Interview by Miriam Cadoni
Nobody before the pandemic would have ever thought the improbable. But, when Dutch singer Charlotte Wessels, together with 3 more former members, announced her departure from Delain, hell came down on earth. Nonetheless, every silver lining has a cloud because the artist re-invented herself. Or better deepened her artistic knowledge by combining visual arts with music. In this context, both the volumes of “Tales From Six Feet Under” find their collocation here. In this extensive interview, the artist explains how these releases came to fruition and the role of Patreon. Enjoy!
Hi Charlotte, first of all, thank you so much for accepting this interview.
Thank you. Thanks for covering the record.
Let’s start from the beginning, “Tales From the Sixth Under” are two records altogether. It represents your first solo outlet. And before that, when did you start conceiving this project?
Before replying to your question, we have to move a little back in time. Everything began when I was still part of Delain. I used to compose so much music that I thought it was too much for my old band. So, the more time faded, the more it was a shame that this material had never received the deserved attention. I have archived it on my hard disks. However, at that point, it was just an extra outlet. And, it meant to be a place for all these songs that had no space on Delain‘s records. I could have also involved other artists. But I was holding back because we had set high goals with Delain.
I didn’t want to be the one to hinder the band. I just wanted to have something all myself where I could create and apply my own rules. On Patreon, I was already following some artists such as Amanda Palmer. She’s a trailblazer and an inspiration for her method. You know, have a real community. Everything came from the wish to give a home to my songs, and Patreon, allows me to do everything independently through your community.
Also, the community is geared toward a sustainable stream of creation instead of traditional crowdfunding. This project is the right fit for what I want to achieve. It has been a real blessing over the few years because, after Delain‘s split, I wouldn’t have been in the right mindset to begin this adventure. At that time, I was glad to have something that motivated me to keep up with the work. At the same time, I had this wonderful community of people who supported me. It’s at this moment that it turned out into a full-time commitment.
You’re an experienced artist, composer, and visual artist. Since you’re also self-producing, wasn’t it too daunting for you this project in the beginning?
The most daunting part of this project was the production because I was never involved. So, this side of the project was completely new. I’ve practiced a lot during these years [laughs]. It feels that I’ve been doing just that. It turned out to be quite enjoyable, learning such opens many doors. I still remember the first time I contacted Guido Aalbers to master and mix my songs. Since it was my first time producing all of myself, I was nervous let the songs listening to him. But when I got the first mix, I was over the moon. And it feels good to communicate all your ideas alone without necessarily needing a team to do that.
So far, what did you learn throughout these years? For example, from Patreon, and through the visual projects?
I’m learning a lot and keep learning because I feel like there’s no conclusive answer to that. For example, I technically learned about production. Then, I discovered that setting a deadline as the “one song per month” goal helps me with my mental structure. I have a lot of ideas but finishing those is always difficult. But now, I concluded that maybe I need additional time to work on it. As I said before, it keeps growing and changing. However, the conclusion I draw from them is that they constantly change.
In October, the second part of “Tales from the Sixth Under” via Napalm Records follows last year’s vinyl-only release of its first part. Now they get a CD release altogether. What do both compilations represent for you?
Naturally, there are differences between the two parts. But the element they share is that they both conceived during the super strange time of introspection. During this time, the band split up, COVID happened, and I was alone in my basement creating. After performing my first solo show, I felt like coming out of my basement. For sure, the next record won’t be called “Tales from the Sixth Under”. And I hope that we won’t experience another lockdown again. The songs released in these two compilations belong together because of this strange time. During this period, I was forced to be in my own company and do it with your own company [laughs].
You have shot the live version of “Against All Odds” on an empty stage of Tivoli Vredenburg‘s Grote Zaal. I experienced that once, and it was breathtaking. How was it for you?
I spent several time on empty stages between soundchecks and build-ups. It’s a different experience being back on that particular stage after two years of any whatsoever performance. Considering that the last time I played with Delain 2 years earlier, and now I get to perform alone, it’s a pure exercise in imagining what it felt like to be on stage.
One of the videos that I love is “Afkikken”. I was mesmerized by its ambiance and the video’s construction.
Thank you so much. The video clip represents a sort of backstory of the song itself. In general, the main inspiration comes from horror movies. It was quite a nerve-wracking production because we had to plan everything in detail. Before the actual shooting, we also had a detailed stage rehearsal in which I was fully engaged. And I was happy to invest in such production.
Is the solo show you played in Utrecht to be considered a one-shot? Are you planning a Dutch tour?
I think there will be more shows. For these shows, I won’t plan to do what I did for the first show. For example, there are some scenographic elements that I won’t be able to replicate on tour. But yes, I’m planning something in that regard.
So, Charlotte, we are at the end. Please be free to say hi to your fans and listeners. Thank you so much for this interview.
Thank you so much to Miriam for interviewing us, and thanks to any fans reading it.
