live in such an online world, your online presence is almost just as important. I’ve had to adjust and realize that I need to be able to connect with people all over the world by posting online as much as I can. As an independent artist now, you need to wear all hats in this business. It can be overwhelming at times, sometimes you’ll need to take a step back, stay grounded and find other things you love to do so you stay inspired as an artist and recharged to promote yourself! Always remember the most important thing is your art. Never lose sight of that.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you for the balance of 2024?
Charissa: More music! It feels amazing to say that. I’ve been working really hard in the studio on my next EP. It’s a collection of songs that have been favourites of mine and a couple of new ones that I’ve only played once or twice but got really positive feedback from the audiences. Thank you Harlton Empire for the feature and catching up with me!
Connect with Charissa
Twitter: @thisischarissa
Facebook: /thisischarissa
Instagram: @thisischarissa
Website: https://www.thisischarissa.com/