IN CONVERSATION WITH CHARLOTTE MACINNES

interview by JANA LETONJA

Charlotte MacInnes is stepping into her own spotlight. The Australian-born, London-based artist released her debut single ‘Struck’ on 13th March— a theatrical, emotionally charged introduction that channels the drama of Kate Bush and the sweep of Florence Welch. Written alongside Ashnikko, ‘Struck’ marks the beginning of a bold new chapter. Already known to many for her acclaimed performance as Daisy in Florence Welch’s musical ‘Gatsby’ in the US — earning praise from Variety and beyond — and as lead Maeve Baker in the TIFF-premiered musical comedy film ‘The Deb’, Charlotte is navigating the rare space where theatre, pop, and cinematic storytelling collide. Now, with her own music front and center, she’s ready to define her voice.

‘Struck’ is your debut single. What does this release represent for you personally?

It feels amazing to be stepping into music wholeheartedly with ‘Struck’. Music is what I’ve always wanted to do so it feels like I’m moving closer towards who I am. 

The track feels theatrical yet intimate. How did you find that balance?

I think the intimacy comes from being vulnerable. I naturally want to be dramatic and emotional when writing songs, and that definitely comes from a theatre background. I am most inspired by artists like Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell who can be sensitive and theatrical at the same time. 

You co-wrote ‘Struck’ with Ashnikko. What was that creative dynamic like in the studio?

She is an absolute superstar. I adore her as a person and a creative, so working with her was a dream. She has a really magical way of world building when writing a song and it was amazing to be in that world together. 

How has spending time in the studio with strong female creatives shaped your confidence?

I have been lucky enough to work with many female creatives in both the acting and music world. What can I say? We run the word. I think the power of female friendship is limitless and I’m lucky enough to work with a lot of my friends who inspire me constantly. 

Coming from a theatre background, how does storytelling inform your songwriting?

I love being able to paint a picture in a song. I think theatre provides escapism and excitement, and it allows you to explore your own emotions while performing it. I love how tangible and confronting theatre can be. So, I think I subconsciously I write songs hoping for them to have that effect on people. 

Playing Daisy in ‘Gatsby’ was a major moment. How did that experience impact your artistry?

The music in ‘Gatsby’, written by Florence Welch, was my favourite part of that experience. Florence bleeds a bit of herself into every bit of work she does and you can really feel that in ‘Gatsby’. She’s on another level. That was incredibly inspiring and definitely informed the songs that I wrote after performing in ‘Gatsby’.

Do you feel your stage training gives you an edge as a pop performer?

When I’m on stage as a character, my job is to tell a story, but when I’m performing my songs, I think it will feel like more of a relationship with the audience because they’ll be learning about me instead of a character. The music theatre girl to pop girl pipeline is one I am honoured to be a part of. 

Your upcoming EP is on the horizon. What themes are emerging across the project?

The EP, in a way, is about not hardening your heart after heartbreak, and I mean that in every way, not just romantically. While writing this EP, I came to the realisation that suffering is inevitable, it’s what you do with that it that matters. I was growing up a lot, both creatively and personally, while writing these songs. 

Do you approach music differently than film or theatre roles?

Going into a role, I know what happens at the end. When I’m writing music, I have no idea what’s going to happen. And even when I think I know, sometimes it transforms itself into something completely different. Approaching a character, I am learning how to embody and become a new person for that period of time. Whereas songwriting, I am exclusively pulling from the most vulnerable parts of myself, which is a different kind of liberating. 

After premiering ‘The Deb’ at the Toronto International Film, how did stepping into a leading film role shift your perspective?

The role of Maeve in ‘The Deb’ theatre show in Sydney was my first professional job. When I found out that Deb was going to be made into a movie, it felt completely surreal. Because it’s a musical movie, there was an underlying confidence because of how well I know myself as a singer. I think I would’ve been much more scared if it was just an acting role.

How do you protect your originality in such a fast-moving industry?

Remembering that no one else is me, that feels like the key. It’s easy to try and be like other people, even wonderful people that I look up to, but no one is ever going to be as good at being me as I am.  I believe being authentic and original is a practice because it requires you to really love and trust yourself.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography GENEVIEVE REEVES