Robert Charlot shares insights into his successful solo album, which he attributes to hard work, talent, and dedication. The album has been well-received by fans in New York, the Caribbean, and Haiti, providing him with motivation to continue pushing boundaries in his music career.
Charlot explained that while every musician hopes their album will be a hit, the reality often falls short, making the acceptance of his work especially gratifying. He stressed the importance of a solid foundation in album production, including inspiration, arrangement, concept, and effective marketing.
After spending 16 years with Top Vice, Charlot pursued a solo album to fulfill a personal dream, allowing him greater creative control than he experienced within the group. This solo venture let him express his musical ideas without compromise, contrasting with the collaborative nature of Top Vice where not all his ideas could be fully realized.
Discussing the limited impact of his album in the Tri-State area compared to overseas, Charlot pointed out promotional deficits as a primary reason, though he anticipates improvement following recent marketing efforts. He noted that the enthusiastic reception abroad, particularly in places like Guadeloupe and Martinique, underscored the album’s success.
Charlot also touched on the dynamics within Top Vice, mentioning that while the band is not at the pinnacle of popularity, it maintains a steady demand for performances, bolstered by his solo project. He clarified his decision to exclude bandmates like Robert Martino from his solo album to ensure it reflected his own vision distinctly from Top Vice’s influence.
Regarding his role as the founder of Top Vice, Charlot described his low-profile nature and the overshadowing presence of Robert Martino, a known figure in the industry. Despite internal conflicts, he affirmed that the group continues to work together and plan for future projects, including a live album with new tracks.
Charlot concluded by emphasizing the significance of his project in maintaining his personal artistic identity separate from the collaborative efforts of Top Vice, highlighting his unique contributions to the music and the distinctiveness of his solo work.
