Greedmont Park

Interview: Indigo Charlie

Saturday, January 22, 2011 by Isabelle Ofume | 3 Comments; | Category: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Fashion, Interview, Music, RnB/Jazz/Soul

Indigo Charlie, who some of you may have heard of and maybe haven’t, has exploded the media with great music, powerful lyrics, and an image to die for. From Vibe Magazine to Concrete Loop, the public has seemed to become very connected to this new artist. Greedmont Park had the opportunity to interview this up and coming singer, to talk about music, fashion, and life.

Isabelle: Indigo, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to have this interview with me. Your music is beautiful. So, who is Misses Indigo Charlie?

Indigo: No, thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I’m very appreciative of your time. Thank you so much for the compliment, I’m so happy you are enjoying the music. Indigo Charlie is me. I am a girl who loves to create, express myself, research, travel, love, and explore all that the world has to offer. The world offers a plethora of delicious yummies and I love to submerge myself in them and try to live in those moments. I’m a very curious person. I want to taste everything life has to offer.

Isabelle: When did you feel that you were going to pursue a career in music?

Indigo: Since I was little I wanted to be apart of this industry, but my mom definitely was very protective, pushed education first, and waiting until I fully knew who I was as a mature person. I’m very thankful she did because I believe now I’m well prepared for this industry. As of today I’ve only been pursuing music professionally for the last year, but you could say I’ve felt strongly about it and have been singing since I was 6.

Isabelle: I was watching one of your most recent videos featuring Mr. Khleo T (I’ll Never Change Remix). And it is truly amazing and unique how the video came together (with over 1,400 photos). Who came up with such an innovative idea? Where did the inspirations for this video come from?

Indigo: Director and photographer Carmen Chan came up with the idea to create the stop motion video. I love having her on the team because she is so innovative and we combine ideas, collaborate inspirations and take them to a beautiful level. I came up with the set design for the shoot, but the original idea was to just do a photo shoot. I’m so glad for her brilliant brain because she totally took our idea to the max and made it even better.

Isabelle: How did you and Khleo come to collab on this remix/video?

Indigo: The darling Khleo and I are friends, he was always very supportive of the original (“Never Change”) and sharing it with all who would listen. It made me smile, so when I came up with the idea to do remix featuring a male counterpart, giving the male perspective to the song, he was the perfect fit. In my eyes, he was my Jamie xx for this song.

Isabelle: During the “making of the video”, how was this experience? (with Khleo and everything).

Indigo: Making the video was such a blast. I love the actor side to Khleo. He is so talented and smart. It was so fun to act in love, channel a character, and convey a story. Having to argue with him for shots was definitely difficult for me because I adore him and couldn’t yell at him even when I tried…well at least I thought I couldn’t until he brought out his inner actor and pushed my buttons. After that he was toast. (giggles)

Isabelle: With almost 30,000 views on Youtube; features in Vibe, Concrete Loop, and Honey Magazine. How do you feel about the publics incredible reaction to your music?

Indigo: I’m still on a fluffy pink cloud. I can’t believe that my first song ever in life made people look and listen. Putting out “Never Change” and “I’ll Never Change” was FOR me and the emotions that I needed to get off of my chest. It was a blessing to make the song, but it’s even more of a blessing to see people love the lyrics or appreciate what I’m putting out. I’m so appreciative and I just can’t believe it.

Isabelle: What is music to you? Where do you get your inspiration from?

Indigo: Music for me is a way of self expression when I am creating it, and an escape when I am listening to someone elses creation. I create music to let out feelings that I do not usually share with people. Music is my public therapy. Inspiration for me comes from life, my experiences, and the experiences of my friends. I definitely pull from things that I’ve experienced first or second hand. The stories you hear are real. I am still young, I haven’t experienced everything in life yet, but I’ve experienced a lot for my age, and what I haven’t, I have lived through my friends.

