Charlotte Martin gives a few wayward songs a home + a chance to win tickets to her upcoming shows!

Photo: Peter Dawson

I admit it: I watch American Idol. Or more precisely, I DVR it and then fast-forward willy-nilly until I hit a good part. I'm not so much in it for the cringe-inducing auditions (there's nothing all that fascinating about seeing a tragically delusional, heart-breakingly socially inept person get trussed and BBQ-ed over the open flame of the hardly-likable judges' snickering), but rather the chance for someone who has come from "nothing" (a la Kelly Clarkson's Aw-shucks-I'm-just-a-sweet-lil-waitress-from-Texas-with-a-dream schtick) to be crowned queen for a night.

But, to be perfectly honest, I get tired of it all pretty quickly. I like my singers to actually have some heft to them and -- gasp -- something to say (rather than repeating what Chaka Khan or Aerosmith has already sang). Which is why I'm as close to being obsessed with Charlotte Martin as a homo can get without being served with a restraining order. Classically trained as an opera singer, Martin has been compared to all the other "girl with a piano" characters roaming the world's concert halls, but has managed to carve out a corner of the industry to call her own and collected a devout following willing to travel hundreds of miles to see her perform. (Full disclosure: I've probably seen her over 30 times and even fuller disclosure -- I'd wouldn't hesitate to see her another 300.)

Martin recently released a new EP (she's known for being incredibly prolific -- even the birth of her first child, Ronen, last spring couldn't keep her out of the studio) entitled Orphans, a collection of songs that, for one reason or another, never made it onto her other albums along with a few brand new tracks. There are classic Char Mar moments like "The Stalker Song," a rompy little ditty about going to great lengths for love -- or at least lust; there are sweeping ballads awash with Bjork-like blippity bloops ("Is This Called Desire"); there's fan-favorite "Snowflakes," Martin's very own Christmas song of sorts that kind of sounds like the holidays might sound if you just lost your job, your boyfriend, your cat and your car keys all at the same time but were determined not to let it kill you. The perfect snack size offering to keep us satiated until her next full length album, Orphans promises continued greatness -- and experimentation -- from Martin while proving she's dedicated to honoring the singer-songwriter tradition from which she began.

Find out how you can win a Charlotte Martin prize pack featuring the Orphans CD and tickets to her upcoming shows after the jump...

To promote the EP, Martin is playing three shows in the coming weeks, two in New York at Joe's Pub (one of the top three best places to see music in the City) on January 31 and one in LA at The Hotel Cafe on February 5. Seeing Charlotte live is hands down the best way to experience her music -- I can honestly say that there are few performers who bring the heart and talent to the stage that Martin does.

To celebrate, we're giving away six prize packs -- three for each city -- that include: two tickets to see Charlotte at either a New York show or an LA show, a copy of Orphans, and a copy of a limited edition Rarities EP created especially for the upcoming shows. To win, simply comment on this post telling us about a live concert moment (it can be a Charlotte show or another musician) that was especially memorable for you. Wednesday night (all comments must be in by 5 pm Eastern Wednesday) we'll randomly pick the winners from all of the entries we receive. Travel to the shows and lodging is not provided -- so if you win and you live in Mississippi you have to get your butt to NYC or LA on your own.

This is the perfect chance for Martin fans to catch the show and for those who are curious about her music to get a taste of what you've been missing all these years.

You can purchase Orphans from iTunes, Amazon.com, MusicToday and other digital retailers.

Check out Charlotte's MySpace and Website for more info.

-- NOAH MICHELSON

Previously > Quickies: Girl Trouble

Comments

[Christopher Rudolph]

One time in Boston I saw Juliette and the Licks, and Juliette Lewis wore a one piece spandex suit, with a giant zipper down the front. She was a rock god, at one point in the show she pointed at me, motioned me towards the stage, then kissed me, and put her tongue between two of her fingers and continued with the song. It was amazing. Afterwards I was a part of the Church of Juliette.

[Brandon Valenzio]

I remember standing in line to see Nine Inch Nails a few years back in Detroit when a security suddenly came out and cut off the line directly after me. Confused, about fifty of us were led into the venue through a loading dock while the band was doing its soundcheck. After they were finished, Trent Reznor and co. went down the line and met everyone there. It was surreal, unexpected, and now forever in my memory.

