Exclusive: Stream Nuela Charles’ New “Songs That Meant More To Me After Hearing Them Live” Playlist

By: Staff –

To celebrate Nuela Charles’ new single “Troublemaker”, the acclaimed alt-soul singer/songwriter curated a new playlist that chronicles a list of tracks that meant more to her after she heard them live. 

“Troublemaker” is the second single from her upcoming EP to be released this Fall. It was written and produced by Charles and production duo Towers, and follows the snappy, Rob Kleiner (Andra Day, Sia) produced “Do It Right” which was released earlier this year.

Kanye West – Power – Coachella 2011
Never had I witnessed such confidence on stage. It was such an electric performance by one man in front of an audience of 70,000+.  Made me feel like I could do anything.

Linkin Park – In the End – Sonic Boom, Edmonton 2012
Linkin Park is one of my favourite bands of all time. When they came through town there was no way I was not going to be there! It changed my life. Such a power performance and looking back now, even more so.

Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor – Edmonton 2012
Their opening set was the only reason I went to this show, and this was before they released their mind-blowing AM album. Being a huge fan, I vividly remember sprinting through the arena hallway when I heard the beginning of their first song. (I may have been a tad late). And when they played this one – I lost my voice.

Ben Howard – Keep Your Head Up – St. Gallen Open Air Festival, Switzerland 2014
Sonically this is a very beautiful song, and Ben has a way of making the live version even ten times more gorgeous. He almost had me in tears as I was watching from the side stage. We were just about to leave and move on to the next festival (while on tour) and I managed to catch this song. Forever grateful for the timing of it all.

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs – Southside Festival, Germany 2014
Speaking of tears. This was the first time I saw Arcade Fire. I was never really a big fan. I had heard “The Suburbs”before but it never really connected with me. But as I stood near the front of the crowd with my friends, I watched a band share a piece of their heart, with the most gorgeous visuals playing behind them. Then out of nowhere, tears started to fall – it was such a beautiful, joyful moment, and has stuck with me ever since.

Nothing But Thieves – Graveyard Whistling – It’s A School Night, Los Angeles 2015
I discovered this band through Shazam while watching a TV Show. A year later, I was playing the same showcase as them in Los Angeles. This song was my alarm clock for a whole year before and to see them play this live in such an intimate setting was the most amazing experience. To this day, this song gives me chills.

Beyonce ft. Jack White – Don’t Hurt Yourself – Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton 2016
As you can probably tell, my taste in music varies a lot, and I love nothing better than when musical worlds collide. Could not have asked for a better collaboration and in a stadium setting, it was the most badass thing I’ve ever seen.

Jay Z – On To The Next One – Rogers Arena – Edmonton 2017
When someone has as many hits as Jay Z it’s hard to remember them all. When he played this song, it was as if the arena was hit by lightning because there was such a strong electric energy surging through everyone –  it was amazing. 10,000+ people losing their collective minds.

Miguel – Waves – Upstream Festival, Seattle, WA 2018
If you ever want a masterclass in showmanship and vocal performance, look no further than Miguel. Caught his headlining set, literally 30 minutes after my performance at the Canada House and it was super vibey! Even my guy friends were swooning! When “Waves” hit – everyone was on another level, “ridin’ that wave.”

Grandson – Stick Up – Edmonton 2018
This was the most recent show I attended and it was by far the funnest! Imagine being sweaty in the pit with 200 of your new best friends. Grandson brought the rock and the swagger and I love it because he also has something to say. Stick Up has been a favourite of mine for a while and seeing it live made it even better.