“Veins” (Test Drive Records) and “Something Like a DVD,” finds Charlotte in a transitioning period as she leaves the confines of a major label to a more independent relationship. Her recording career more or less began in 2003 with RCA records, and after a difficult time she eventually has come to this point in her life.

“Veins” is a short EP that highlights her eclectic talents as a singer/songwriter. I have heard her being compared to the likes of Torri Amos, but I myself find her to be more similar to Fiona Apple, mostly because that is what I am familiar with. You’re not likely to find Charlotte on the shelves at your local Christian bookstore, however, her music does embody a healthy spirit of moving people out of dark places. According to her publicist, Charlotte is a Christian and it does influence her music, as is the case with “Veins.” Also, on the DVD you will find a tag of “It is Well with My Soul” at the end of one of her own songs. Charlotte herself has stated in her bio that her music is a reflection of her “meditations on faith, determination, and love.”

Personally, I find myself to be a very accepting person and I do not stand heavily on one side of the fence or the other. (Christian or Secular) I myself am a Christian working in a non-Christian environment, and I would encourage Charlotte to be the best she can as a musician, and a most importantly as a model of Christ, no matter where she performs.

Both the DVD and the EP are a step towards her next full studio release, “Stromata” which is due out in the fall of 2006. The DVD gives you more of a sense of what she is like live and it also gives you a glimpse behind the scenes of recording and touring. Aside from the DVD, there is a nice little interview and live taping available on iTunes Podcast (Next Big Hit). In her interview, Charlotte talks personally about her challenges with RCA and the eventual outcome. Her latest CD and DVD are available on musictoday.com and iTunes. Lastly, Charlotte has both an official web site (http://www.charlottemartin.com) and a myspace account (http://www.myspace.com/charlottemartin). At either one of these sites you can find music samples and a more in depth biography.

- Ken W.