Music spotlight: Q&A with Joelle Charan

Born and raised in Amsterdam to a Catholic mother and Hindu father, Joelle makes use of this mix of culture and identity in her music. In this way, her music would classify as pop with a hint of Indian sound, notably with the use of ancient Indian music instruments. The message she wants to put across is one of empowerment; being proud of your culture and heritage and she does so through her art which is extremely powerful. Joelle has recently launched an EP called ‘Ashira’ so make sure to check it out. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about her journey below :)

How did you initially become interested in music and had an urge to pursue a career in it?

My parents had a piano when I was still in my mum’s belly. My dad used to play pieces by Chopin on it and that’s where my love for playing the piano comes from. When I was a baby, my mum recalls me recognising the same melodies he’d play. So I’d already listened to music before I was born.

During lower school I hated singing in the obligatory school choir and mimed instead. My favourite teacher noticed that; she told me I sang beautifully and that I should take up singing lessons. I took her advice and over the years singing became my passion.

This fusion of eastern and western cultures in your art is unique; would you consider this type of music becoming more popular in recent times?

To me, fusing east and west in my musical style is a very personal choice. I was born and raised in Amsterdam; my mother is Catholic and my father is Hindu. My father is a descendant of indentured labourers from northwest India who worked under harsh conditions in Suriname following the abolition of slavery. My musical style represents my identity and with it, I strive to contribute to the healing of Indian-Surinamese collective injury. My parents blended eastern and western ideals in our home and by following their example, I really hope my music can in some way help to break the cycle of prejudiced attitudes which are still too prominent in today’s society. 

In recent years, I was held in custody at a US airport on the basis that I had a “different” surname. I try to respond to these types of discrimination with defiance. I feel empowered by my mixed heritage and religions and I want to celebrate that with my music. By integrating ancient Indian instruments into my sound, I try to bring them into a new context. Indian musicians live a very spiritual and disciplined lifestyle which I find fascinating, so I look for a sound that emulates that healing and mystical quality. I really hope these types of sounds can become more popular, so that more people may enjoy these qualities from Indian music.

Tell us about your inspiration process? Is it the same for every song?

Every song I write is different and unfolds around a strong narrative. I love when a song captures me with descriptive lyrics, so I strive to do the same. I’m often inspired by my family, the stories from my Indian grandparents and the hardships they’ve faced, but I also love to be inspired by snapshot moments on my travels. When I see a stranger, my mind wanders and imagines who they are and what their story could be. Musically, I draw a lot of inspiration from artists like Laura Mvula, Daniel Lanois and Lizz Wright. I like to write my dreamy pop songs, but infuse them with classical Indian elements for a bit of surprise. 

My most recent EP is called Ashira which means “I will sing”. I sing for my family, my friends and myself. The songs on the EP are grounded in a message of forgiveness and empowerment against hate and injustice. I hope to encourage love and acceptance for yourself and others. 

Do you have any immediate career plans for the future?

Definitely, I’m currently writing and working on new music for my third EP. 

I plan to release it in 2021/2022.

As an emerging artist, what are your 3 top tips to fellow musicians?

 1. Be assertive and keep trying. 

Don’t be put out by anything and despite the long road, never give up.

2. Find your own sound, and people to help you. 

 3. Don’t only be focused on what’s happening in your town. 

Instead, keep track of what’s going on in different cities and countries.

If you could produce/perform with any artist, alive or dead who would it be?

Laura Mvula! She is an incredible artist and musician who refuses to make any compromises to fit in. Her songwriting is stunningly unique and powerfully original, and her presence fills the room with positive energy. Like her, I mix my roots into my sound and enjoy complete creative control when realising the vision for my music.