Think of Lizzo’s confident energy and pair it up with some alternative sass. You’ll end up with something like Nuela Charles’ new EP, “Blissful Madness.” This is Charles’ first major release since her “Known Better (Live Session)” released in 2020.
Charles’ starts off with ‘Nerve’ which acts as the EP’s solitary breakup song. It goes beyond the typical self-love driven heartbreak anthem, she takes the offensive and dares someone to cross her again. “You’ve got some nerve to be calling me, but I’m not your friend,” Charles sings. “Don’t try me again.”
‘Nerve’ is followed by ‘Space’ and ‘More by the Minute.’ These songs show her softer side. In ‘Space,’ she shows vulnerability and expresses that she doesn’t need space from the one she loves – even though they asked for it. In ‘More by the Minute,’ Charles transforms into a lovestruck woman. It’s upbeat and reminds us of the joys of deepening love.
Charles wants her music to inspire others. She takes from her lifelong experience of conquering her confidence and pouring what she’s learned into her music.
“I want my listeners to feel empowered and seen,” Charles explained. “I want them to know that they don’t have to stand for disrespect and that they can do anything in life. But also know that they’re not alone in times of struggle, which is something I have to remind myself of sometimes.”
Charles was born in Kenya and grew up in Switzerland, Canada and the Bahamas. This affected the way she viewed herself and became a source of her confidence.
“Growing up in a mixed household, and living in a predominately white city, I didn’t feel so much out of place as I did, feel special. I wasn’t like everyone else and that was ok. That was unique, and to me, that was a good thing.”
After listening to “Blissful Madness,” others can draw from her power and express themselves as boldly as Charles. She shared that she enjoys when others hear her music.
“I think my favourite part has been getting my music placed on television shows, and to then hear the response and have people reaching out from places outside of Canada,” Charles said. “It’s crazy how a show like Jane the Virgin can travel around the world and take your music with it. It’s a really great feeling!”