MEET CHARLOTTE MACINNES, THE AUSTRALIAN ARTIST TURNING EMOTION INTO CINEMATIC POP

Standing on the edge of a new chapter, Charlotte MacInnes opens up about HIGHWATER, creative growth, and emerging from the cocoon with a sound entirely her own.

There's something beautifully fitting about Charlotte MacInnes describing herself as being in a cocoon. The Australian-born, London-based singer, songwriter and actress stands on the cusp of a new chapter, preparing to introduce the world to HIGHWATER - a debut EP shaped by years of experiences, emotions and creative evolution.

Blending soaring vocals with cinematic storytelling, MacInnes creates music that feels both grounded and otherworldly, drawing listeners into a world where vulnerability and empowerment exist side by side. Ahead of HIGHWATER's release, F Word sat down with the emerging artist to discuss the stories behind the songs, her visual approach to songwriting, and what she hopes listeners will discover within her richly imagined world.

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Maisie Daniels: If you were introducing yourself at this point in your life, how would you describe who you are right now?

Charlotte MacInnes: I feel as though I’m on the edge of many things which are equally thrilling and terrifying. Everything is constantly changing and i’m getting to know myself in new ways. I'm excited to emerge from that cocoon and see where it takes me. 

MD: Your debut EP HIGHWATER is out next week. How long has this project been in the making, and how do you feel about finally releasing it?

CM: Sounds dumb to say forever, although I think that’s probably true. There are echoes of experiences and situations from much of my life in this EP. There are poems and ideas I wrote down years and years ago that would eventually grow to be the songs on HIGHWATER. so that feels very cool. 

MD: If HIGHWATER had a taste, a colour, and a temperature, what would they be?

CM: Ooo HIGHWATER tastes like a salted caramel ice cream, extra salt.

The colour is a beautiful rich dark burgundy.

The temperature is like that really deep breath you take when you walk into cold air first thing in the morning.

MD: There’s a really cinematic quality to your music and visuals (especially in “Celestial”) which makes sense given your acting background. Do you approach songwriting visually?

CM: I think the picture of each song paints itself as we start making it. I am very inspired by the '70s and that kind of natural/supernatural/supernature vibe where the natural world rules but in an out-of-this-world psychedelic way. There's always something a little angry and dangerous in my songs that I feel like needs to be counterbalanced with this kind of magic and beauty.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDXMi6OEunHqQ&v=XMi6OEunHqQ

MD: You worked with an incredible group of collaborators on the EP, from Ashnikko, Joe Janiak and Amanda Ghost to producer Coffee. What did those sessions teach you about yourself as a songwriter?

CM: All of them are uniquely genius and very spiritually grounded. They taught me that in order to be good, you must be completely confident in yourself and what you’re building. To trust that whatever you’re doing is the right thing at that moment. There's a beautiful bond that happens almost immediately when you connect with someone while writing a song - bringing together the depth of your life experience and how you see the world to make something is magic. I will also say we laughed a shit tonne while making this EP and I hope some of that silliness finds itself in there too. 

MD: What do you hope listeners take away from HIGHWATER?

CM: I want people to feel like their world is limitless. To make big swings and use joy as their compass. I chose these songs because they cover a lot of different emotional states and I wish for people to see pieces of their emotions in that journey. And to serve as a reminder of how expansive and limitless the world really is. 

MD: And finally - what’s your favourite F - word?

CM: Fuck, obviously. And fun is a close second.

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