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 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.
For the past ten years Carmel has run a children’s performance
group training them in voice and presentation.
'Carmel & the Mites'
recorded the CD
Christmas
in
Australia.
It is an album of mostly originals. It has been given
airplay, both locally and interstate and the songs continue to
be popular and are performed by many school schools and choirs.
Carmel wrote and produced the CD
Water
in our Lives
for the Western Australian Water Corporation’s
‘Waterwise’ Schools Education Program. She visits schools with
her shows. Up, Down South
and You are Special. They are interactive workshops based on
Society and Environment and include Australia's aboriginal
heritage, unique environment, precious resources and native
wildlife plus lots of audience
interaction. Her new show Out of This World is a fun
show where children learn about the world we live in.
While most songs have themes which relate specifically to
Society and Environment curriculum, the themes can also be
linked to other key learning areas.
Carmel is regularly commissioned to
compose school songs and special events. 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.
