Artist Glimpse - Charissa
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In conversation with Charissa, a captivating singer-songwriter from Ontario whose powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics leave a lasting impression. With a sound rooted in honesty and soul, she crafts songs that connect deeply with listeners. Her original music is a unique blend of alternative country and soul. Her lyrics bare all, emotional and relatable, Charissa transforms life moments into catchy universal truths. I’m honoured to dive into Charissa’s artistic journey, exploring the stories behind her songs, her evolution as an artist, and what lies ahead.
Rob Aguiar: Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you usually start with lyrics, a melody, or something else entirely?
Charissa: My songwriting process varies, but I typically start with a melody. Melodies come into my head all the time and when there’s one that I really love, I will record it into my phone right away so I don’t forget it. I usually start with creating a chorus and then figure out what exactly I’m trying to say and try to form the rest of the song from there.
RA: Vulnerability seems to be a key part of your music—how do you navigate putting your raw emotions into lyrics that the world will hear?
C: A few years ago I performed a few songs at my cousin's wedding. Andy Kim was amongst the guests and he came up to me after and told me I had a very honest voice. I really appreciated hearing that and I’ve always strived to be my authentic self and write exactly what I’m feeling and share my truth in that moment. I let myself be free to just create and try not to hold back on anything all the while keeping a strong melody.
“I used to sing and write a lot of ballads. I’m now starting to write more upbeat songs, bigger anthem style songs, making bigger moments and taking chances vocally.”
RA: You recently released a new single entitled “Locked and Loaded”, can you share the story behind it both lyrically and production wise? What do you hope your listeners take away from it? And would you mind performing it for us today?
C: “Locked and Loaded” started with me strumming Am to F on my guitar. I was feeling a little frustrated with where I was at in my career and I wanted to write a song that would show my dedication and passion towards my music, creating a dreamer song. I wrote it with Daniel Ross Wilson and Carrie DeMaeyer. Daniel was playing this really cool piano melody on top of my guitar and then we were bouncing ideas off one another and it turned into this anthem sort of song that had real roots in the Americana singer-songwriter genre with some grittiness to it that I loved. Tim Allard produced the song and also played almost all of the instruments on the track as well. It was really fun exploring where we wanted to take the song and it continued to get bigger and bigger with the vocals and instrumentation. It has such a catchy beat that hits you right away. I hope listeners feel empowered and motivated while listening to the song. The first time I listened back to the final recording I felt on top of the world, like I could do anything! I’d love to perform it for you today.
RA: How has your identity as an artist grown or shifted over time, and what moments have felt like turning points in that evolution?
C: I used to sing and write a lot of ballads. I'm now starting to write more upbeat songs, bigger anthem style songs, making bigger moments and taking chances vocally. I have a lot more to say now, while experiencing more life moments. After my debut EP "Love and Be Loved", I continued to explore more rootsy and grit sounds, with songs like "Can’t Hold Me Down" and "Locked and Loaded."
RA: We’re half way through 2025 already. Are there any special projects or upcoming releases you’re excited to share with us?
C: I am extremely excited about the new music I’m working on right now which has vibes similar to “Locked and Loaded” and with some honest storytelling. I’m also working on a musical collaboration (new song) with some of my talented friends. Stay tuned!
RA: Thank you so much, Charissa, for adding your heart and your journey to this interview series. I can't wait to see where your music takes you next.
C: Thank you so much for all your support!
