Lady Charles flips the script on gender stereotypes with their empowering new single and video Manic Pixie Dream Boy — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The opening track from the Ottawa artist’s Manic Pixie Dream World album, the song begins with an ’80s-inspired guitar groove reminiscent of Blondie’s Autoamerican era. Then Lady Charles’ sonorous, David Bowie-style vocals kick in as they casually sing about who they are and why other people shouldn’t bring them down:
“To all those sideways glances
Quit harshing me!
’cause I’m a manic pixie dream boy
Trying to live authentically.”
The accompanying video finds Lady Charles proudly showcasing both their gender fluidity and instrumental skills, performing as an entire rock band, taking on the role of vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist. Ultimately, Manic Pixie Dream Boy is about being confident and living for yourself, regardless of what others think.
“I always felt that rock music lends itself to androgyny because at its core I think rock music is a genre that cuts across identities and unites people,” Lady Charles says. “It doesn’t matter one’s sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, class, or age — if you feel it then you are rock ’n’ roll.
“When I began working on Manic Pixie Dream Boy something clicked. I found myself drawing from hip-hop punchlines and weirdo indie-rock, dropping the hyper-serious statement writing I once felt I had to do to get respect in music. From that point onward, the process of writing lyrics on the record became a joy — I was able to finally translate my sense of humour into the lyrics and I think it’s evident.”
Lady Charles is a shape-shifting art rocker from Ottawa. They released their self-titled debut EP in 2022, blending elements of folk, indie-rock and electronica with themes of gender, apocalypse and loss. Their 2022 singles Godx, Noella (Can’t Get Enough Of You) and Flower Boy brought their sound and image to a wider audience, racking up thousands of listens and views.
Watch the video for Manic Pixie Dream Boy above, listen to Manic Pixie Dream World below, and follow Lady Charles on Facebook.
