We Heard the Rough Draft of Charlotte Day Wilson’s Next Project

We often hear how artists are sensitive when it comes to their work — a fairly reasonable practice, considering how invasive it must be to bare all for the world to judge, especially under the watchful eye of social media. Charlotte Day Wilson has never been afraid to leave the edges visible. Her music, smooth yet raw, carries the kind of quiet honesty that rarely makes it through major-label filters.

This past Friday, the Toronto artist welcomed a small group of fans, friends, and family to Stone Island’s New York flagship for an early listen of her upcoming project. The collection of songs, in its current form — an intentionally imperfect body of work — invites listeners into the process rather than the performance. With her first single “Selfish” out now, her Italian sandwich shop Tutto Panino newly opened, and the wrapping of her U.S. and Canadian tour with Givēon, I caught up with Charlotte to talk about creative restlessness, the beauty of unfinished art, and how she somehow found time to open a neighborhood sandwich shop along the way.

Madrell: Let’s start with the new music. “Selfish” just dropped, and I know the project is still in progress. What made you want to share these songs before they were finished?

Charlotte Day Wilson: I just couldn’t wait. As an artist, there’s usually such a long gap between finishing the music and putting it out — planning, rollout, all that. I was feeling impatient. The project has this underlying theme of imperfection, so it made sense to release the songs while they were still in motion. They’re close to done but not fully mixed or mastered. I wanted to let people in on that stage because we usually only share the end result after years of refining. This time, I wanted to show the process for what it really is.

Madrell: So the limited vinyl pressings people are getting, those are the unfinished versions?

Charlotte: Pretty much. They’re close, but some vocals aren’t finalized, and the mixes aren’t all there. “Selfish” is the only one that’s fully mastered. But I kind of like that. It’s honest.

Madrell: How does it feel to give people a physical version of something that’s still evolving?

Charlotte: Honestly, I didn’t expect it to hit the way it did. Seeing people holding the records in their hands felt strange at first. Like, wait, this isn’t just mine anymore. I love that period when the music belongs only to me, before the world gets to it. That’s the pure part of it. I make music because I love making music. Once it’s out, your relationship with it changes. You have to let go of control and expectation. It’s liberating and terrifying in the same breath.

Madrell: Speaking of “Selfish,” what inspired that track?

Charlotte: It came together almost accidentally. I was trying to reverse-engineer a kind of breakbeat with my friend Braden, and then a couple of my friends, Saya Gray and Ace G, showed up at the studio at the perfect time. Saya sat down at the piano and started playing these chords, and I immediately began singing the lyrics over them. It all happened in minutes. Those are the best sessions, when you don’t overthink it.

”I make music because I love making music. Once it’s out, your relationship with it changes. You have to let go of control and expectation. It’s liberating and terrifying in the same breath.”

Madrell: You’ve just finished touring with Givēon. What was that experience like?

Charlotte: It was great. Exhausting, but beautiful. We played some iconic venues. Madison Square Garden was surreal. Being an opener is a humbling experience; it’s good for the ego. You’re reminded that people aren’t there for you, so you really have to earn every second of their attention. I had a few fans in the crowd, but it’s mostly about showing up, connecting, and having fun with your band. It definitely taught me more about stage presence — how to hold space in a big room when most people are hearing you for the first time.

Madrell: What was your daily uniform on tour?

Charlotte: A lot of Stone Island. Mostly black. Clean, comfortable, a little chic. That’s my uniform.

Madrell: Any standout cities from the tour?

Charlotte: New York, of course. But also Montreal, Atlanta, and Chicago.

Madrell: Favorite meal on tour?

Charlotte: Oh my god, there was this Thai spot in Philly called Kalaya. Incredible. I still think about it.

Madrell: Speaking of food, I have to ask about your restaurant.

Charlotte: Yeah, it’s called Tutto Panino. A friend of mine bought a building with a commercial space in a residential neighborhood, and we wanted to create something that actually served the community. Sandwiches felt right — comforting, approachable. It’s become this little hub.

Madrell: What’s your go-to order?

Charlotte: The Tutto, obviously. It means “everything” in Italian, so it’s like a cold-cut combo. It’s simple but perfect. I also love the Bollito and the Calabrese.

Madrell: Do you see yourself opening more restaurants?

Charlotte: I don’t think so, not right now. I’d rather build out the Tutto world, maybe expand into catering or a second spot someday. But we really want to keep it small and local, something the neighborhood can rely on.

Madrell: Okay, last question. If you had to describe this next project in three words, what would they be?

Charlotte: Warm. Imperfect. Visceral. That’s really how I want it to feel, like something that hugs you back.

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