Why She Named Her Album After A Boat

Charlie Hilton is the first to admit that while she loves to perform she does like to be a bit of a recluse when taking time off.

The 34-year-old singer is taking a break after finishing her debut solo album, Palana, which she says is from her original Sanskrit or Hindu name and also the name of a boat she lived on.

“It was original Sanskrit - ancient Indian language of the Buddha - and I also lived on a boat called Palana at one point and that is what the title track is about - the boat,” Hilton says.

“So when I finished the record and I talked to the producer about the name, he suggested Palana before the track existed. 

"It was original Sanskrit - ancient Indian language of the Buddha - and I also lived on a boat called Palana at one point and that is what the title track is about - the boat."

“I had this song called Palana and threw it on the record at the last minute and because it was my original name it was like a nod to the past and to my various identities.

Speaking from her home town of Portland, Oregon, the singer says she is content resting until it is time to tour again.

“Lately I’ve been kind of mellow and have been in hide out mode and reading a lot and working on getting ready to tour. The new record comes out in two weeks so I am enjoying being invisible. 

“I am not the most famous person, but am definitely shy and you have to get ready to get out into the world again.

“I think I have always put myself on the stage for some reason and I don’t really know why because it is not really in my nature.”

Hilton says her fans have encouraged her in her efforts at producing a solo album and says she has been blessed with some positive feedback.

“It’s all been pretty positive and people seem excited to hear what the new solo album sounds like and Blouse fans are excited to hear what it sounds like. I haven’t had any negative feedback, people feel like it’s something natural. 

“I feel like it’s natural, it doesn’t feel like it is that strange yet.”

Hilton says the production process was a familiar one as she used Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jacob Portrait, the same producer Blouse used to produce their albums.

“It’s all pretty similar to me because I used the same producer, although a lot more people were able to drop by and play on the record.

“Blouse is on a bit of a break right now so it is not that difficult to divide my time, but Blouse is still a band and we are taking some time to work on other things right now. 

“It feels like when it is time to pick things up, then Blouse will come back together and do something eventually but not right now.

The talented singer says music has been a passion since her teens.