Charlie Monroe is a Maryland-dwelling artist who has just released her first full EP, Jih Yeah. The project emulates and features the DMV’s creative and organic sounds and talents, emboldened by Charlie’s confident and riotous vocals.

Below, her and I discuss the importance of originality and experiences, as well as her own influences and values as a new artist in this industry.

Alright cool. Firstly, what and/or who was your main motivation for deciding to delve into music as a passion and what are your daily drives for such a career?

In the beginning my biggest inspiration was Nicki Minaj. I grew up listening to old hip-hop(LL Cool J, Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, Wu Tang Clan, Etc). I had never thought of rapping until Nicki Minaj came out and showed me women in this generation would be accepted into the game still. The daily drives of this career consist of me wanting to become one with my people. The exchange of relatable experiences through the music and the power the music has over the youth as of now. I also believe that in this world we’ll never have true freedom but we can get close and in order to get close you have to secure a lot of money.

You know, despite everything happening in the media, Nicki Minaj is one of he most prolific and influential female artists of this generation, and she's paved the way for many upcoming artists such as yourself, which is a big statement in and of itself.

You're right. To be truly free you must have the fiscal and mental strength to cultivate and support it. That's a strong point a lot of new creators don't usually grasp or understand at first.

So with these influences and passions backing you, what do you think sets you apart from others who're trying to pursue the same freedoms as you are?

The things that set me apart from everyone else is I’m telling a true story. No one has lived my life so it’s fresh and new. I also express my opposing opinions in my music. Lastly, I am not just working for myself I try to work with several of artists in order to grow with them together. I’m all about oneness.

That's a true statement. No one's lived your life but you, and with your creativity you're able weave a painting people can look at and maybe vibe with in some way, especially those at your side trying to come up with you.

From that, how would you describe a normal day in the life of an upcoming artist and her team such as you and yours? What's your process for creating and being inspired to write music? Is it a daily thing or do you have gaps before you get struck with a wave of creativity?

A normal day for me is waking up thinking about how I can further my music how can I expand. I usually go to my socials first see how active my followers are at the moment and move from there. I usually record 3 days out of every week. A lot of my music is inspired by real life situations. If someone angers me it may push me to make a song because music is the way I express all of my emotions in a productive way.

There are times another artist may inspire me as well. More recently, I’ve been freestyling my work it allows me to be more creative. I definitely have gaps with my creativity due to reality. Just like the everyday human I have problems, work, and other things that may take up my time. Things happen for a reason and every time that burst comes I make hits!

That's crazy yet criminally underrated. It's great that you're pushed by your situations and experiences in your day to day in addition to your past, whether with people or on your own. Seems like a very elastic and adaptive routine as well.

One more, what would your advice be for other artists like you who are just starting out? Any specific tips or experiences you'd like to share to shed some insight on what they may encounter or how they should prepare?

Also is there any music or content you'd like for us to promote on our page?

My advice to other artists just starting out is be patient with yourself, be stingy with your time, and stay true to yourself. As a creator it’s hard to be patient when it comes to releasing your music especially if you feel like you made a great song however I realized there’s a science to all of this it’s about being steady.

I watched an interview of Rico Nasty and she stated that because she has a family now she can’t do things for free or just show up anywhere because her time away from her family has to be spent wisely and that’s REAL.

If you’re a new artist or old artist doesn’t matter know your worth and calculate that with your time. Lastly, stay true to yourself! When I first started out I was 16 years old didn’t know anything about the linguistics of making music just knew I wanted to express, I got hated on, laughed at, and embarrassed but that shit made me strong.

That’s what this business will bring you it’ll show you the worst in people and the best in people it’s up to you to continue to push forward!

& yes my most recent EP i just released!!!

Great advice. You, as an artist, have a duty to yourself above anyone or anything else, especially as you grow in your craft and in your field. When you strive for greatness people are going to try put you down regardless. Whether simply out of spite or to get ahead of you. You need to retain your integrity, honesty, and creativity throughout, or else this business could swallow you whole.

Sounds good.

I totally agree.

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Charlie Monroe’s EP, Jih Yea , is now available on all streaming platforms.