[Joseph Veasey]

My favorite concert memory would have to be from when I saw Tori Amos in Philadelphia and she played Purple People, something she only did 3 times that tour, after I had requested it at an earlier meet and greet. It had a new intro and was an amazing performance of an amazing song.

[Shannon]

Seeing Char is where I see my friends. My best memories of her shows are of seeing great music with great company.

[Ross]

I remember the first time I saw Charlotte Martin live for it was the first time I had ever heard of her. It was on the Chicks with Attitude Tour, and Charlotte was the first to go on (at like 6:00!). In front of me stood a woman so beautiful and so musically charged- it was like nothing could stop her. When she finished the set with a beautiful version of Wild Horses, a Rolling Stones classic, it was hard not to shed a tear as she belted out the final chorus acapella. Now I find myself travelling to other cities (Chicago, LA, etc) just to hear her and the music she brings into the hearts of many.

[Nikki]

the third time i saw Charlotte was an amazing show. it was her DVD filming. the show was so intimate..i think her voice was so powerful. it was an amazing moment that i will always remember because i have the DVD!!! watch it all the time. i try to see Charlotte anytime she comes around. just all in all a beautiful singer/songwriter.

[Scott Coakley]

My five all-time favorites, one of them FROM Char:
"I'd much rather be touring than performing -- that's why I keep releasing EPs instead of full albums, so I always have sh*t to promote!" :D

Then-20-year-old Michelle Branch, in Toronto in (I think) 2003, holding up a beer between songs: "The drinking age is 19 here and I'm taking FULL advantage of that!"

My one-and-only time :( seeing Lillix was just two days after lead singer Tasha's 18th birthday, so at the first break I of course yelled out Happy Birthday...band keyboardist (and Tasha's sister) Lacey immediately chimed in with "yup, she just turned 18...she can now legally buy porn!"

April 2004, I saw Tiffany (don't laugh, she was my first crush!) for only the fourth time ever..."Feelings Of Forever" is till my favorite of her songs, and after reading in a chat transcript that it was also one of hers, I called out for it...she responed with "Oh no, I was afraid someone would ask for that one!", then explaining that her band had only learned the songs that were on the setlist, and that wasn't among them, BUT she proceeded to sing the first half acapella anyway...never moving from the spot she was in when I asked for it, in effect singing it TO me!! <3

Later in '04, I caught Gioia Bruno of Expose in NYC, my first time seeing ANY of them, and I took my Exposure LP to try to get signed, holding it up like a sign every so often during breaks. As soon as she saw it, she pointed it and me out, "make sure he gets backstage after, so I can sign that for him!" :D

[Ashleigh Walker]

I'll never forget seeing the Rosebuds at the Bowery Ballroom when they pulled me and my friend on stage during "El Camino". Amazing.

[Katie Manifold]

I remeber seeing Charlotte in Phoenix a couple of summer's ago (the Rhythm Room, with the guy who demanded she sing Janis Joplin). It was a fanstastic show. Afterwards, she signed my Darkest Hour CD and a picture I had with her, but the best part was that she said, "And I know you, right."
Fantastic, totally made my night :)

[mary dimino]

Have never seen Charlotte in person,yet, The closest I have come to seeing her is playing her DVD, which is simply magnificient. Hopefully, some time in the near future, I will be able to see her live.

[Kevin]

Charolette Martin is amazing live.
I would love to see her again at the upcoming LA Live performance.

[Norma Cook]

I have seen Charlotte a few times, and my favorite moment besides just seeing her live for the first time. (the anticipation was killing me) Was when she performed Limits and merged in Running up that Hill. It was truly amazing. I got goosebumps. Char is my favorite artist. I never get tired of her music.

[audrey]

The first time I saw Charlotte live was at the Anaheim House of Blues for the Maybelline "Chicks with Attitude" show and it was incredible because Charlotte was one of the first acts since not many knew who she was yet. My friend Matt and I were able to get so close and Charlotte's voice filled the whole room. We were blown away by her power and presence!

[Emily]

My first time seeing Charlotte was on my 19th birthday. I have no missed a show in my area since -- Chicago before, Los Angeles now.

It's like a little reunion every time -- I know I'll see a few familiar faces at every show, and meet even more great fans.

