Hailing from LA, Charlotte Sands is an alternative artist whose aesthetic and sound blend the present with Y2K vibes. She won Best Breakthrough Album in 2018 at the Heavy Music Awards, and it looks like she's going back for more in 2026, as far as we can tell from her new album, "Satellite."
While Charlotte Sands is cementing her place as the newest alt-pop IT girl, she is not leaving the realities of life and being human out of her music. Her new album, out now, covers some of the toughest topics humans have within themselves. From identity to self-worth to self-discovery, she's keeping it real with her fan base, and we need more of that in music.
"Satellite" starts with the track that the album is named after, a great background beat, and a very Y2K feel about how it feels to be with someone that makes you feel euphoric and scared of the feelings they make you feel, but not wanting to "come down" from that euphoria. The push and pull of fear of your own happiness and people who could be good to you is something most of us can relate to. While the words and beat are higher energy, the lyrics are really where you dig in and understand that this album starts with a deep banger already!
The songs "Half Alive," "Back to You," and "Afterlife," three of my personal favorites from the album, alongside the song "Water Me Down," are some of the most outwardly emotional songs on the album. They are definitely the crying-while-you're-dancing type of songs, but still all bops! They cover a range of emotions and concepts, from finding each other in the next life when things might work out better, to feeling like you can't escape your own mind, to being in love with someone who only loves you when they can make you smaller.
The duality of this album is really beautiful, honestly. It's not all sadder songs, because songs like "Hush," "Satellite," and "Neckdeep" come in swinging with more upbeat tempos and singing styles that feel more moshable, while still keeping to the deeper themes. Sands' ability to go from pop-punk queen to heavier-sounding alt-pop empress is a talent that should be studied, really!
Charlotte Sands has been coming onto the scene strong, and I support it! She's real and human with her audience. The human experience and things we go through in life aren't ever the same for everyone, but Charlotte does an amazing job of hitting topics that almost everyone can relate to to some degree. Between the way she portrays these heavy topics and how well done her music and lyrics are, the album is a must-listen and not just for the girls! Whether you need a cry release or a dance release, Charlotte is your girl!
Along with her new album release, Charlotte Sands will also be joining Simple Plan as a supporting act on the European leg of their tour!
I would love to see her on tour with Dayseeker, Hurtwave, or Dreamwake next, so let's boost her! Just saying.
