BobbyCast Presents: Unsigned & Independent: 3. Charly Reynolds - From TikTok to the Studio

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Speaker 1: Welcome to another episode of Unsigned and Independent with Kevin O'Connell. Basically, this is a prequel to the Bobby cast. This is Kevin seeing artists that are unsigned and trying to make it as an independent artist and going out and talking to them before possibly they blow up. This artist name is Charlie Reynolds. So here we are in episode three of this series. Kevin talks to Charlie he saw on TikTok and then went to see her or writers around in Nashville, and he said that her stage presence is massive. She's got Ryan Stone, boots, big guitar, a lot of followers on TikTok and Instagram, but still unsigned and independent, and he wanted to bring this to us this week. So here he is with episode three of Unsigned and Independent. It's Kevin O'Connell. You can follow him on Instagram at kick Off Kevin, and the artist's name is Charlie Reynolds. Hey, it's Kevin O'Connell. Welcome to episode three of Unsigned and Independent. On this episode, we have an artist by the name of Charlie Reynolds. And like Bobby said, I came across Charlie on TikTok, the algorithms must have been doing something right because I was instantly hooked and I knew I had to get her in studio. She's got a series called hr that she does on TikTok, that she does on Instagram, and we get to do it right here in the studio. On this podcast, you'll be able to hear it and then dive into her story a little bit. She's from Florida, so if you're not following her, go check her out at Charlie Reynolds Music. You can check me out at Kickoff Kevin. I appreciate all the support. I've gotten some messages and I can't thank you guys enough for listening to this podcast. It's been a lot of fun. This is episode three of six, and I think you really enjoy it. Thanks again. I want to get right into social media because that's how I found you. That I came across you, and you're big on TikTok. I just got a TikTok recently. Really, how do you like it? First time? I don't know what I'm doing. I haven't even posted anything. As of as we're recording this, I haven't posted anything. But I remember the first thing when I downloaded it and I got on it and I didn't even know what I was doing, but I just go on it and all of a sudden, you were the first person that pops up. That's so funny. So the reason that you're sitting here, unless I would have found you another way, is TikTok. Well, thank you TikTok. That's awesome. Yeah. So I came across you on TikTok and you have this like spunk and charismatic fun personality on social media, and uh, it seems like it's like that in real life as well, so that that kind of it drew me to you, and then I started following on Instagram and then I went to the listening room a few weeks ago. I saw you play there with Emily Anne and yes, yes, I was playing it on the third one. Sorry about that, but um, and you were great. Thank you. And you have this look to you have You have your guitar all done up, your what is it the decorated with Ryan Stones, the Ron stones? Yes, so has that always been a thing for you? Kind of that look? Honestly? Yeah, I it's funny because like, growing up I was such a girly girl. But also tomboy. Now I feel like I'm more of a girly girl altogether. But I love sparkles with every outfit. If it's not the guitars, like the sparkly accessory, it's something that I'm wearing, so which I kind of like because and sometimes I'll do both sparkle sparkle outfit and sparkled guitar, but sometimes it's a little much. And the boots and you have the boots that's so funny. You have this look where you walk in and you're just like, who is that? So it's a good thing. I mean that in a positive way, but thank you. I mean that in a positive way. Keeping on social media here your Instagram followers, TikTok has just blown up recently, right m You're up on Instagram seventy six on TikTok um. Like I said, you're the first person I came across, so obviously it's going well for you on all social media platforms. Is that something that kind of just came naturally for you or you dive into that head on and try to make that your biggest platform or what's your mindset with that? So with TikTok I've been on it, like I guess three and a half years. And when I first got on it, I didn't use it for music. I just used it for fun. UM. I was just messing around making silly videos and stuff like that. UM. And then about a year ago, i'd say I got really serious with music with it, um, realizing that how much it can help UM my music. And so I just started doing videos. And back in June I posted, like I do a series HR and I like, they say hy hr sing whatever, and I'll just turn around and sing it on the spot. And when I posted one, it went viral and got like millions of views. And then I posted the same one on Instagram and it did the same thing, which was cool with Instagram because it just shot my following up and it was right before my single Rodeo came out, so that was super cool. UM just in great timing. All of it was in such great timing. UM. And so then I just started doing that all the time, posting a bunch of hrs UM and they just seemed to really be liked by social media. So, UM, you know, I've got to do one today. I haven't done one in a