Charlotte Wessels, known for her tenure with symphonic metal band Delain, has embarked on a transformative journey as a solo artist. With her latest album The Obsession, Wessels explores new musical and personal territories, shedding light on her evolution as an artist, and the challenges she faced.
The transition from fronting a band to establishing herself as a solo artist wasn’t without its hurdles. Wessels candidly reflects on this period of change, noting, “When I started my Patreon, it was meant to be a side project. I had no idea it would become the foundation that allowed me to stay a full-time musician through both the pandemic and the dissolution of Delain.”
The creation of The Obsession marks a significant chapter in Wessels’ solo career. While her previous works, the Tales from Six Feet Under series, were deeply experimental, The Obsession signals a return to her heavier roots. “I never intended to move away from heaviness,” Wessels explains. “But when I started Patreon, it was a space for songs that were nothing like Delain. Over time, I began reintroducing heavier elements, and The Obsession is the result of that exploration.”
Themes of fear, obsessive thoughts, and escapism are woven throughout The Obsession, offering a window into Wessels’ personal experiences, including her diagnosis with OCD. “I didn’t set out to make an album with a specific theme, but when I looked at the songs, I realized they were all connected by these ideas,” she shares. Wessels’ willingness to confront such personal topics in her music speaks volumes of her artistic vulnerability. Songs like Dopamine, inspired by her experiences with antidepressants, highlight the album’s raw honesty. “It’s a vulnerable topic, but I felt it was important to talk about it openly,” she says.
Collaborations with artists like Alissa White-Gluz and Simone Simons also add to the album. Wessels and Simons, who connected over shared experiences, transformed the track Dopamine into a powerful duet. “Simone loved the song and recorded her part in my home studio. It was a natural and meaningful collaboration,” Wessels recalls.
As Wessels prepares to take The Obsession on the road, she continues to release new music through her Patreon. The combination of monthly releases and full album projects has allowed her to maintain a dynamic and evolving relationship with her audience. “The songs change and grow, just as I do. It’s a process I’m excited to continue,” she affirms.
Charlotte Wessels interview 15.08.2024
Producer: Janne Vuorela
https://linktr.ee/charlottewessels
Picture: Charlotte Wessels
