At only age 19, Indigo Charlie has already worked as Solange Knowles’ personal assistant, attended FIDM, interned at Georgio Armani, and released a hot summer single. We caught up with this go-getter and are looking forward to more great music and probably six other awesome things she has on her plate. Interview after the jump.
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Serial Optimist: Hi Indigo!! We’re aware of some of the awesome things you’ve been up to (FIDM, Armani, Solange’s assistant, and of course your album), but please tell us more about yourself, including something we can’t find on the Internet.
Indigo Charlie: Hmmmm, something you don’t know about me….. I have an extreme obsession and love for classic low riders and vintage Los Angeles. Since my dad passed away when I was younger I’ve kept alive some of his favorite things and interest. Exploring his favorite things sparked a love and connection with someone that I only physically knew for 3 years. I’ve always said that my first paycheck will be spent on my rent for a year and a candy blue or gun metal gray 67 Chevy Impala with switches that I’ll be taking to my Mr. Cartoon and Estevan Oriol (my dad’s best friends before he passed) to hook it up.
SO: You’ve already achieved so much at a young age. When did you know you wanted to be a singer and how did you figure out the path to getting there?
IC: Honestly, I’ve wanted to sing since I was 3 years old. I know that sounds so cliché and everyone says it, but it’s really true. I was in the front seat of my mom’s jeep going H.A.M to everything my mom played and I was heavily inspired. That inspiration lived with me and truly only grew stronger the older I got. Although it’s been a passion for years, a year ago is really when it became an attainable goal for me. I’ve been really blessed to have my mom (veteran publicist Chanel Green) guide me along this journey and really helped do it the right way.
SO: Talk to us about your decision to attend FIDM. What did you focus on there, and how did the Giorgio Armani internship come about? Your style is amazing – do you get to style your own shoots for your music career, too?
IC: In the process of finding out who I was, I knew who I didn’t want to be first and the things that I didn’t want to do. I knew that I didn’t want to waste any time at all, so when it came to choosing a college I chose to take a route that would throw me face first into a career road. Choosing FIDM was a no brainer; I didn’t want to be a doctor, lawyer, athlete, or a rocket scientist. For me life is complete through being creative and FIDM was a place for me where I would be amongst creative who thought out of the bubble just like me. I was finally home in my Visual Communications Major where I learned about all things visual.
Giorgio Armani came about my junior year of High School when my mom went to Milan, Italy with the executives of the company to work the Solange Armani Jeans campaign. A relationship was made and we stalked them until I got to college like “I’m coming, one more year! Can’t wait to interview” and I did. I interviewed for the position and being there is definitely the best part of my week. I love it there.
Thank you so much! Everything you’ve seen from me image wise was style by my mom and me. We are a little collaborative team that has created my look and visuals in the music videos. We are co-creative directors, stylist, producers, set designers, and then I’m talent. FIDM has been really helpful with that because I’m able to take what I’ve learned and use it on a regular basis.
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SO: Tell us about some of your style influences.
IC: I am a 40’s girl to my core. That era had so much style, class, elegance, and beautiful women. I’m inspired by these women who were so beautiful, but had so much edge in their being. In regard to big name designers I am inspired by the elegance of Chanel, the tradition of Giorgio Armani, the shapes of Viktor & Rolf, and the extravaganza that is Marc Jacobs.
SO: A lot of people dream of being successful singers/entertainers. What do you think was the key to your success other than hard work? Was there a moment where you felt like you had your big break?
IC: I’m still dreaming. I’m definitely on the road to my big break and I think the key to where I am right now is that I knew what I wanted from the second I started. What happens with a lot of artist is that they are unable to hold on to the truths that are their artistry when success happens, outside input tends to change the brand and what was initially created. You have to trust in your creative because it’s what made people interested in you in the first place. Everyone always feels that they can take you to the next level in their own way, but you as an artist need to figure out how to take yourself to the next level in a way that is true to yourself. It’s not your artistry if someone is doing it for you. I’ m doing this with my mom and a select few in my corner, but this is my vision and I fight for what I believe it should look like.
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SO: What kind of music did you listen to growing up? Who are your favorites (past and present)?
IC: My mom from a young age exposed me to a wide variety of music, I remember when we would have our Sunday cleaning day the room would be filled with sunshine and we’d just dance dance dance. The playlist in my house consisted of; Prince, Eryka Badu, Lucy Pearl, Outkast, The Cure, N.W.A, D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, TLC, Usher, Notorious BIG, Lauryn Hill, Courtney Love, and so many other amazing artist. Honestly, all of the artist I’ve just listed I still listen to because they hold such amazing memories for me and remind me of my childhood.
SO: How did the opportunity to assist Solange arise? Can you share with us a few things you learned from that role?
IC: My mother was her publicist and the opportunity really just blossomed from there. It was a really amazing learning experience for me and I learned a lot about being organized, detail oriented, writing everything down, having no fear about being assertive, and finding an answer if I didn’t have one.
SO: You seem to be living your dreams!! Describe a typical day in Indigo Charles’ life (if there is one).
IC: I’m a typical Virgo who loves a routine! A day in my life depending on the day consist of my mom waking me up at 7:30 with a warm cup of tea, wash my face, brush my teeth, pack up my stuff and head to Giorgio Armani or go to school, at the end of the day I either come home and do homework or head to the studio. I definitely stick to a routine so nothing falls through the cracks.
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SO: We love the “Cool Love” track. Talk to us about the collaborative process with Justt & Gifft and Indiigo Muanza. Do you get nervous when working with seasoned producers, or do you find them pretty open and easy to work with? Are you specific in how you want your songs to sound or is it more of a team decision?
IC: When it comes to working with seasoned producers I don’t get nervous at all because it’s a creative environment and if I don’t know something I don’t mind asking. The studio is a safe place to explore, mess up, sing strange melodies, write bad lyrics, and just express. For me when I go into the studio I usually know what I wanted to talk about and the vibe I’m in that I’d like to release. Once I’m in there I share my ideas and we build something from there.
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SO: What other projects are you working on that you would like to share with our readers?
IC: Right now I am really submerging myself into the music and pushing my creative. I’m pulling from a place that is a little sensitive, on the edge, exploring new experiences and possibilities. Truly, I’m in a good place. I can’t wait to share the next three songs I’m working on at the moment….I can see the visuals now.
SO: Thanks so much for talking to us! We can’t wait to hear the entire album!
IC: Gosh, please! Thank you so much and I am so appreciative of the time you’ve taken to talk to me. Love and bright lights. XO
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SO Note: Follow Indigo Charlie on Twitter @indigoc.