little bit, so today that's on my agenda to do one. Well, I am very glad you brought that up, because that was my next That's what I was leading into, all right, That's why I asked you before we came on. Are you good to go? Get some vocals going here? Um? If I do a couple of songs? If so, you have a few I've seen obviously on TikTok. Um. You have a couple of little things that you do, like you either sing a word or sing a song with the words blank in it. Right, So, can we do that trend that I've seen so many times on TikTok and I get it in person? Yes, let's try. Let's see if my mind will work quickly for you today. Okay, all right, let's do it. We're gonna try this TikTok trend. And what do you call it? Do you call it anything? Or hr? Hr? So I gotta say hr right, yes you do. It's part of it. It's part of it, all right? Are we ready? Yes? I hope so? Alright? Hr sing a song with the word neeon in it? Oh, there's a knee on that at the end of the tunnel. It ain't know all that, bro. But even though it's so. I don't know if that's the words of that at the second part, but there you go. Sounds like it's Blake. Alright, I keeping off with Blake. Let's keep it going. Um Hey CHR sing a song about a dirt road, chilling on a dirt road. Laybacks were having lack. I'm George Jones. All the guys today, Jason, Okay, I think we might be already get a girl on all right, Okay, hey CHR sing a song about tequila. He don't love me like to keyl does and nobody can. It's Miranda. I like it. Okay, alright, I like it. Run a role now and we are on a roll. I like feeling good about this. Actually me too. This needs to be on TikTok. We're for real, it really does. This could be my first TikTok. I know it's alright, alright, I got one more for you that don't worry. Okay, last or not least seeing so sorry, hold on, yeah, I gotta get that. HR. I'm sorry, okay, first time over here. Okay, you know I'm a little nervous so much HR saying something with the word rodeo in it. This ain't my first rodeo. If I'm gonna let you buy my drinks and let you take me home, y'all want to hear the rest of that song? Go streaming right now. It's by this girl, Charlie Reynolds. I'm glad you had to. I had to end with that one. You had to. That was a good ending eat. So I think I think we just went viral with that. I hope so get something going there. Yeah hr. That's like a like a multi series HR, like with multiple yeah hrs. Yeah, and I see them all over on your social media. Um so if you're listening to this, make sure you go follow her. Yest's go check them out, check all these out? All right, We'll glad we got to do that. That was that was fun. That's fun. Let's transition them from social media into real life. M Florida girl, yep, Orlando, Orlando. Okay, and twenty two years old. You're still young? Actually twenty three now. My birthday was last week. I almost just forgot twenty three now very very uh shortly. Yes, yes, how did it feel to three? Uh? No different, to be honest with you, but it's just one of like I feel like sixteen eight are like the big ones. You know, thirty, but then you know twenty three is just like, yeah, it only goes downhill. It does, I've heard so anyways, but it's it's about the same, honestly. Okay, Well, how long you've been in Nashville. I've been here a little over four years. I moved like right after I graduated high school, like two weeks after, and been here ever since, ever since. Then was it a lifelong goal of you to move here because you moved at a young age? Obviously I did so. Honestly, I decided like right before my senior year that I was going to do this. I didn't really know that I could do this for real and come up here and move here, because I knew if I was going to go to college, it wasn't going to be for music. It was gonna be for I actually wanted to be a news anchor. That's what I was gonna go do, broadcast journalism and then um, but I just I didn't want to go to college in Nashville, so it was gonna be University of Alabama. Uh. And so when I decided to move here, it really was because I knew that college is always something I could go back and do no matter how old I am. If I'm eighty years old, I want to go back to college, I can go back to college. So uh, that's kind of what made the decision the easiest. Uh was that kind of security with college and coming here and doing this now was you know, when you're younger, it's just better to go out and do it. And it just seemed like the right time. And my parents agreed, and they're so supportive. Thank god, I couldn't do it without them. I'm so blessed to have like very supportive parents. Um. And then I moved here, started working at Chick fil A the first eight months, um, full time. I had an idea, what you know, being eighteen when I first moved here, you couldn't really go to a lot of shows under twenty one, like over it. It wasn't live Oak at the time, but now it is over At those kind of shows, I couldn't go to anything. So I was like, well, I guess I'm just gonna work out Chick fil A and see what happens. Um. And then I just started kind of on social media, reaching out to people, getting out of my comfort zone. It seemed so weird back then to be like, Hi, I'm Charlie Reynolds, UM, can we get together for coffee? Or what? Are you right with me? But now looking back, that's how I've met like all the people