By Pat Sisson

WHO IS SHE?:
Growing up as a goodie-two-shoes in rural Illinois, Charlotte Martin started singing classical music at age seven and dreamed of a career in opera. Thank god for college -- after a roommate turned her on to the Cure, Kate Bush and Depeche Mode this former Miss Teen Illinois cultivated a dark side and started singing intense and insightful pop songs.

WHAT HAS SHE DONE?:
After years spent building a devoted following in the Los Angeles area and weathering a failed first record deal, Charlotte's 2003 In Parentheses EP garnered gobs of critical acclaim and put her on the road in support of Damien Rice and Howie Day. This summer Charlotte, 26, upped the ante with a slot on the Liz Phair-fronted Chicks With Attitude Tour.

WHY DO WE CARE?:
Her recently released CD On Your Shore proves she's a step above the Mickey Mouse Club clique of derivative pop divas. Her polished pop voice, reminiscent of Tori Amos, retains the size and strength of her classical upbringing and soars over lush piano arrangements.

Playboy.com: Tell us about this summer's Chicks With Attitude Tour. It must have been exciting traveling with Liz Phair, the Cardigans and Katy Rose.

Charlotte Martin: Yeah, they all were very cool, and it was a great time. It was a lot of girls in one place -- I bet all our periods were probably in synch. [Laughs]

PB: Sounds like there were a few rough shows.

PB: Speaking of hormones going crazy, what do you look for in a guy?

CM: Well, I like a guy who believes in literacy to a point. He has to be smart, but to a degree. I like guys with a sense of humor, but not ones who try to be overtly smart and then explain things to you speaking very slowly. I like a guy who has strong convictions and is truly authentic, with his own way of looking at the world. I also have this Italian thing.

PB: Do you have a thing for Tony Soprano?

CM: [Laughs] Yes, I do. Guys who can think for themselves, the rugged type.

PB: Do you consider yourself a chick with attitude?

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