[Joshua Smelser]

In November of 2006 I flew from Atlanta to New York City to attend Andrew Bird's first solo instrumental show at a church in Manhattan. Not only was it exciting to hear brand new musical creations and re-workings of non-instrumental works, but it was quite magical to watch in quiet church! I got to hang out with a friend who bussed in from Washington DC as well as a New York friend I rarely ever see, it was a great night.

[Lauren]

I vividly recall standing amongst the crowd in Philadelphia with all eyes fixed to the stage as Charlotte Martin performed. It was the first time I had ventured back out into the world I had once known after beginning to heal physically from a violent crime I had experienced. As I stood there, enraptured by the music, a little piece of me that I had lost in the trauma began to return-- drawn back to life by the music as if answering a siren's call. I started to feel connected to both myself and life itself again in those moments. Now, years later, Charlotte's music still resonates with me on a deep level.

[Rebecca]

I had wanted to see Char for so long and was plannign to see her in Boston, well some really awful thigns happened and I was unable to go. Happily, my awesome BF surprized me with tickets to see her in CT, which was about a 4-5 hour drive for us. I was sooooooo excited to see her there. IT was a super long day, but jsut to beable to see her with the person that matters the most to me made my year! I would LOVE to go see her again! she is a true inspiration and I cant wait for the next tour!

[Jerry]

Have seen Charlotte perform five times in Philly, and each time it's an happy and astonishing sonic event. Every concert, the number of fans increases, which is very cool. The show in NYC will be my first show in another city. Amazing voice and amazing songs! Plus she treats her fans better than most artists.

[Rachel]

I hate knowing that Charlotte's show for The Hotel Cafe is coming up soon. Even if my twenty first birthday were before February 5th, I still don't think I'd even have the money to go.

But that's not the point.

I was lucky enough to see her during the Never Say Never tour, at the last night at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, and it was such a great night. Hearing Charlotte live is so amazing compared to the master tracks on her albums.

I think that the most memorable moment I had a concert/show/whathaveyou would have to be the first year I went to Coachella in 2007, on the very last night when Rage Against the Machine was playing for the first time in years. I couldn't even begin to count how many people were there, it seemed the entire Indio polo field had filled up for that moment. I felt so alive.

[Kathleen May]

The first time I saw Charlotte Martin live was a memorable moment. I had been listening to her for so long, (pre On Your Shore) and she helped me a lot through her words and music. Cheesy I know, but when after I saw her concert, she autographed some things for me and gave me two hugs. She was so gracious for fans and it seemed she appreciated everyone there. The concert was amazing, but we stopped about 10 minutes after we left Vienna for gas. My boyfriend went inside and I sat in the car. I was so overwhelmed that I got to see this person whose words spoke to me in such a way, that a few tears rolled down my cheeks. They came back and they were like, "are you crying? -why?!"

Cheesy, cheesy, cheesy, but true in a way- I replied. "I can't believe I met her, heard her. Wow." I was speechless. Best concert moment ever/after concert.

[Tia]

My fiance proposed to me in the middle of a Charlotte Martin concert! :)

[Katie]

I remember when Charlotte came to play at my dinky college!! It was an honor to meet her and to show her posters I had made for my senior project. It was the first time I got to see her live and her voice was absolutely amazing in person. The Stalker Song made us all giggle with amusement. I can't wait to see her concert again... I was planning on going to the Buffalo concert last year but it was cancelled. :( I hope she comes back!

[Luciana]

I saw Charlotte Martin in 2003 and was able to meet her after the concert. She hugged me and spent 15 minutes talking to me. I saw her a year later and she remembered me and asked about my friend (who met her with me in 2003). She was so sweet!

[natalie gatliff]

I would die to see Charlotte, her music entered my life at a very important time. But anyway, one memorable show was standing in line for 4 hours to meet Tori Amos before a show with my stepdaughter and her Mom, yes my husbands ex-wife. Not many people can say they did that. It was cold and worth it. Not to mention, a rockin show.

[Robert]

We traveled from Albany, New York to Burlington, Vermont to see Charlotte a few years back. Let's just say not many people in VT must have heard of Charlotte, because we were 2 of perhaps 12 people in the club. They don't know what they're missing up there!! Of course, she proceeded to put on a kick a** show, and was right there afterwards to meet and greet with us, with full enthusiasm. Hopin' to see Char Mar in New York next week!