I Suck At Being Lonely is out now!
Image: Supplied.
Australian singer-songwriter Charley recently unveiled her bid to represent Australia in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy with I Suck At Being Lonely. We caught up with the singer to chat about the track, Eurovision, what she has in store for 2022 and so much more!
The piano-led ballad explores the juxtaposing emotions of moving on from a relationship, but longing to re-kindle that love when nothing else can fill the void. Charley's emotive vocals delicately float above atmospheric production, unfurling to a powerful final chorus.
Charley will go head to head with Andrew Lambrou, Sheldon Riley, Jaguar Jonze, G-Nat!on, PAULINI, Erica Padilla, G-Nation, Isaiah Firebrace and Evie Irie, Jude York, Seann Miley Moore and Voyager at Eurovision – Australia Decides later this month. Each artist will perform original songs for their chance to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy. We spoke to Ireland's 2022 Eurovision contender Brooke about her song That's Rich, the impact of the song contest and more. Read the interview here!
Eurovision – Australia Decides will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 25th February and Saturday 26th February.
Could you tell us a bit about your background in music and what led you to pursuing a career in music?
I’ve always loved music (thanks to my musical family) and grew up doing musicals with my family or in school and then had a couple bands in high school but I never thought it was possible to actually do it as a career. When I met my ex, he was pursuing music and I realised that I could actually do it for a living! So I moved to Sydney (from the Gold Coast) four years ago and have been writing in Australia and America ever since! That’s probably the most simple way to put it!
You’re gearing up to compete to represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest this year with your song I Suck At Being Lonely. Tell us about the song and what inspired its conceptual nature…
Yes! I’m so excited. I wrote ISABL nearly 3 years ago on a writing trip in LA and I was currently going through my 4th breakup with my ex (now has been 7 times :) lol ). That was the first time I’d properly spent time with Jim Alxndr and he just completely tore all my walls down straight away and we just talked about all of our problems. I was so sad at that moment as I was finally in the same country as my ex and I couldn’t reach out to him as it just wasn’t the right thing to do. Everywhere I went, I’d try to have as much fun as possible, get drunk, hang out with friends etc, but as soon as I’d get in the cab alone and go home, it would all hit me again. No matter what I did, I’d always go back to him. So we put that all in a song.
What can we expect from the live performance of I Suck At Being Lonely at Eurovision Australia Decides?
Well I’ve been so grateful that I never knew what was going to come of this song when I wrote it. And now after such a bad experience with this one person, I’m finally able to make something beautiful from it all. Everything’s going to be really raw and simple! I really wanted to keep the whole thing simple and put as much focus on the song and words. I can’t tell you much but it’s really beautiful and my outfit just ties it all together!
What messages do you hope listeners take away from the song?
DONT GO BACK TO YOUR EX. They won’t change. Don’t message them if you’re lonely. Don’t put up with people who treat you second best. I hope people take this song and realise their worth.
What’s one line from the song you find at times can be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“4th time I’ve been without you, I wanna live without you, but I suck at being lonely”. This is one of my favourite lines because it’s just everything that I’ve said to myself over and over again for 7 years.
What drew you to wanting to compete for a spot at the Eurovision Song Contest?
I didn’t know at first that I wanted to do the show or not as I’m a bit scarred from being on The Voice. But after thinking about it, I just knew how amazing the show is, and the director made me feel so comfortable and let me have so much creative input. I would’ve been stupid to not do it.
If you take out Eurovision Australia Decides and compete at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy, how do you think that experience would change the trajectory of your career?
Gosh it would make the biggest difference. I would be able to do a tour around Europe?!?? I could move overseas a lot more easier! It would just be the most amazing step to help in my career that I’ve needed!
The Eurovision Song Contest has provided countless iconic performances. Which contestant/performance has remained the most memorable to you throughout the competitions history, and why?
Conchita!!!! Her performance was SO simple but also so much drama. Her vocals were the main feature and that’s what I’m trying to do with mine!
What can we expect from you in 2022? An album or an EP perhaps?...
Praying for my EP ;)
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
JULIA MICHAELS!! She basically grew me into the artist I am.
Dream collaboration?
Troye Sivan!!! JULIA!!! Charlie Puth and way more!!
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Nervous System - Julia Michaels.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Vulnerable, cinematic, ever-changing.
Best song of 2022 so far?
Light Switch - Charlie Puth
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Mean Girls!!!!
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Since You Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson!! My dad used to play that in the car for me when we were driving home from anywhere!
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Keeping this one a secret ;)
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Maren Morris HERO (Deluxe Edition) is amazing on a road trip!!!! And anything by Role Model.
First concert you went to?
Kelly Clarkson from memory… but probably The Wiggles.
Best concert you have been to?
Julia Michaels!! Or Billie Eilish.
First album you ever bought?
Strawberry Kisses by Nicki Webster.
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Opening up for CXLOE! I had just released my first song called Hard For Me and everyone sang the words back at me. Was so so special.
The first song you loved to sing?
Beautiful Disaster Kelly Clarkson!
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Julia Michaels!! Dua Lipa!
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Doja Cat. She’s becoming one of my favourite artists. She’s so funny and real on social media and blows everyone away with every song/visualiser right now!
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Keep going and work as hard as you can, do not let other peoples opinions sway yours, stick to your gut!
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
When I heard Julia Michaels album for the first time! Was the most surreal feeling.
I Suck At Being Lonely is out now!