Meet Charlize Ramirez | Independent R&B singer and songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlize Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlize, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been my way of understanding and expressing the world around me. Growing up in a divorced home where I was constantly moving, music became sort of like my safe space. Therapy wasn’t something we talked about much in my Hispanic family, so songwriting gave me a way to process my feelings.

My earliest memory of wanting to pursue music as a career goes back to the summer of 2012 when my dad, Tony Ramirez, introduced me to the lyrical importance of R&B and Hip-Hop. My sister, Cybele, and I would spends hours in his 2000 Nissan Altima parked outside our driveway listening to artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, and Nas until it was time to say our goodbyes. I remember feeling drawn to how these artists told such powerful stories, and I wanted to give back to my community in the same way.

I would say that my music these days focuses mostly on mental health through a deep perspective on love, loss, and personal growth. I hope my music offers a space where others can find comfort in my story.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music is a reflection of my journey and experiences as a young Dominican-American woman from New York. I think what sets me apart from other artists is my ability to intertwine themes of mental health with lyrics that touch on self-love and heartache, all delivered in a soft, soulful style that I feel resonates deeply with my listeners. My songwriting draws inspiration from my own life experiences and the challenges I’ve faced along the way.

Throughout my journey as an independent artist, I’ve learned the importance of being honest and staying true to myself. My life has taught me that asking for help is okay and that leaning on my community during tough times is essential. That’s why, with every release, I try to make it clear that my music isn’t just about sounding good; it’s about my storytelling providing a sense of connection and healing.

I’m still figuring out what my brand entails, but for now, I’d say my work is all about believing that our struggles can lead to something beautiful. Through my music, I want to create a sense of belonging and remind people that they’re not alone in what they’re going through.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Even though I just moved here two months ago and might not be the best tour guide yet, if my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I’d be excited to take them to Lagniappe for some live jazz and neo-soul while sipping on red wine and enjoying our own crafted charcuterie boards. If they wanted to experience a vibe similar to the Record Room in Long Island City, I’d recommend checking out Dante’s Hi-Fi to see Dj’s spinning vinyl records. I’d also love to take them to Wynwood Walls to check out the incredible street art and Ball & Chain in Little Havana for dinner and dancing! Honestly, any place along Calle 8 is perfect for diving into the local latin culture in Miami. You can enjoy some salsa music while having delicious food together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible support system:

First, a huge thank you to my dad for introducing me to my life-long passion and for enrolling me in my first private lesson. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without his encouragement.

I also want to acknowledge my mom, Angelina Estevez, a single mother who never missed a recital and always pushed me to join every ensemble I possibly could. Her unwavering support throughout my musical journey has meant the world to me.

Shoutout to my sister (an incredibly talented writer), you inspire me to stay true to my voice as a storyteller every single day.

Thank you to my friends, family, and listeners who have supported me by giving me helpful feedback, adding my music to playlists, sharing my releases online or by word of mouth, attending my shows, purchasing my merch, etc.

Lastly, a big thank you to my professors at The New School, Marlon Saunders, Ben Allison, Charlotte Small, etc. who helped me develop my skills as a performer and were especially supportive during my time of need after my aunt, Marivel Estevez, passed away.

Website: https://linktr.ee/charlizeramirez?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e326290f-82bb-495f-9b5c-b8bd8598b2e1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlizeramirez

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/charlizeramirez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlizeramirez

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlizeramirezmusic

Image Credits
Photos (not in order) taken by Cybele Ramirez, Vanessa Rivera, Brandon Archibald, John Isaiah Welsh, and Matthew Hodges.