INTERVIEW: Canadian Nuela Charles craves ‘Danger’ on ritzy return

NUELA CHARLES, alternative-soul powerhouse, who takes influence from the likes of Nina Simone and more, delivers a style of potent vocals amid sassy instrumentation and percussion. Kenya-born, Canada-based Nuela has been noted as “one to watch” by the legendary Soul Train, after she struck off 2018 with a JUNO Award Nomination for Contemporary Album of the Year with her sophomore album “The Grand Hustle” and her debut American performance was at the renowned “It’s A School Night” showcase in Los Angeles, on the personal invite of Chris Douridas, popular DJ and musical tastemaker at Santa Monica, California’s radio station KCRW, after he added Charles’ saxy ‘Unfortunate Love’ into rotation.
Hey Nuela – welcome to BBM. What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you so far this year?
This year, I was nominated for a 2018 JUNO Award in Canada for my album previous album “The Grand Hustle”, that was very rad.    
For those who haven’t heard your music yet, how would you best describe your sound?
I like to say that my music is a fiery brand of cinematic soul that could be the soundtrack to the next Bond film.
How does everyday life in Alberta compare with somewhere like London?
Life in Alberta is definitely a lot less hectic, I guess you could say. We’re fortunate to have the city life here with the luxury of tons of green space. Our country in general is very large, and not as populate.
Saying that, I do like London because there’s always something different to do, and the history, that’s literally everywhere, is so inspiring.
How did the project Nuela Charles materialise?
Nuela Charles was a result of wanting to step my own game up. I started as more of an acoustic project, and wanted to be able to perform at the same level as label artists. The sound became a lot more cinematic and I love that.

Where do you tend to write your music, do you think it influences your style at all?
In the last few years, I’ve been co-writing a lot; I can write my music anywhere. It’s different every time, and usually when inspiration hits, it doesn’t matter where I am, I try to get it down.
I’m usually more influenced by experiences, stories, and observing those around me.
When was the last time you had a proper holiday and where did you go?
I don’t really remember a time in recent history that I’ve had a proper proper holiday. However, I did just return from 3 weeks abroad, where I took a few days off in London and Switzerland – but there was always work to do.
Who would be your dream collab?
John Mayer or Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys. 
Name a record you couldn’t live without?
Alanis Morrissette’s “Jagged Little Pill”
 

Nuela Charles – ‘Danger’ OUT NOW
‘Distant Danger’ EP OUT 19^TH OCT 2018
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