I know, um or like how it started, you know, And so I'm just glad that I did that, because I don't know what the heck I'd be doing if I hadn't initially started that. And everyone has their own journey, their own way of finding right and what was what were those first eight months or so? Like? Were they tough? I mean, it's only eight months, but that can seem like a lifetime at that time, especially when you first move. I remember my first six months here. I didn't have this job that I have now, so it was like, yeah, I felt like years. But I'm looking back on it now, I'm like six It's like nothing I know, I know, but it did. It felt like forever. And because you know, we didn't really know how Nashville worked, me and my family when we moved or when I moved here, Uh, we just thought literally my mom told me the other day, I didn't think this, but my mom thought that. She's like, well, I didn't know how hard it was. Like She's like, I just thought, you know, you go to Nashville and like that's it. You're like you're famous, you get to do this forever, and um, but that's obviously not how it works. It's a lot more hard work than anybody really gets to see behind the scenes. Um, but it was hard. I you know, I didn't know. Also when I moved, it was like I was watching all my friends who went to college with all their new friends and all their big, busy lives on their college campuses. And then it was me just, you know, working at Chick fil A trying to do music and I didn't know how. So it was kind of like a stuck season where I was just like, is this is a reality for me that I'm gonna be able to make happen or you know. But I stuck it out. I did stick it out, and I'm glad that I did. Um. I didn't want to move back, but I was very confused and kind of just kind of defeated for a little while over it. But once I started meeting people and writing that everything, the ball started rolling a little bit and felt like I should stay. So I'm glad that I did did you ever reach a point where you were thinking, oh, maybe I should just go back home. Yes, many times during that first eight months, and then honestly during COVID, UH, I was at home like for like three months because I went home to go on a cruise that was set to leave on March thirteenth that obviously never left Um really well that day it was the day I was supposed to go UM, and it like it was just obviously defeating for everybody because it was like, I'm a big planner too. So when all of the plans that I had, all these shows and everything was lined up that all got canceled. I finally felt like I was starting to move and really kind of take off a little bit right before COVID hit. And so when it did, it was like, oh my gosh, it's all canceled, It's all ruined UM. And I just got to a point where I was like, do I even go back? What's it? Like? I don't even know if it's worth it going back. And I'm so glad that I did because there were still some shows. And then I played. I played a little bit wild Horse Saloon and played around at Live oak Um and had I not it was. I don't know how had I not. I just can't imagine what I'd be doing if I stayed home. I literally have no idea because this is something I could not imagine not having in my life, like doing music and writing and doing stuff like this, Like I can't imagine not doing it. So but there there was some tough times during COVID for sure. For that or your parents ever, you said they're very supportive and that makes a huge difference for everyone does Like myself, I've supported parents and it's made it a lot easier on me. But were they ever kind of like or did you ever say them, hey, I might move back home And how how would they receive that? I guess where they like accepting of it or no, stick it out a little bit, you know, definitely stick it out a little bit longer. I mean, they would be supportive if it was if they knew that I really thought, like hardcore, that I didn't want to do this anymore than they would support it. But they know that I wouldn't, like I don't know what I'd be doing. They know how much I love it and how like this is my passion and that I would probably be be very upset and regret it, you know if I did that. So they definitely pushed me to stay and get through it. And again so glad that they did, because I'm just so thankful for them, you know, like you said, it makes all the difference in the world. Absolutely, you play at a lot of Mirando Lamborage right here in Nashville. Is that your favorite spot? Do you have a favorite spot out here? Because I see you all over there and you've probably been told this, you kind of have ther same look a little bit, right, so funny, Yeah, people, I think it's the dimples and just a little bit of resemblance. But yeah, it's fun like not totally dop game, but similar. Yes, And maybe it's the Talie in of the bar and you playing there that also probably Like people think I'm her when they walk in, and it's funny because they're like stunned, and then I'm like, well, they're gonna be so disappointed when they get up here to the front because not her. But she does come in every once in a while, but I'm not her. So but yeah, it's I love that bar. Like Costa Rosa when it opened, I went in there, like the second day it was open, and UM, it's just very girly and I feel like I fit in there as far as like my