Daily Eastern News, 29/10/02
Eastern alum finds career flourishing at age 26
Charlotte Martin returned to her alma mater Monday to discuss and share her
experiences
By Bianca Sisson/ Staff writer
Charlotte Martin grew up in Charleston and graduated from Eastern, but
her career has since taken her to new heights and new experiences well
beyond central Illinois.
Martin, 26, now lives in Los Angeles where she is pursuing a career in
the music business and finding much success as a singer and songwriter.
She returned to her hometown to visit friends and family and enlighten
music students who may aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Martin returned to her alma mater Monday to discuss and share her
experiences in the music business with Eastern's Musical Interactions
class.
She has worked with producer Tom Rothrock, who has worked with
musicians like Beck, The Foo Fighters, Gwen Stefani and Moby, according
to her Web site. She also sang "Bring on the Day" in Touchstone's new
movie, Sweet Home Alabama.
"Bruce Flohr, my artist and repertoire, gave my songs to the
soundtrack's music company," Martin said. "The company liked my voice
and asked me to sing 'Bring on the Day.'"
Martin earned her bachelor of arts degree in vocal performance from
Eastern in 1998. During her days at Eastern, she began writing and
performing in and around the Charleston area as well as the Chicago and
Milwaukee areas. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of
performing and writing, a press release said.
"My education at Eastern has helped me learn to deal with people,"
Martin said. "I also learned a lot about different types of music."
In recent months, Martin has been performing in various clubs and for
benefits in and around Los Angeles. But she continues to write, record
and produce her own music from her home, she said.
Currently, a press release said, she is working on her debut album for
RCA. She hopes to have it finished by next year.
"Then, basically after that, I will live on a bus," Martin said.
Martin said that her greatest accomplishments so far include owning a
studio in her home, writing her own semi-autobiographical comic book
titled 766 6th Street and establishing a wonderful relationship with
her boyfriend.
In addition, she will have her song "The Girl I Left Behind" on a new
CD for Lucky Brand Jean Stores.
Martin said that she felt it was important to come back and speak to
Eastern students.
"I came back because every little bit helps," Martin said. "There are
people in Charleston who buy records and there are bands here."
Martin is the daughter of Joseph and Becky Martin. Joseph Martin is an
oboe professor at Eastern, and Becky Martin has a bachelor's degree in
vocal performance.
"My parents have always been supportive," Martin said. "If I fail,
they'll still love me, and I can always come back to Charleston."
Martin said that once her album is released and she establishes herself
as an artist, she would love to come back and perform a concert on
campus.