I had my first experience with Pearl Charles seeing her open up for Liz Cooper at Lincoln Hall last Fall. Throughout Pearl’s set, it felt like we’d all gone back in time to the 60’s and 70’s, as she and her band embody those decades in the modern era— from their music to their style.

Pearl Charles’ solo career as a singer-songwriter came to be after nearly a lifetime of playing music in one form or another, and that deep history and fondness for playing music certainly comes across in the multifaceted and nuanced tones in her music. Pearl first started playing music at age five, and spent time performing in groups like The Driftwood Singers and The Blank Tapes, each time wearing a different hat, playing everything from guitar to autoharp to drums.

As she evolved into a songwriter, Pearl Charles’ sound now infuses a melting pot of influences, including Oldies rock, twangy Western, and dreamy Disco vibes. Pearl’s second album Magic Mirror dropped just about a year to the date in January 2021, and it captures such a timeless, magnificent journey throughout its ten tracks. One of my favorites from the record is the single called “What I Need.” Talking about the track, Pearl has said, “Have you ever stuck with something long after it was time to let go? ’What I Need’ explores this choice in terms of a breakup, though it could really be applied to any situation that is no longer serving you. It’s the age-old story of wanting to stay in a comfortable relationship but knowing that you have to move on for personal growth, and the fear and uncertainty that being alone will bring, even though it’s for the best.” It’s a sentiment I personally know all too well, and I’m sure it rings true with many of ANCHR readers!

Tune into “What I Need” below and be sure to follow Pearl Charles on Instagram for all her latest updates.