As she prepares to travel the world with her much-anticipated sophomore album, Charlotte Cardin tells us about summer, or rather, about the intense 99 nights which led to his liberating songs.
Charlotte Cardin is far from a new name on the Quebec music landscape. The one we met at La Voix in 2013 has since made waves thanks to her EPs Big Boy (2016) and Main Girl (2017) as well as great covers by Karim Ouellet, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears and more. The 28-year-old artist returned to the studio shortly after the release of his debut album Phoenix in 2021. Pressure to perform after that home run that put you in the ranks of the greats?
“In the summer of 2021 we barely shot and I was very inspired,” she says. I felt at a crossroads on so many levels in my personal life. I had to make a lot of decisions… And I wasn’t that good in my head. I was living a little apart from myself. The moments in the studio, which was actually my boyfriend’s apartment in the middle of a heat wave, had a sense of escape, of release. My only goal was to let myself go and have a laugh with my friends. “99 Nights” is a kind of diary in which I wanted to capture these emotions. »
To carry out this creative process, Charlotte Cardin knew how to surround herself with longtime friend Jason Brando as well as many renowned collaborators: DFA (Dua Lipa), Rob Grimaldi (BTS), Mr. Hudson (Kanye West) and Jorgen Odegard (Justin Bieber), Jennifer Decilveo (Miley Cyrus), Ryan Linvill (Conan Gray) and Felix Joseph (Jorja Smith).
free yourself
The result is a catchy pop album with electronic and R&B accents, often dance-like, that oscillates between spontaneity and depth. “I’ve allowed myself to expand my musical playground, to be more instinctive,” explains the artist. I wanted to find new ways to connect with the public, and not necessarily through vocal violence, but more through storytelling. 99 Nights is more organic with a band feel, where we find more guitar. »
The artist pauses and smiles. “It’s a very bittersweet album because you can hear the playful side of the creative process there… But as I took a step back, I realized there were less easy themes. It looked like a very, very healthy regimen. »
The authenticity of the approach is reflected in the visual aesthetics of the song promotion. On the album we find a completely naked Charlotte Cardin. “This photo was taken by my lover in a motel in Greece. I’m prone to it, that’s true. All images associated with the launch are from my real life, not a photo shoot. »
Cover of 99 Nights – Photo credit: Aliocha Schneider
As well as trusting his social anxiety about confetti and haunting thoughts on looping, the artist offers the poignant excerpt “Next To You,” which he co-wrote with friend Patrick Watson. In this love letter to her hometown of Montreal, she shares her decision to move away. The young woman also has an apartment in Paris. “I realized that in order to thrive fully, I had to leave a place I love,” the artist admitted at the presentation of the work.
In “Daddy’s a Psycho” the vulnerable artist even addresses his relationship with his father for the first time. “I hesitated before releasing this song,” she reveals. I have a very good relationship with my father, but it’s complex and anything but easy. It brings with it many challenges. I decided to put the song on the album because it’s important to be authentic in the music. If it’s uncomfortable and I’m feeling a little uncomfortable… That’s where I have to go. »
A reflection that can be consistent with the song Jim Carrey. The actor who discovered the piece in his name also wanted to call her to congratulate her! “One morning my producer Jason offered to write a song about ego before recommending videos of Jim Carrey talking about it. I fell into a whirlpool! (Laughs…) Carrey has such an eloquent way of talking about ego that he says keeps us from coming into contact with who we really are. »
As if freed from her torment, the artist sitting in front of me shows a peaceful expression, reminiscent of the puppy catchy tune, which opens the work. Who is Charlotte Cardin today? “If you only knew how many times I’ve been asked that question! (Laughs…) Since the creation of 99 Nights, I’ve evolved at least 500 times. I want to allow myself to always be open to new music, ideas and versions of myself. As an artist, I have to remember that I have the right to change. »
Conquer the planet
Charlotte Cardin, who has never hidden her international ambitions, will present 99 nights between Canada, Europe and the United States. Several shows are already sold out. As the artist toured New York this weekend to promote his album, he even had the honor of seeing the YouTube and Spotify promoted series 99 Nights on the Times Square billboard.
How does she view her rising fame? ” I’m ready. Since La Voix, my career has followed an organic evolution that allows me to adapt and improve at each new stage. I can’t wait to present the album,” she says enthusiastically.
The artist is always rigorous and wants to give his fans his best. “Life on tour sometimes reminds me of life as an athlete. It is difficult! I have to do my best. All for fun, of course. After the difficult time that led to this album, I am doing very well today. It is clear, I can say that I will go on stage happy! “And we suspect the world is waiting for it.
The album 99 Nights will be available on August 25th. The 99-night tour kicks off August 30 at the Cogeco Amphitheater in Trois-Rivières. All dates can be found here.