“Recently I’ve learned to look at records as a body of work, as opposed to hearing songs as individual pieces.”

Charlotte Rose Benjamin has been playing and performing music since the age of twelve. After touring the East Coast with her former band Fruit Flies, and dropping out of college she now resides in East Williamsburg where she books local shows and models part time. We fell in love with her tender voice and wanted to know more about the sensual beauty. Photographed by Atisha Paulson.

<a href="http://charlotterosebenjamin.bandcamp.com/album/lions-head-single">Lion’s Head – Single by Charlotte Benjamin</a>

What music did you grow up with? And who do you consider an influence on your music?

My father is a musician and my mother was a professional modern dancer, so music was a huge part of my childhood. I used to tag along when my mother performed internationally and going to see my dad play gigs was a pretty regular outing as a kid. I remember for my 8th birthday my dad bought me a boom box and the entire Beatles discology, so I obviously ripped through that till I had every lick memorized. As for influences, I’ve always felt a deep connection to Joni Mitchell’s songwriting, I love Billie Holiday and Fleetwood Mac. Recently I’ve learned to look at records as a body of work, as opposed to hearing songs as individual pieces. Right now I constantly have this amazing Brooklyn based band, Big Thief’s album Masterpiece on repeat.

Besides music, what makes you feel good?

I love to draw, I take a figure drawing class once in a while. I’m not good at it, but I think it’s important as an artist to explore other mediums that maybe you don’t take as seriously as a way to release built up creative energy. I´ve always found toying around with visual arts to be extremely therapeutic when music becomes frustrating.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset! I refuse to wake up before 10 am.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I’ll be 30! Right now I honestly can’t imagine leaving New York, but I’d love to have traveled a lot more, have lived in a few different cities. I guess the plan is to be making a living doing something I love surrounded by people I love.