whole vibe rather than like some of the bro bars. Not that I feel like I don't fit in there, but this one just it feels more me UM, and it matches my guitar, you know. So I just have loved playing there, and I love all the workers who work in there. We've all became pretty close and the sound people. So it's been really great playing there. I started like a year ago in June playing there and have played like this entire year, every weekend, UM for the last year. Do you have any long term goals short term goals like, hey, I want to UM. Right now, you're independent, so you are you looking to sign with somebody? Are you looking to kind of stay independent and do your own thing? Kind of talk about that a little bit. So right now, we're obviously, as I'm independent, we're trying to do as much as we can as an independent artist and the independent team, and you know, if the right deal were to come along, then obviously yes we would we would sign. It just depends on what the offer is. What the deal is, Uh, if I feel like, you know, the team really believes in me, then that would be something that we would definitely consider. But for now, I think we're just really trying to work hard and do what we can to, you know, do the best that we can do as an independent team. I don't know how else to say. We're just really working hard and hustling. And whoever it is that we would sign with would just have to really fit that as well. Um, to just work as hard as we're trying to work. Well, you're doing great at it. I talked to Tiffany a little bit, Ryan a little bit today. Um, Tiffany, I think she got off the plane. Oh my gosh, texted me back and I'm like, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, like just totally bring you back to reality. She just got back from vacations. Like, don't worry, you're one of many. Oh my gosh, I'm sure she is so so busy, but it's funny. Yeah, she kind of got to go off the grid a little bit. I mean we still I had to ask her a few questions, but I tried not to. But yeah, she went to like Montana or somewhere like beautiful. Like I just went out there for a while. Good for her, well, Tiffany. If you listen to this, shout out to you, Yeah, shout out to you to Yea and Ryan. Yeah. Over here, we have a single that is currently out right called to Night in Texas, Night in Texas and the inspiration behind that song where you just in Texas one night or what. It's actually funny with this song. So I had actually never been to Texas when we wrote this, which is funny. Um, but I know, but I've always been like in tree By, Texas, like big hair cowboys. You know everything about it. So and I just knew I would love it, which I did when I went in June. I loved it. Um. And so I had this title for a really long time, Midnight in Texas, but I didn't know what it was gonna be. Um. I had no like really storyline idea yet. And so when I went to the Right with my best friend Nicole Crito and Matthew Morrissey, we came up with Tonight in Texas and this. It's kind of fun when you write a song that I mean, it's always fun to write a song, but it's also fun when you don't actually have like a personal story and you kind of become like an author and you're writing a story. Um. And so that's what we did with this song. And we you know, it's just about a girl who went through a breakup and her exes and Texas and her friends wanted to go out and have a good time, but her mind just is not there. Um. And that's just what we came up with and we all loved it, and I knew that I needed to put it out this year. So that's what we did. You come out with all the hits, Yes, I hope, so I'm trying. Yeah, Rodeo tonight in Texas and what else is on the agenda as we close this out? Anything coming up? Anything big? Um? We also have a single coming out in February. Yes, we're also doing something for Christmas, so I'll be that um, you know, and hopefully with the music video. We do have one for tonight in Texas as well, so y'all please go check that out and for Rodeo. Um. But yeah, my single will be out in February and then an EP in the spring. So I've been wanting to do an EP for years, so I'm just so excited to finally acquired the songs for the EP and to be planning that. I'm I can't wait to have like a you know, project, a full project out, yeah instead of have you only come up with the singles and do you finally get to put it all together one big project? Yes, I'm so excited. I mean in high school I had put out an album in EP, but like no one will see the light of day of that ever, so um, that doesn't count. So this is my first official EP. Alright, that's sighting. Well, I think a lot of great things, big things are coming for you. You. Um, you've only been here a few years and you're already doing so great. Thank you killing it on TikTok Instagram. Teach me how to TikTok please, I got you? Kay? Perfect? Yes, alright perfect? Um. Well, Charlie, thanks a lot for coming in. This is a lot of fun. Thanks for having me. Course, hopefully we get to do this again sometimes. And remind everybody where to follow you find you anywhere. Yes, you can follow me on all social media at Charlie Reynolds Music Against the H A R L Y and then on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon all those good things at just Charlie Reynolds. Thanks a lot. Charlie had a lot of fun. Thanks