Kat Harlton
Photo: provided via artist / PR Team
Music Publishers Canada (MPC) recently welcomed the six participants of its 2024 Women in the Studio National Accelerator, which fosters the professional growth and advancement of talented producer-songwriters from across Canada.
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator offers participants a series of curated workshops, skills training, and networking opportunities with music industry leaders. Now in its sixth year, the Accelerator aims to provide training to the participants and equip them with skills and connections crucial for their advancement in the music industry.
The Music Publishers Canada 2024 Women in the Studio Accelerator cohort is: Alysha Brilla – Toronto, ON, Cat Hiltz – Vancouver, BC, Charmie – Toronto, ON, Jinting (Jinting Zhao) – Edmonton, AB, JoJo Worthington – Montreal, QC, and Samantha Selci – Toronto, ON.
Music Publishers Canada is dedicated to fostering positive change within the music industry. The Accelerator will run virtually from June to December and will include an in-person residency week in Toronto in August, 2024. The Accelerator focuses on topics including technical skills, financial literacy, music business skills, and branding, and will offer opportunities for creative collaborations. Participants have also committed to exploring volunteer opportunities within their own communities.
A passionate singer-songwriter-producer, hailing from Haiti, Charmie began exploring her music talents at the young age of nine. She is a self-taught musician who plays guitar, piano, bass, drums and even beat boxes. Her contemporary style of music production is a unique fusion of rhythm & blues, pop and soul. Known for fostering a deep connection with her audiences, Charmie’s words go straight from her heart to yours.
In addition to her own artistry, Charmie has also made a name for herself as a songwriter and collaborator. She co-wrote on Nelly Furtado’s latest unreleased album coming out September 2024.
I had the opportunity to chat with Charmie, a Women In The Studio 2024 participant about why this program is important, what she looks forward to learning, and the biggest challenge she’s faced in the industry thus far.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the creative work you do?
Charmie: I make music that feeds my soul. This world is very toxic, but music is the antidote. My productions make you wet on a hot day and songwriting makes you want to call your ex…Toxic.
Kat: What does it mean to you to have been chosen as a participant for Music Publishers Canada’s 2024 Women in the Studio National Accelerator?
Charmie: It means the world! I’ve been applying for 3 years. I’m honoured to be recognized and given the opportunity to have a real chance in this male dominant industry. I’m coming for the thorn, no boys allowed.
Kat: The program focuses on topics including technical skills, financial literacy, music business skills, and branding and will offer opportunities for creative collaborations. What are you most looking forward to?
Charmie: I’ve been really focusing on the quality of music, I’m ready to jump into mixing and mastering lessons like yesterdayyyy.
Kat: In an industry where males are often given more opportunities, do you have any advice for producers-songwriters who identify as women, gender fluid, non-binary or gender non-conforming?
Charmie: Keep going. Trust yourself. Find people who see you. Create a team around you of people who give you life. Don’t you dare stop OR I will find you.
Kat: What else are you working on for the balance of 2024?
Charmie: Music, videos, content, family, love, pets, food, skateboarding, cold calling and standing on business.
Connect With Charmie
Instagram: @charmiemusic
Facebook: @CharmieMusic