Charlie Puth captivated fans last year on October 31st with his intimate tour “One Night Only,” introducing his new album “Charlie.” The artist took an unconventional approach, sharing most of the album’s songs with fans on TikTok prior to its official release. Since then, Charlie Puth has announced an exciting new tour across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, he collaborated with duo Dan and Shay, and actress Sabrina Carpenter on a new single and has an upcoming TV show on Roku. In an exclusive interview with Front of House Boston, Charlie Puth discussed his latest releases and hinted at what’s to come in his career.
Charlie Puth kicked off his highly anticipated tour, “Charlie: The Live Experience,” on the 20th of this month in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Mexico, delivering an extraordinary night of music that left fans mesmerized. The tour is set to arrive in Boston at the Leader Bank Pavilion on June 6th, promising an unforgettable experience. The singer is thrilled to be back on the road and shared his excitement.
“I feel like I thrive on the road. I have written what I consider to be my most important songs in my catalog on a bus, a train or a plane. There is something about feeling at home but not being at home that works really well in the song writing process.”
“It was a little difficult for me to swallow at the very beginning of 2020, when I thought I wasn’t going to be able to tour ever again, so I’m really looking forward to this. And I am always looking forward to my shows in Boston because I feel like it is like my second city in a way. And I’ve noticed in the crowd there are a lot of Berklee students. Sometimes they forget to clap because they are just listening to the music so intently, because they are musicians, which I always appreciate.”
“I think the best way to describe it is, in this show there are four acts, and it is almost kind of a Broadway show. It’s not just me getting on stage and playing songs, this time I have to memorize dialog, it’s like a show within a show, and most importantly a peak into my music mind. How I come up with songs and how my brain works. I think that people will understand a little more when they watch the show.”
Boston evokes a sense of nostalgia and fondness for Charlie, as he once called the city his home during his time at Berklee College of Music. The artist shares with us about the lessons and friendships that he takes with him from his college experience.
“I am very thankful for my time at Berklee. I think my time at Berklee is part of the reason I was able to do what I do today. The most valuable thing that Berklee taught me was networking with other students and staying up late and getting recordings done. I first learned how to record tape at Berklee. I still have my big friend group from there, lifelong friends, so I’m very thankful for the experience.”
Not long ago, the singer released the song, “That’s Not How It Works.” This track came to life through a collaborative effort with the talented duo, Dan and Shay. Charlie revealed that this track had been carefully tucked away in the vault, awaiting its moment to be shared with his fans.
“That song was written three years ago, right around the time when I thought I wasn’t going to be touring anymore, and I didn’t even know what zoom was. Dan, of Dan and Shay, called me and we were trying to write a song on zoom. I didn’t think very much of it, but I think because I wasn’t really thinking of writing a song, I wasn’t really trying, we wrote something very special that day. And then the world continued to change, and my life continued to change, it kind of just sat on the back burner, and three years later we decided to put it out, and now it is steadily climbing up the charts, which makes me very happy.”
Charlie Puth later treated us to a second version of the track, this time featuring the singer and actress, Sabrina Carpenter. But he didn’t stop there. Charlie showcased Sabrina’s immense talent as an actress by incorporating her into a short film rendition of the song, further amplifying its depth and allure.
“I wanted someone who knew how to act. She is wonderful, and she also knows how to sing, so I thought why not do another version? There are no rules nowadays in the music industry. You can do whatever you want, so I figured why not just have three versions of the song.”
“That’s Not How It Works” by Charlie Puth carries a meaningful message about the complexities of relationships. It highlights the importance of mutual understanding, compromise, and communication. Moreover, the track offers a cathartic experience as you reminisce and navigate the healing process following heartbreak, all accompanied by an uplifting and infectious sound.
“I like songs with sad messages that are uplifting musically, they make you actually pay attention to the lyrics. Like “What are they actually singing?”. Because the song is in a major key, and then what’s being sung is not, it’s actually a downer” … “That song was very therapeutic for me. I believe it allowed me to get to the next part of my life, and it’s cool you can do that for you when you listen to it.” … “I think the most important thing in music is to tell the truth, there has to be some inkling of truth to anything that your write, so of course is a real experience I went through, but the most important thing is for people to listen and apply their own experience.”
As if the news of a new tour and a new single weren’t enough to ignite our excitement, Charlie Puth has left us a hint on TikTok: his next album is already in the works, and significant progress has been made. So be on the look out for more musical releases from the singer.
“There’s definitely an album coming. I’m so bad at keeping secrets. This next album is going to compliment the last album, but it’s going to be a completely different thing. The only way for people to understand is to hear it, so I’m very excited for people to eventually listen to this. I think I’m halfway done with it right now.” … “I don’t want to give everything away, I kind of want it to have an impact and kind of have people create their first reaction on the first listen and see what that does. I think there is a way of getting people acquainted with the music beforehand too, but I like the element of surprise a little bit more in this next project.”
The artist, driven to connect with his fans on a deeper level, is also taking us behind the scenes of his musical journey in an exciting TV show. This will allow his fans to delve into his musical mind and gain more understanding of how he approaches his craft.
“This is an acting show, but the character is me, so I feel like I don’t have to act, which is good news in a way. It’s part of my ongoing quest to explain my brain to people, if they find it interesting, because I find it interesting. It would be like my Tik Toks extended and with a storyline.” … “I like to do things that I am not used to doing, because I can get good at them, and then they can complement my craft.”
Charlie Puth’s boundless creativity and wit continue to redefine music. With his latest releases, he effortlessly brings a sense of joy and playfulness into his music, reminding us, as he says himself, “The best art happens when you are spontaneous.”
Boston is buzzing with excitement as we await Charlie Puth’s highly anticipated performance. We’re thrilled to see him live and can’t wait for all the projects that lie ahead. As the show approaches in Boston, Charlie Puth leaves us with heartfelt words of encouragement for new artists and genuine excitement.
“I’m not in an unreachable position, you can have too many keyboards in your room too. I was literally in their position ten years ago. I would have killed to have somebody that I could look up to and inspire me, so hopefully I am that for them.”
“I’m feeling phenomenal, I’m excited to go on tour. I’m excited to come to Boston, favorite city ever, it feels very homey there. I’m excited to have Boloco Burrito and walk in the Prudential mall. I’m just excited!”
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