Carmel Charlton grew up on a farm at Yorkrakine in the Central Wheatbelt of W.A. She has never been in any doubt where her
talents lie and music has played a major role in every aspect of
her life.
Carmel has built
a reputation for her crystal clear voice, guitar and piano
expertise and for her warm and interactive performances.
She entertains extensively - everything from community events,
school shows, folk clubs to playing at major festivals including
Fokworld Fairbridge Festival, WA Folk
Federation Brookton Music Mix, Nannup Music Festival, Denmark Festival of Voice, Illawarra Folk Festival, NSW,
Tamar Valley Folk Festival, Tasmania and Tamworth Country Music
Festival in NSW.
One of Carmel's songs My Nullarbor Home
with lyrics by Jill Cambell from Kybo station on the Nullarbor was included on the
ABC's "Australia All Over" album "Macca's Sunday Best". A
video clip of the song Horses Coming Home was shown on ABC TV
on Anzac Day. Her songs are mainly about people and places
and she is both fascinated and inspired by the unique heritage
that we share in Australia. She also writes material for
children and songs with a Christian message and often shares her
gift of music with her church community.
‘Out of This World’
is a music
resource that Carmel produced for primary school children.
All the songs relate to the Australian curriculum.
There are suggestions for use, actions and discussion points for
classroom teachers. Singing songs helps children to retain
information about the topics presented. A teacher told
Carmel recently that the song "We Don't Smoke" was used in class
to support their learning about the dangers of smoking.
It's a serious message but fun too as a Koala and Kangaroo
suggest "we don't smoke, why should you". There are
backing tracks to all 16 songs.
In her school shows and workshops Carmel is joined by
percussionist and guitarist Lindsay Evans.
Their unique shows both educate and entertain with catchy songs
and interesting information relating to the songs. They
recently performed at the Fairbridge Festival with their "Out
of This World" show for children. The environment,
Aboriginal heritage, precious resources and native
wildlife are included in the themes plus there is lots of
audience involvement in the show.
Carmel is regularly commissioned to
compose school songs and special events. Listen to
"We Are Family" St Kieran Catholic Primary School Song
that she composed. She believes
that children need opportunities to be involved with making
music, particularly with singing and telling stories through
song.
Songs of the West,
an earlier album still receives frequent airplay and is much
requested at shows. It is a favourite with travelers when
driving throughout Western Australia and many have been sent
overseas to remind expatriates of home.
In Nov 2010 Carmel' song
'Calling My Name' reached the final on the
Australian Songwriter's Assn Contest.
'We
Don't Smoke' also reached the final 25 in the
Children's category.
In Nov 06 Carmel's song
'Spirit of Mokare' reached
the finals in the folk category of the MusicOz Awards. It
is the largest songwriting competition in Australia for unsigned
artists.
Carmel runs Jackadder’s Music Club in Woodlands. It
promotes ‘live’ acoustic music, fosters local talent and often
has visiting guest performers. Carmel and her husband Eric
organize an annual Gospel Concert that features top gospel
performers.
