Her undeniable talent, incredible voice, and striking beauty are the reasons she stands out from the rest and has staying power in the fickle, precarious music industry. Since emerging on the scene, songstress and songwriter Tweet, born Charlene Keys, has been a favourite for R&B music lovers. Now, after a six-year hiatus, she is back with her fourth album ‘Charlene’, a testament to her professional, personal, and emotional evolution.

Released in February 2016, ‘Charlene’ is more than just what some might call a “grown and sexy”album. It’s a soulful, beautifully candid album that showcases Tweet’s dynamic vocals, and artistic writing ability. ‘Charlene’ is a more mellow and poised sound than her previous hit albums, ‘Southern Hummingbird’ and ‘It’s Me Again’.

Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Tweet grew up in the church, and in those pews her love for music began. She sang in the choir for years as a child, played the drums in the church band, and even became part of a gospel group that performed all over Rochester; “I’ve always been around music. It’s always been part of my life” says Tweet.

In 1993, Tweet auditioned for a spot in the R&B group Sugah, the brainchild of DeVante Swing of Jodeci, who came to Rochester looking for a replacement for one of the group’s members. Tweetwon the audition and stayed with the group until 2000. The group was part of The Basement Crew which featured Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Magoo, Playa, and Ginuwine. When the group disbanded in 2000, Tweet stayed in touch with Missy so when it came time for Missy to record her ‘So Addictive album’, she called Tweet to sing background vocals. While recording with Missy, Tweet played a song she’d written on her guitar which made Missy set up a meeting with Tweet and Sylvia Rhone, then CEO of Elektra Entertainment Group. Shortly thereafter, she was offered a solo record deal.

Between 2002 and 2005, Tweet cranked out hit after hit, from her provocative premiere single ‘Oops (Oh My)’, the catchy ‘Call Me’ (which went on to be an anthem for Verizon ads), ‘Boogie 2nite' and the hypnotic ‘Smoking Cigarettes’, from her debut album ‘Southern Hummingbird’, to the sultry ‘Turn Da Lights Off’ featuring Missy Elliott from her sophomore album, ‘It’s Me Again’. Her vocals were also featured on several tracks for Missy, Ja Rule, Timbaland, and Bubba Sparxxx. When Rhone left Elektra the label was acquired by Atlantic Records who wasn’t sure what to do with Tweet. “Atlantic didn’t really understand who I was as an artist,” she says. After recording an album and redoing a lot of the songs at Atlantic’s request, the album was shelved.
 
Tweet spent the next six years out of the limelight. In 2011 she signed with DuBose Music Group, and quietly released the five-track EP 'Simply Tweet' in 2013. After running into eOne Music’s Phil Thornton in 2014, the second-act of Tweet’s career was about to begin.
 
Signed with eOne, Tweet got back into the studio with her longtime friends and producers Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, John “Jubu” Smith, and Charlie Bereal to record ‘Charlene’. Missy also makes an appearance on the album, coming together with Timbaland, Missy penned the track‘Somebody Else Will’ with Timbaland producing. 
 
Charlene Keys has come a long way. A few years ago, she was on the verge of giving up on the music business, but today she stands stronger than ever with a sold out show at the Jazz Café and now an extra date added at Dingwalls, Camden, get ready for a bolder, wiser, happier Tweet. She says her faith in God is what turned her life around. “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t talk to Him,” she expresses. “I’m not perfect and I don’t always do everything right, but because of Him, I’m still here and that’s an amazing blessing. He is my strength, my source, and I couldn’t have done any of this without Him".
 
Ticket priced at £25.00 + booking fee.
Ticket Link: http://seetickets.com/event/tweet/dingwalls/1013527
 
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/150287178746548/

Show info:
Monday 26th September 7pm – 11pm
Dingwalls, Middle Yard, Camden Lock, London, NW1 8AB
 
For press and interview requests contact Christy@cblackmusicpr.co.uk.