Isabelle: Describe your music in three words…

Indigo: Moody. Airy. Feelings. Delicious. Haunting. Beautiful…darn, that’s 6 words!!

Isabelle: If you could do a collaboration with anyone at the moment, who would it be?

Indigo: DJ Adam 12 of She Wants Revenge, he is brilliant! His love, scope, and knowledge of music is breathtaking. I love his creative and artist vision. Definitely continuing to put this into the air.

Isabelle: Where will you be going from here with your career?

Indigo: Musically, the mission right now is to finish my EP and begin shopping to labels. Hopefully once I’m signed I’ll work on my album and tour 360 days a year. My goal is to continue to make people feel and express myself. That is all I want. Fashion wise, I plan on graduating FIDM Los Angeles and working in a fashion house. (I know which one, but I can’t tell you everything) wink. I believe in doing it all. A full rewarding career is what I strive for. I will have that.

Isabelle: Indigo, you spent some time as a celebrity assistant. What did you learn from the experience? What did it teach you?

Indigo: During my time as a celebrity assistant I learned that it is important to be on your toes and be a great multi-tasker. There is a lot going on when you are on the road and it is definitely important to be able to keep calm, find answers if you don’t have them, and be WELL organized. Loyalty, confidentiality and dedication are a must. I happened to really care about my boss, so that helps too. It’s easy to work hard for someone you care about. Always be professional. You are the first representation a lot of the time. Do it right.

Isabelle: Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Indigo: My biggest musical influences are Prince, Lykke Li, The XX, Karen O, Sia, Erykah Badu, Andre 3000, and Courtney Love just to name a few. I’m really inspired by all artists, some more than others, but there have definitely been songs that are full of inspiration in themselves.

Isabelle: Fashion, it seems to play another role in your life. How would you describe your style?

Indigo: EVERYTHING VINTAGE! I’m a sucker for vintage and have the best kind of addiction. What I love about vintage is that it never gets old. Vintage pieces hold stories, memories, feelings, and history. Vintage is more than just an item of clothing. (laughs) I know, I’m obsessed. There is something truly beautiful about history…. I always wonder where the dresses I am wearing have been. Did a beautiful woman wear them on a date, sip expensive champagne, maybe accept her boyfriend’s marriage proposal? I’d love to know….it’s amazing to wonder…someday I hope somebody will wear my dress and wonder the same things.

Isabelle: What’s your favorite place to shop?

Indigo: There are so many amazing vintage shops around LA and I have this little boutique in Orange County that is my dirty little secret. If I told you what it was called…..I’d have to kill you. (laughs)

Isabelle: Other than music, what else do you do? Any special talents you would like to share?

Indigo: You are going to be way green jelly, but I can totally lick my elbow. (laughs) I’m just kidding. I’m not a painter, but I love to paint. Mixing my own colors and creating an absolute mess is a blast. Putting my whole body into my paintings is very common; finger prints, elbows, toes, etc. I love getting dirty. I can also mimmick ANY AND EVERY song on the radio… from the beat, each vocal note, high, low, rapping, singing….I’ve been called a human jukebox. It’s quite entertaining at parties…or…well….long car rides.

Isabelle: In 4-5 years, what do you see yourself doing?

Indigo: In 4-5 years I see myself continuing on this journey to scratch souls and explore. I will still be making music and working in fashion in one way or another.

Isabelle: “[insert a quote that you by]“

Indigo: “Be beautiful. Be pure. Be fly.” -My mommy and I

Isabelle: Shoutouts?

Indigo: I have to thank God and my mommy for bringing love and light into my life, without them this journey would be very dim. I’m blessed. I am faithful. I am dedicated. I would shout out (on the super loud speaker that reaches Heaven) my father, Donnie Charles Jr. Although I was just 3 when he passed away, I hope he knows I DO remember him, I have memories and I think of him all the time and hope he can see me on this beautiful road I’m on.

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