“Low Standards” – A Love Song to Bad Taste and Good Music

April 07, 2025

“Low Standards” – A Love Song to Bad Taste and Good Music

Charlotte Grayson returns with “Low Standards,” the follow-up to her surprise January single “Get Outta My Yard”—a song in which she came back in loud, hold-nothing-back style. But this time around, the tone is sweeter. “Low Standards” draws inspiration from Charlotte's own questionable history with dating. “It’s basically about my terrible taste in men,” she jokes. “But hey, without them, I wouldn’t have had anything to write about—so swings and roundabouts!” This cheeky honesty extends to the song itself, a sour-and-sweet combination of regret and self-awareness.

Recorded with the same spontaneity that had made "Get Outta My Yard" an overnight hit, the follow-up features Charlotte working with producer Mark Folland, who helped shape a bigger and more melodic sound. “The band went really light on the verses—just a few little country licks and lots of breathing room,” she says. “Then they hit the gas with the pedals in the chorus and middle eight. It gives it this really lush dynamic, makes the drops hit that bit harder.” That touch of restraint gives "Low Standards" a certain flavor—bittersweet but very punchy nonetheless.

A chance meeting turned into a welcome mishap when Crescent's performance was supported by Millie Jones, who replaced backing vocals after a last-minute cancellation. Charlotte and her longtime collaborator Edwin had heard Crescent perform a week prior and were already fans of Millie's voice. She showed up, nailed it, and added a welcome warmth. The final mix was done by Mark Aubrey—Charlotte’s go-to producer since her debut album Grow back in 2020. “He knows exactly when I’ve got a better take in me—he always pushes, and he’s always right,” she admits.

Charlotte is now taking a more contemplative approach with her live shows. She's stripping things back to just her voice, her guitar, and a crowd listening. She's gone back to her acoustic roots with solo shows that feel like home.“I chased the indie scene for a bit, but it never really fit,” she says. “Now I’m back playing open mics, small gigs, just telling stories and connecting.” And even as she gears up to drop two band-backed singles, her heart’s firmly planted in those intimate solo sets. “It’s classic me,” she laughs. “No band anymore, but releasing band bangers. Promoters are gonna love that.”