Charlotte Hatherley is a true musical polymath. Her inspired soundtrack work, compelling live performances, exquisite production and weapons-grade compositional technique have made her a much sought-after collaborator. Her musical Venn diagram includes names from the worlds of fashion, rock and pop, theatre and film; a true Renaissance woman.
Hatherley has beaten an enviably eclectic musical path since becoming a professional musician at the age of 15. From early success with chart-topping, globetrotting Irish band Ash, she quickly spread her wings to embark on a more personal musical journey. Her three acclaimed solo LPs, much-loved by critics, brought her into contact with some intriguing and diverse names; in the last decade she’s worked with Bryan Ferry, Bat For Lashes, KT Tunstall, Squarepusher and XTC’s Andy Partridge to name but a few.
Her current solo project, Sylver Tongue, marks a new chapter in her musical career. Her acute melodic sensibilities have become even more finely honed, combining perfectly with the darker, more cinematic textures of her soundtrack work. Sylver Tongue will release an album in 2015 to follow up the pulsating, futuristic Something Big EP, which received strong support from Drowned In Sound, The Quietus, The Guardian, 6 Music, XFM, Radio 1, Amazing Radio, and Radio 2.
In 2014 Charlotte was commissioned to compose the score for The Last Man, a dystopian sci-fi short directed by designer and FX artist Gavin Rothery (Moon) and starring Ben Wheatley favourite Richard Glover (Sightseers, A Field In England). The film is almost completely free of dialogue; this leaves space for Hatherley’s expressive, expansive soundtrack which beautifully complements Rothery’s direction and Glover’s raw and emotional performance.
Debuting at the prestigious Frightfest film festival in London’s Leicester Square this year, the film delighted and impressed the audience. Respected movie soundtrack site Films On Wax ran a glowing review of Hatherley’s work (the first time the site has been moved to cover a short film score). Equally impressed was ultra-collectable soundtrack label Death Waltz who, with a roster that includes such notables as John Carpenter, Clint Mansell, Goblin and Fabio Frizzi, will be releasing The Last Man soundtrack on vinyl in 2015. The film’s second London showing at the BFI saw Hatherley perform the score live, surrounded by banks of analogue equipment and using her voice to broaden the sonic landscape still further.
Following her work on The Last Man Charlotte has ventured into theatre, writing the music for the acclaimed NHS-themed London stage play This May Hurt A Bit (directed by Max Stafford-Clark) and the world of advertising, with slick, sonorous soundtracks for transformative body architect Lucy McRae and fashion designer Jayne Pierson. Having produced some of the most dynamic music in the soundtrack realm, Hatherley looks set to join the ranks of other rock musicians turned composers such as Clint Mansell, Cliff Martinez, Trent Reznor and Mica Levi.
