Charlie Lane Opens Up In Tender New Single 'Ginger' Ahead Of Debut Album 'I'm Okay Now But I Wasn't'

With heavy emotion and gossamer composition, queer, disabled, and Naarm-based indie-pop artist Charlie Lane is releasing the tender melody ‘Ginger’ on Friday September 20, and announcing her first album ‘I'm Okay Now But I Wasn't’ for Friday, October 18th.

Charlie has carved out a niche since her debut EP release in 2017. In 2024, she's released several singles ahead of her album, gaining attention from publications like Australian Music Scene, Beat, Triple J, and Something You Said, amongst others.

‘Ginger’ is Charlie Lane’s first song, written at just 16 years old, and it reflects the emotional turmoil, tenderness, and longing of the teenage psyche, and carries that emotional weight through it.  This song, packed with feeling, is only exacerbated by the story behind it. Charlie reminisces that it was her late stepdad’s favourite song of hers, and that recording it after his passing felt like an ode to his memory. She states that:‍

"Ginger is a tender one. It was the first song I ever wrote, and comes from my lost little 16 year old heart who liked to push people away a lot. I really hope people can connect with this track, whether they’re grieving, lonely or in love."

And what a stunning ode it is. Beginning with stripped back, husky vocals and slow piano, this song builds up as the emotions of it to, with new instruments going and blending together. Piano is joined by heavenly backing vocals, then acoustic guitar, then a build up of strings and drums as the emotion twists and turns, and ends in a reflective moment, alike the beginning, with an added level of understanding.

The backing vocals for the track were provided by the Halo Vocal Ensemble, a Naarm-based group led by Charlie’s close friend Liona Tatafu, and the strings were provided by Emma Kelly. Though this song emphasises loneliness and isolation, its recording is rooted in love and friendship.

This song is the lead single of Charlie Lane’s upcoming album ‘I’m Okay Now But I Wasn’t’, a 11-track guide to her unique perspective on the world as a queer and disabled woman, and acts as a celebration of collaboration. Mixed by Rohan Sforcina, known best for his work with the critically acclaimed band Oh Mercy, mastered by Lachlan Carrick, who has previously worked on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, and songs featuring the talents of artists like Adam Heath, Louis Spencely, Jasmine Johnston, Jethro Kalt, Emma Kelly, and the Halo Vocal Ensemble, this album both delves into community and explores the depths of loneliness.  Charlie Lane’s experiences growing up with Cerebral Palsy have been instrumental in shaping her artistic voice, which shines with uniqueness. She speaks on her experience:‍

"Everyone has their unique challenges in life, I guess growing up with disabilities was mine. Being different from other kids, dealing with a lot of medical appointments, feeling at times, pretty vulnerable - these were some of the many challenges that led to the endless whirlwind of emotions that have shaped and inspired my music and songwriting. I won't say it hasn't been hard, but it's certainly helped me grow as a person and an artist."‍

Life can be hard, and Charlie Lane’s music finds something beautiful in that. Her single ‘Ginger’ is to be released on Friday, September 20,  ahead of her album ‘I’m Okay Now But I Wasn’t’, which is out on Friday, October 18.