We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Chipembere and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, how do you think about risk?
Dreams cost money unless you’re really lucky. That’s what I found out really fast after moving to Nashville Post-Grad. An NSAI membership (albeit affordable) costs money, submitting your song for guaranteed feedback on playlist submissions cost money, professional photos cost money, and recording without a label costs money. I have been fortunate enough to live here with family so my risk was minimal in my move, but what is terrifying as an artist is the uncertainty of it all. The money you put into your art could be going towards savings on a house and the time spent writing, recording, and making content could be spent towards an education for a more stable career. My plan for the longest time was to go to law school after college, but after being deprived of making music while playing college soccer, I realized how much my happiness depends on making music. What keeps me going and taking risks is that nothing makes me this happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me a part from others is that I am a bit of a genre bender. I love a hook and a good pop song, but my favorite artists (Frank Ocean and SZA) follow an unstructured format. I’ve been leaning towards that in my writing lately and I think a lot of people enjoyed “Tunnel Vision” because it was more unconventional. I’m excited that I have taken another risk and went part-time at my day job so I can get this EP I’ve been talking about forever actually done! I want it to showcase my songwriting ability and while there will be the catchy, hook driven songs, I’ve been having a good time with more experimental sounds. I got to where I’m at by networking and being myself while doing so. You learn pretty quickly who you vibe with and who you don’t while writing and you got to listen to that intuition. As far as my brand and story, I want to be known as someone who is just so real. As much as I kinda go off on ex-situationships and stuff, I reflect on myself a lot and want that to be seen as well. I think deeply about a lot of things that I’m sure others do too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well we have to go to Hattie Bs at some point on the trip for sure. I’m such a foodie, food is the most important part of a good time in my opinion. For coffee/breakfast we’d have to hit up Fido, Biscuit Love, and/or The Mockingbird. Lunch… Edley’s I don’t know I usually eat a huge breakfast and skip lunch a lot but it’s a good spot. Dinner would have to be The Stillery or Emmy Squared. Drinks, you’re out of luck, I don’t drink so I have no clue. It’s essential to take your friend to Broadway even though after living here for at least a year you get your fill, it’s still a good time every once in a.while. Once the night on the town is through, the Taco Bell Cantina hits different, I also occasionally get a huge snickerdoodle from Mattheesen’s. Other than Broadway, if there’s a 90’s R&B party with DJs Afrosheen and John Stamps, that’s a must. Blind Barber is consistently a vibe. I love a good arcade game so Kung Fu Saloon is also a recommend I’d give, then you can hit up all the spots on Demonbreun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my parents because I’m lucky to have their full support on this adventure. I also want to shoutout some of my supportive artist friends that understand the hustle on another level and always give a word of encouragement when needed: Matt McCartney, Elijah Grae, and Wilson McBeath are the first that come to mind.

Website: https://charlottechipembere.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottechipembere/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlottechipembere

Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lbcTVQpfdOZpMkxpDz46X?si=z1SXq_LuQZimuVwN_xfYQg
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/charlotte-chipembere/1490300077

Image Credits
Michel Fuller and Talia Stewart

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.