The heart lies. No one tells you that. But it does. It’s not malicious in its intent. It’s more like a puppy that gets excited no matter who walks through the door. Your heart tells your brain, “This is a good thing.” And it convinces you to ignore the red flags.

CHARLS isn’t as naïve as she was with her last boyfriend. The London-based artist has learned a bit and evolved. She’s entering a new era, and her brand new single, “Heads Up,” is emotional, intimate, and brutally honest. CHARLS’ ravishing vocals are intoxicatingly tender while her lyrics depict the brutal pain that resonates with anyone who has trusted their heart and ignored the warning signs.

CHARLS wrote “Heads Up” with Phil Simmonds. The sparse arrangement shines a spotlight on her enthralling voice (listen below).

“Every single lyric of this song is true,” CHARLS revealed. “It felt like I was potentially being too specific at the time and that no one would ever be able to relate, but on reflection, I think that’s the magic of it. It’s understated, almost like a folk song, but it really stays with you. I don’t think it’s the ‘in your face’ song of the record, but it’s one that will grow organically — there’s just something about it.”

Previously performing as Charlotte Jane, the artist was born and raised in Hull, East Yorkshire. Growing up, she learned about rock and soul music while staying at her grandparents’ apartment in Costa Blanca during the summer.

“You heard so many genres, so many different musical styles, but I genuinely loved it all,” she recalled.

CHARLS’ influences range from Sam Cooke to Kylie Minogue and Natasha Bedingfield. Her Mount Rushmore of vocalists includes Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Aretha Franklin. As Charlotte Jane, she performed roughly 140 shows, opening for luminaries such as Lewis Capaldi, Tom Odell, Jess Glynne, and Bastille. She also performed at major festivals, including Reading & Leeds, Lollapalooza Berlin, and Isle of Wight.

“I’ve taken a hiatus; there was a regroup needed,” CHARLS admitted. But now that she’s back with a newfound artistic freedom, she declared, “This is the most ‘me’ I’ve felt in years.”

“Heads Up” is the first release from CHARLS’ upcoming project. You can follow her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

Photos courtesy of The Orchard.