In the Country with Dave Woods:
Charissa

At the age of 12, Charissa won the Rising Star competition at the CNE, where she performed Serena Ryder’s song “Weak In The Knees.” This was just the start of her musical journey. Over the years, Charissa has collaborated with some big names in the industry, including Tom Wilson (Junkhouse and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), singer-songwriter Lori Yates, and guitarist Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo). In fact, Colin produced Charissa’s debut EP Love And Be Loved, which was released in March of 2022. Charissa’s songs (“People Like You”, “Lonely Lately”, “Scars and all” & more) are slices of life. She prides herself on being a storyteller through her music. “The best stories are ones that don’t shy away from honesty. I’m going to write what I might be afraid to say out loud,” she explains. “As an artist, I think sharing your own truth is important. “Charissa is just as comfortable performing with a full band at a big venue as she is playing an intimate writers’ round with just her guitar. She is an artist who will definitely stir emotions in her audience when she sings.

Welcome to the Spotlight, Charissa! Tell us a bit about your new single “Locked and Loaded”.
Thank you so much for having me, Dave! “Locked and Loaded” was co-written with Carrie DeMaeyer and Daniel Ross Wilson. It is a raw and honest reflection of the frustrations, long hours and emotional highs and lows of finding my way in the music industry. It reminds me to keep pushing forward, and I hope it speaks to others who feel stuck, overwhelmed or on the verge of giving up. Tim Allard brought it to life with a production that’s punchy and catchy. I loved how it evolved from an Americana acoustic song to this big anthemic track.

Who are a few of the artists who have inspired you, and why?
Artists like Stevie Nicks, Serena Ryder, Chris Stapleton, and Alison Krauss, just to name a few, have influenced me. Stevie Nicks has been a big inspiration. I find her voice, hauntingly poetic lyrics and stage presence something I’ve always admired and have helped shape the way I approach music and artistry. I’m really looking forward to seeing her perform this summer in Toronto!

What inspired you to start writing songs?
I started performing at a young age, covering songs by artists I admired. Over time, I wanted to share my own voice and my own stories. Eventually, writing my own music began to come naturally, and it became something I really loved doing. Around that time, Taylor Swift was just starting to get popular, and I really looked up to her and enjoyed playing along to her songs. Seeing someone so young create and perform her own work made me believe I could do the same.

What advice on songwriting would you give to new writers?
Write from the heart, always. Go out and truly live life: feel everything, make mistakes, take risks, and let real-life experiences shape your voice. Share your truth, even the messy parts. Don’t hold back or water it down. For me, songwriting is often a way to express what I might not have the courage to say out loud.

Who would be your ultimate duet partner and why?
If I could choose my ultimate duet partner right now, it would be Chris Stapleton. I am obsessed with his voice; it gives me chills every time. I believe our voices would complement each other in a really special way. Collaborating with him on a timeless, classic-style duet would be an absolute dream!

What would you say is your proudest moment in your career so far?
I recently performed on the main stage at the Burlington Sound of Music Festival. Having been born and raised in Burlington and spending so many of my early days busking on the downtown streets, stepping onto that stage was a surreal full-circle moment. What made it even more special was looking out into the crowd and seeing the familiar faces of friends, family, and longtime supporters in the crowd!

What can we expect from you this year in terms of new music?
There’s definitely more new music on the horizon! I’ve been having such a great time in the studio lately, experimenting with new sounds and pushing myself vocally. It’s been a refreshing and inspiring process. I’m also thrilled about a collaboration that’s currently in the works, something I’m really proud of and can’t wait to share. Stay tuned… exciting things are coming!

Check out Charissa’s music on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/charissasongs