Dropping her new EP Refuge today, the northern singer-songwriter Charlotte Jane has  received much support from Radio 1 and 2 as well as giants within the UK music scene such as Jess Glynne, Lewis Capaldi and Tom Odell. This new collection of songs is a declaration of self-love and moving forward, alongside a visually stunning music video for the haunting title track that features an elegant tulle dress and magical forest scenes that look like they could have come from the set of Killing Eve! We chat to Charlotte about her lockdown experiences, the new EP and what’s next for her. 

Hi Charlotte, how are you keeping busy in lockdown?

For a while my career stuff went pretty quiet so I was watching a lot of TV and playing on my PS4. Things are picking up again and now preparing to release my EP has kept me very busy. I have a studio set up at home that I write and record in. Zoom meetings are also definitely keeping me busy! 

Are there any albums that have got you through this pandemic?

Foreigner by JordanAAA Mackampa; Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan and Because I Wanted You To Know by Matilda Mann.  

What's your new song “Refuge” about?

“Refuge” is about when you want to help someone you love through a tough time but they struggle to open up. There’s quite a few layers to the meaning and I’m sure people will find their own meaning as well. 

Was it difficult filming a music video with social distancing?

Not really! I was the only one on camera which made things much easier. Plus it was a fully outdoor shoot so it was all very covid-friendly. 

The EP has themes of mental health and being kind to yourself. Did you find the album empowering to create and produce?

I would say the EP more about self-awareness than mental health. “Down Days” is definitely about my own mental health, but the EP as a whole is more about communication, self awareness and working out how to feel safe and settled in a new relationship. Bringing all of these songs together and making this EP was exactly what I needed to keep me focused this past year. I think I’ll feel really empowered once they’ve been released. 

I love the tulle dress you're wearing in the music video. Do you follow fashion? Does it play a role in your music and artistry?

Thank you, it definitely wasn’t the easiest garment to run through a forest in! I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to trends but I love clothes and expressing myself through fashion. I’d rather rummage through my mum or my boyfriend’s wardrobe and steal their clothes than buy from big brands. 

I love the tulle dress you're wearing in the music video. Do you follow fashion? Does it play a role in your music and artistry?

Thank you, it definitely wasn’t the easiest garment to run through a forest in! I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to trends but I love clothes and expressing myself through fashion. I’d rather rummage through my mum or my boyfriend’s wardrobe and steal their clothes than buy from big brands. 

You’re performing at TRNSMT and Isle of Wight festival this summer. Are you excited for them?

It’s literally all I’ve talked about the last few weeks since they got announced. I keep dreaming about what it's going to be like to finally get back onstage and perform to a crowd of people. I really hope they can both go ahead as planned! 

And finally, what's next for you?

After this EP, there will be plenty more music on the way. My main focus this year is to write loads of music and hopefully towards the end of 2021 it will be possible to get back to touring again. 

Check out Charlotte Jane's new music video, 'Refuge' below.