Lately, it seems like Ohio is a hotbed for music talent. Last year, for this very column, I wrote about Dayton, Ohio rapper Jola getting signed by big time music producer and legend Jermaine Dupri. Well, another young Ohioan has also been snapped up by the recording industry.
Sir Charles C is a Lima, Ohio native who was signed to Universal/Motown Records in 2008. Since that time, he’s made singles and done shows and tours, all to build up his buzz. Sir Charles was recently in Dayton, Ohio a few weeks ago to participate in a video shoot with Indiana-based Rap artist Mr. Perfect (who also has a deal pending with Def Jam). He took time from his busy schedule for a Q&A.
Examiner.com: How did you end up getting signed by Universal/Motown, one of the biggest music labels in the world?
Sir Charles C: “It took many tanks of gas going up an down the highway, it took me and Ty Jamz (my producer) many restless nights trying to come up with great songs, it' took my homie S Rise to believe in me and give me a chance at working toward my dream, and it took Tony T Luv Davis to see my true potential and introduce me to Sylvia Rhone (President of Universal/Motown Records). And I won her over with my music an my passion. I am humbled for this opportunity.”
E: How does it feel being a small town Ohio kid that got a recording deal?
SC: “It's such a humbling experience to have gotten signed because not everyday does a kid from Lima ,Ohio get a chance to see some of the things I've seen an experienced, the things I have. I just hope other kids from my city an other small cities see that you don't have to be from L.A ,New York, Miami or ATL to make it.”
E: When did you get signed?
SC: “I officially signed to Universal/ Motown in 2008, and I have been waiting for them which was a mistake because nowadays artist have to do a lot more then they would’ve back in the day. Now we have to create our own fan base and that is what I'm currently pursuing.”
E: What's your current single? Is it available for purchase?
SC: “My current single is " Feeling My Swagga", although it doesn’t showcase my vocal ability, it is a song I think that the average person that values they’re appearance, no matter who judges them ,can relate to. It will be followed by a more melodic song called " Don't Go". It currently isn't for purchase but we are working on it.”
E: Are you currently working on a debut album? If so, when will it drop? What will it sound like?
SC: “My album has a lot of great songs that we're written an produced by myself and Ty Jamz. We don't have an official release date at this time. I have my own unique sound, with a bit of an Usher/R Kelly influence. “
E: Where have you performed? Are you performing soon?
SC: “I have performed in several cities in Ohio, St. Louis, Atlanta, and I am currently booking shows as they become available .”
E: Have you appeared on any blogs? Or any kind of media?
SC: “As far as blogs an media goes, not so much .But I'm sure the positive and negative news feed will certainly be there once I get a name out here! (he laughed).”
E: How do you describe your sound?
SC: “Once again I think I have my own unique tone to my voice but it has a bit of an Usher and R Kelly feel.”
E: Where and what do you want your career to be, ultimately?
SC: “Just like any artist, I want to have a career that carries me into the afterlife, where people can sit back and say, " Charles C gave us great music over his lifetime". I want to be the voice for the younger generation that let's them know it doesn't matter where you’re from because at the end of the day, how hard you work will determine your success.”
E: Tell me about your label and management.
SC: .“My management team is S. Rise, and Tony T Luv Davis who also represents Nelly. They work hard to make sure we all take the right steps toward our ultimate goal, and that's WINNING!”
E: What are your parting words to younger people who may read this interview?
SC: “To all the youngins out there I leave you with this: work hard, believe in yourself, and work even harder when you think you've done enough.”
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