And the Hello and welcome to So the Jaker on songwriting. I'm Simon here with my ever present cohort Brian and joining

us for this episode is a Scottish singer and songwriter best known as lead vocalist

for the band Texas. Now into their fourth decade the band have sold over 40 million records worldwide, including three number

one albums and 13 top 10 singles.

They recently released their 10th studio album, The Typically Tuneful High, and it was a treat to learn about its creation over Zoom recently from the band's front woman herself.

We're chuffed to welcome the wonderful Charlene's but airy to the podcast.

This is a really fun chat. Charlene's great company, isn't she?

She really is, exactly as friendly and Antwerth as you'd imagine.

Charlene was born in Glasgow in 1967 and raised in the neighborhood of Finiston until she was 12 when she moved with

their family to the village of Balak. Her dad was a guitar-playing merchant seamen while

her mom was a singing window-dresser and her mom's side of the family were particularly musical too.

Charlene's grandparents house was full of musical instruments and there were regular family sing-alongs.

However, our guest had no real interest in becoming a singer or musician when she was a child.

She moved back to Glasgow in her teens and found work as a hairdresser and it was around this time

that she did catch the musical bug becoming a frequent visitor to local record shops and playing

in local bands.

Her formative influences included Blondie, Prince, Marvin Gaye and The Clash.

In fact, she plays a black and white fender telly in homage to Joe Strummer. In 1986, former altered images bassist Johnny Macalone was looking for a singer for his new project.

Charlene auditioned, got the job and Texas was born.

Like another Glasgow band, Travis, they took their name from the Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas.

I think Charlene sang Culture Clubs, do you really want to hurt me at the audition?

Is that right? I believe so.

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