Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Charlotte Martin in back with her first studio release since 2007 titled “Dancing on Needles.” The new album, which chronicles her lengthy and emotional health struggles, will hit digital stores Feb. 1. Charlotte, a trained opera singer, channels Kate Bush and Tori Amos to create a moving and wonderfully crafted piece of work.

During her career, Charlotte has shared the stage with such acts as Liz Phair, Pete Yorn, Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, among others. Plus, her song “The Dance” is regularly featured on the hit TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” She answers five questions with The Comet.

1. Your new album deals with your struggle with intercostal neuralgia caused by your infant son Ronen resting on your left side.  What happened?

I am a very extreme person. I’m compulsive. I had this thing where I wanted to be the perfect mother. I never put him down. Always held him on one side. One day I woke up and my back was numb. My son’s head had been on my left shoulder for a year. It took me months to figure out what it was. I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t function. It took a year. I’m almost fully healed. I’m pregnant again, which is great. My body needed to get pregnant to have a direction. I am much more functional now. We are having a girl, due in March.

2. You asked RCA to drop you in 2005?

I got lost in the merger. They didn’t go to radio. I didn’t have a sound. Didn’t know I loved Kate Bush at the time. I didn’t have an opinion yet. The label had me tour on it for a little while. (“On Your Shore”) was released. It did okay…I made enough fans that I felt like I can do this on my own.

3. What did you do next?

I toured for two years straight and released (music) on my own indie label with my husband on Fontana. I was selling tickets. I could tour without tour support. I can still do that. On my first headlining tour I made $600 bucks and I played the whole of the United States. Once you go out on your own, it’s really hart to even think about signing your masters over to someone else.

4. Are you using a new approach to releasing “Dancing on Needles”?

I have a very active fan base so we’re only releasing the physical CD through my fan club, and see what happens. I have a lot of really really supportive fans. I will tour maybe in the summer. It’s actually easier to tour with a newborn than a toddler.

5. How are you feeling creatively after all your health issues?

I’m writing a lot again. My craft is back. I think I’m going to give another album of B sides and videos to the fans and see if people like it.