Charlotte Day Wilson

Biography

Charlotte Day Wilson is a Toronto-born singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose emotionally resonant blend of alternative R&B, soul, and jazz has made her a standout figure in contemporary music. Raised in a musically supportive family, Wilson began classical piano lessons at a young age, later teaching herself music production with GarageBand as a teenager. She briefly studied music, philosophy, and women's studies at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she also honed her performance skills as part of the cover band The Wayo, playing over 100 shows in a year. Returning to Toronto, she interned at the influential Arts & Crafts label, which helped her establish vital industry connections and solidify her path as an independent artist.[1][2][3]

Wilson's career is marked by her fiercely independent approach—she often writes, produces, and engineers her own music. Her 2016 EP 'CDW' garnered significant attention, especially with the track 'Work,' which became an unofficial anthem for the 2017 Women's March and was featured in an Apple commercial, allowing her to pursue music full-time. Her subsequent releases, including the acclaimed 'Stone Woman' EP and her debut album 'Alpha' (2021), showcase her introspective songwriting and lush, soulful arrangements. Wilson's music often explores themes of vulnerability, identity, and queer experience, resonating with a wide audience and earning her critical recognition, including a Grammy nomination for her recent work.[1][2][3][5]

Known for her collaborative spirit, Wilson has worked with a range of Toronto's progressive musicians, such as Daniel Caesar, River Tiber, and BADBADNOTGOOD, while also drawing inspiration from classic soul icons like Aretha Franklin and Motown. Her artistry is defined by a commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty, positioning her as a leading voice in alternative R&B and a role model for independent musicians.[1][4][5]

Fun Facts

• Wilson's song 'Work' was featured in an Apple commercial, which provided the financial boost she needed to quit her day job and pursue music full-time.[2][3]
• She is a self-taught producer and engineer, handling much of her own recording and mixing from her parents' basement.[1]
• Wilson was the only member of her family to impress her highly selective childhood piano teacher, who 'fired' her siblings and cousins.[3]
• She is openly queer and has spoken about the importance of queer community in her personal and artistic development, especially during her time in Montreal.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Unnamed classical piano teacher - Early music education and discipline; highly selective teacher who invested in Wilson's development (Classical piano training) [Childhood through teenage years]
• Aretha Franklin, Motown artists - Stylistic influences; foundational to Wilson's approach to soul and R&B (Inspirational influence on vocal style and songwriting) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• BADBADNOTGOOD (Matthew Tavares) - Co-production and recording assistance, especially on 'Stone Woman' EP (Stone Woman EP) [2017-2018]
• Daniel Caesar - Frequent collaborator and friend within Toronto's music scene (Various collaborations, live performances) [2016-present]
• River Tiber - Collaborator and peer in Toronto's progressive R&B community (Collaborative projects, live shows) [2016-present]
• The Wayo - Band member; performed over 100 shows, learning live performance and classic R&B structure (Live performances) [Early 2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Toronto R&B and queer artists - Wilson's independent ethos, queer visibility, and musical style have inspired a new generation of local musicians (Notable influence on Toronto's alternative R&B and queer music scenes) [2016-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Transform (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (Freudian)
2. What You Need (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (BUBBA)
3. Work
4. In Your Eyes (IV)
5. Still (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (TIMELESS)
6. Sleeper
7. I Can Only Whisper (feat. BADBADNOTGOOD) (ALPHA)
8. Mountains (ALPHA)
9. Danny’s Interlude (ALPHA)
10. Take Care of You (feat. Syd) (ALPHA)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-r&b