Charlie Jones is a 15 year old singer songwriter from Kent. He rose to fame on last year’s X Factor after being chosen as one of eight solo singers to form the band Stereo Kicks.
Despite achieving top 40 success with their debut single Love Me So, a sell-out tour and having thousands of fans across the country, after less than a year together Stereo Kicks decided to split up in July this year.
Now Charlie is back as a solo artist and CelebMix caught up with him to chat about his music, zombie fans and bants galore.
After being in a band for almost a year, what does it feel like being a solo artist once again?
It took a little while to get used to it again and I still miss the guys and the “bants” but it was an amazing time and I’ve learnt so much which I can now use in my future projects.
What can we expect from your solo music?
A young fresh sound, with no cheese. I’m writing my own material too which I’m really enjoying doing.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Ed Sheeran and dad in that order. Dad’s got serious bants!
Who would be your dream collaboration?
Bruno Mars obviously but also Ed Sheeran.
How do you cope with the attention you get considering your young age?
I think I handle it well all things considered. I don’t think it’s age related but down to your own personality and how you approach it. The fans are amazing!
You’ve recently started your own YouTube channel, what can we expect to see on it?
Sooo much! Cool covers, fun videos and challenges and of course endless bants!! I’m also listening to what the fans request so hopefully I can establish a good blend!
Can you tell us about your craziest fan experience?
One time very early on in Stereo Kicks when we weren’t used to the attention, fans chased our bus for over a mile down a busy road. Every stop at the lights they were banging on the windows, it was like a zombie apocalypse but with pretty zombies!!
What did you learn from your X Factor experience and would you recommend it to others?
I learnt so much! It was great performing to a camera and we were lucky enough to be able to work with some of the music industry’s most talented people including voice coaches, choreographers, make-up and hair stylists etc. There were also things you might not even think of like production and media skills, for example how to talk on camera and in interviews, body language etc. Would I recommend it ? Definitely, if only for the experience!!
What is your favourite lyric that you’ve written?
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone!!!! I definitely wrote that haha!!
You’ve got several great gigs lined up, what is your favourite thing about being out on the road?
With Stereo Kicks it was definitely the bants and currently as a soloist it’s the performing and seeing the fans.
Tell us something not many people know about you.
When I was little I used to say nettis instead of tennis and kibini instead of bikini!!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Definitely performing as a singer either solo or in a band and the work starts now! I’m learning all the time and developing my own sound. World, I’m comin’ for ya!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nLRrYa1fE]
Charlie’s latest cover of The Vamps – Somebody to You
Thank you to Charlie for his time! You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.
Want to see Charlie live? He will be headlining:
- WeTalkToParty on October 17th
- View My Gig Paris on October 25th (co-headline with Tom Mann)
- View My Gig Cardiff on October 27th
- Sing for YCC on October 31st (co-headline with Tom Mann)
- TFNF on November 15th (co-headline with Tom Mann)