“I picked these 12 songs for the album because they each come from a moment or story in my life and each tells their own story.” — Charly Reynolds’ Off The Record
Photo Credit: Madelyn Hanson
“2023 was a year filled with so many blessings that I am SO grateful for! With those blessings, there were also lots of challenges that I never imagined I would have to navigate, making 2023 also one of the hardest years of my life, which I believe has made me grow more not only as an artist but as a person. I truly believe God only gives us what we can handle, and these challenges allow us to find our true path.” One of the challenges was to write with more vulnerability, which was shown in “Love You Long,” co-written with Nicole Croteau. What is the song’s backstory?
“Love You Long” comes from a place of running when a relationship starts going well. It’s coming from someone who is scared of commitment and pulls away when something starts feeling right.
Celebrated your birthday this year playing a Dolly Parton slot machine and seeing Shania Twain in Las Vegas. If you were able to talk with Shania after the show, what would you want to ask her about her musical journey?
That slot machine was the best one I’ve ever seen! If I could’ve talked to Shania after the show, I would’ve asked her advice on building your team and finding the right people to surround yourself in the industry. Also, I would love to talk about her journey in music and just hear some stories from her career. She is one of my biggest inspirations. It would be amazing to talk to her!
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” — Waldo Emerson What has been the most inspirational journey of your career?
This is a hard question but a moment when I knew I wanted to do country music and pursue this career was when I was 12 years old and went to the Carrie Underwood “Blown Away Tour.” I knew while at the concert that was what I wanted to do, and ever since then, I have been chasing it!
Your sound is a unique blend of Nashville twang and Texas dance hall energy. Performed the National Anthem at PBR for the World Finals. Sang at CMA Fest, to support music education through the CMA Foundation. Can you share a turning point in your own music education that helped shape you as an artist?
A turning point in my music education was when I went through vocal surgery. I had to learn the importance of warming up and how to take care of my voice, and that is something I have had to work so much on and has been a huge learning curve for me. It is so important to learn, and I encourage every singer to take a lesson to learn the proper warm-up routines for them.
Vocal surgery, “Learning how to speak in a higher pitch, learning new warmups, learning that I may not be able to talk a lot at loud events but then learning the different way to speak so I can. Soooo much but it was definitely the best decision for me, and I don’t regret it a bit. Thank you to Dr. Garrett at Vanderbilt Voice Center for doing such a great job with my surgery, and to Jenny at Vanderbilt Voice Center for teaching me SO much about vocal health & new techniques to help my speaking & singing voice.” While on vocal rest, you released “One Day At A Time,” “Out Of My Hands, and “Flowers.” How do these songs tell your own story, from the surgery to returning to the stage?
“One Day at a Time” was written before I knew I was having vocal surgery, and it was my way of telling myself that it’s okay if I am not where I think I should be. I wasn’t sure at that moment where I was going to be after surgery and was in the middle of deciding if I even wanted to have it. It was a therapeutic song for me.
With “Out of My Hands,” I felt the title related to my situation and how the surgery was totally out of my hands. I had to rely on God through all of it and to get me through it.
Started a podcast, Hey Char. What made you start your own podcast?
I have wanted to have a podcast for a few years mainly just for fun, and I figured it would be a great new hobby to take on! I have loved interviewing other artists and getting to know them better on my podcast, and I am so looking forward to what’s to come!
The debut album, Off The Record, is a deeply personal project that explores love, heartbreak, and personal growth. What is the theme connecting the twelve songs?
I have been wanting to release an album for a few years, and last fall I decided 2024 was going to be the year. I never went for it because, being an independent artist, it can be kind of scary not having a huge team behind me pushing it, but I trust that whatever is meant to happen with it will happen, and I can’t wait to see! I picked these 12 songs for the album because they each come from a moment or story in my life and each tells their own story. I hope everyone loves them as much as I do!
“Visiting Hours,” co-written with Croteau and Chris Utley, has you updating your late brother Jake on everything that has happened since his passing. Songs that create an emotional connection with a listener showcase the healing powers of music. Which songs by other artists have had healing powers for you?
There are so many songs that heal me and bring so much emotion, and one would be “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins. That song is always a great reminder to live in the moment and to never take any little moments for granted.
“People Think,” “Life’s too short to care about what people think y’all. It’s hard sometimes, but life is so much more fun when you stop caring & start living!! So excited about this song, it’s truly my favorite one yet.” Kynee & Court put together a line dance for the song. What was your favorite fan video of them dancing to the music?
I would say Kynee and Court making a line dance to “People Think” was my favorite fan video yet! Of course, I am always so grateful to anyone who uses my songs in their videos but that one stood out, and I know took some thought and lots of talent!
Upcoming tour dates, including an album release party in your hometown of Orlando, FL. What can fans look forward to hearing at the party?
I am so looking forward to the album release party in downtown Orlando next weekend! They can look forward to hearing the album in its entirety and for a fun night together. I will have my new merchandise, and I can’t wait to showcase that as well!
What’s ahead in 2025?
In 2025, I will continue releasing music, and I hope to take the album out on the road! Can’t say much more right now, but I hope to be playing many more shows throughout next year!
CHARLY REYNOLDS