EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHARLOTTE SANDS: PUTTING THE LIFE IN “AFTERLIFE”

Last month, Charlotte Sands released her brand-new single, “Afterlife.” Exploring love in its eternal form, the track blends a range of emotions through the singer’s iconic pop-punk sound. We got the chance to learn more about the song, as well as what Charlotte has been up to outside the studio:

What inspired the storytelling aspect of “Afterlife” and what do you want fans to take away from this track?

This song was inspired by the idea of loving someone so deeply that you start to grieve the idea of existing without them even when they’re still next to you. I feel things so strongly that even when things feel positive and optimistic there’s a part of me that is always waiting and preparing for the other shoe to drop. I want people to listen to this song and think about the people or things in their life that they have the privilege of loving so much. I hope the idea of finding each other in every lifetime brings people comfort and reminds us all of how lucky we are to be loved and to find things that bring us so much joy and everlasting hope.

How has your songwriting and recording process evolved from your first single now to “Afterlife?”

I think the biggest change is how much I trust my instincts now and how much I really fight for what I think the song should be. As the artist in the room you have to be the one to advocate for the song after the session is over and everyone goes home and leaning into that responsibility and trusting that I know what is best for myself and my music is something I have to constantly practice but am definitely getting more comfortable with. Also, I feel so much less afraid of being honest and expressing my truth without the fear of people judging it or criticizing it. I’ve fully accepted that art isn’t made to be loved by everybody all of the time. If you connect to it that’s amazing but if you don’t that’s also ok with me.

What was your favorite moment of the Summer School tour?

One of my favorite moments from the Summer School Tour was on my birthday getting to play my hometown and celebrating with my family as well as the bands and crew on the tour. It was so much fun and I felt so loved, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What are your current tour essentials?

My tour essentials are a pair of wired headphones, they’re so much better for phone calls and I try to walk every morning and check in with friends and family while I’m exploring a new city. Ginger shots in the morning always make me feel a little bit better and anything that helps me stay healthy and keep the colds away is a must. Having a skincare / self care routine is also essential to me when winding down at night. It feels calming and mediative and reminds me to come back into my body before starting the next day.

Who are some artists that are inspiring you right now?

Some artists that are inspiring me right now are Dora Jar, Jaeger, Holly Humberstone, and PVRIS. That’s the song rotation I’m usually listening to and am constantly impressed by their artistry and storytelling. I feel lucky to be making music on the same planet and at the same time as these incredible women.

You’ve had so many amazing accomplishments in your career. What is something you are still hoping to achieve one day?

I would really love headline a big Boston venue like MGM, House of Blues, or Fenway. Being able to play a show like that in my hometown with my friends and family would be an unforgettable experience and I can’t wait for that day!

What’s your favorite place to shop at for tour outfits?

I get a lot of my tour outfits from Hot Topic! They’re always so kind and send me fun accessories and band tees to wear. In general, I try to thrift most of my clothes or repurpose outfits from other tours—it's a good excuse for me to do arts and crafts!

What is your best piece of advice for dating in your 20s?

I think my best advice would be to communicate and be honest about expectations. It took me a really long time to be able to communicate how I felt, especially in a relationship. I’d create this constant cycle of expecting someone to read my mind and then being disappointed when they didn’t because I wasn’t able to ask for what I needed or communicate how I felt. Also don’t waste your time on people who let you question how they feel about you! If you have to wonder then that’s already an answer.

What can we expect in this upcoming year in regards to your music?

I think you can always expect me to experiment and change constantly between what is inspiring me and what feels exciting at whatever phase of life I’m in. This next era of music is definitely a range between music that I grew up listening to and music that feels exciting to me right now, finding the right way to mix all of those eras together and try to accurate represent where I am right now in this moment. I can’t wait to share it all.

Learn more about Charlotte Sands here: https://charlottesands.com/

Check out our past gallery featuring Charlotte here: https://www.thekorepublication.com/articles/pkmq8j9wl0e1mg8tfs7miwe6zqogqt