Hi! Charlie, could you share with us what initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how has your background influenced your artistic style?
A: I was never great at sports. Didn’t have a lot of friends, but was always dreaming big. Music always popped into my life and let me imagine following my dreams and so I was just drawn to it from the moment I was born. I learned guitar playing electric blues. Then I ended up in a punk rock band. I’ve only been playing Folk for about 2 years now. During the pandemic I was driving around in my pick-up truck with my dog. Exploring all over New england. Folk kept coming on the radio and I fell in love with it!
Can you take us through the creative process behind ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’? What sparked the idea for this song?
A: I made a decision to start playing in New York City. Sort of Break into the scene. So, I took my duffle bag and harmonica and drove in. Slept on my buddies couch and started playing at any venue I could book. The whole experience has been very welcoming. Compared to other places in the country I’ve played in, New York has really embraced me. So, I wrote a song about it!
The lyrics of ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’ are quite evocative. Could you explain the story or message you wanted to convey through this song?
A: Everyone wants to be a part of something. A family, a friend group, some cause or just something bigger than you are. I’m no different. So, I got into music to make my own scene and create my own world. It’s the story about an artist or person trying to make it. Trials and tribulations. There are lots of great times in the journey to make it, but there are also lots of tough times too. The song shows the duality of it all.
Which artists or genres have had the most significant influence on your music, and how do they resonate in ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’?
A: Elvis is my number 1. I think if you listen to a lot of my songs you can feel the soul in the vocals. I don’t really think about influences. I just sit down and write em.
Your song paints a vivid picture of New York City. What is your personal connection to the city, and how has it shaped your music?
A: The city is new to me. It’s exciting. Feels like the center of the world where anything can happen. It has a vibe. I’m a very philosophical, artistic, dreamer, who loves adventure. The city gives you all of that.
Were there any particular challenges you faced while writing and producing ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’? How did you overcome them?
A: None. I sat down and wrote the song in 5 mins and recorded it in one take.
How has the audience responded to ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’? Has the reception matched your expectations?
A: Yes, everyone seems to like the song. Especially people who live in the city. Because it sort of endears them to the place they live in
How do you think your music, particularly songs like ‘New York’s Been Good To Me,’ has evolved since you began your career?
A: I’m not sure. Don’t really pay much attention to it.
Looking ahead, can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new directions you’re exploring in your music?
A: Jan 20th I’ll be recording live vinyl records of some of my songs that can be pre-ordered on my instagram or website. No song will be the same and I’ll do little hello messages to individuals at the beginning of the recording. I’m very excited about that. I have my sights set on some music festivals as well. Mainly Newport Folk Festival!
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially from songs like ‘New York’s Been Good To Me’? What kind of legacy do you aspire to create with your work?
A: Take the risk. Follow your gut. Listen to your heart.