About

Charlotte Ekkel is a queer folk singer-songwriter based in Melbourne, on Wurundjeri Country. With poetic lyricism and intricate guitar work, her songs explore cycles of love, loss and change in parallel with nature. A conservation ecologist by training, Charlotte’s deep connection to the Aussie bush suffuses her music – nature is the grounding hum underlying every melody. 

Charlotte grew up in a family of classical musicians. With her two older sisters playing violin and cello, Charlotte was expected to complete the trio and pick up the viola. Instead, she chose the piano, then ukulele, then guitar, then drums, then trumpet. Guitar was the one that stuck. Raised on a strict musical diet of church hymns and Bach (with a smattering of Norah Jones), it took some time for Charlotte to carve out her own taste in contemporary music. In her late teens, she found herself drawn to the grounded, emotive sounds of folk – to artists like Sandy Denny and Nick Drake, Adrienne Lenker and Hand Habits. Growing into her own voice, she took inspiration from Aussie acts Dyson Stringer Cloher and The Maes, who modelled a uniquely Australian style of indie-folk. The result is a wholly original sound, one that blends delicate guitar and tight harmonies with catchy hooks and raw, intimate lyricism. 

Following a sold-out single launch for her debut singles 'Into the Ground' and 'A Little Quiet', as well as features on Rage, PBS and 3CR, Charlotte released her debut album 'Changing of the Seasons' on June 20 this year. The album was recorded over the past two years with artist and producer Rowena Wise, supported by double bassist Sam Anning and drummer Kyrie Anderson. Ultimately, it’s an album about loss and heartbreak, yet an undercurrent of hope and peace runs through every song. This gentle optimism rests in the constancy of nature, and in the cycle of change and renewal that underpins life.