KING CHARLES is a London based musician who has announced that his third studio album will be titled ‘Out Of My Mind’ and is set for release on April 17th. We were invited to chat to Charles ahead of the release date to find out a bit more about what went into the making of the album, challenging himself as both an artist and a singer and his forthcoming `uk tour in May, read on to see how we got on….
I’ve been checking out your new single ‘Freak’ which, as it says on your press release “has a woozy neo-soul vibe” – I wanted to ask which bands or artists have helped you to create this incredible sound?
I don’t think the sound came from any other bands or artists but more a reflection of my mood and where I was at when I began to write it. I usually start a recording process in my studio on my own playing with ideas and planting roots. I don’t have much of a drive to make something that sounds like anything else, kinda the opposite actually. But there are rhythms and habits that I have that seep into the music I make. There are a lot of influences to the sound but I feel like I couldn’t tell you exactly what they are. Different musicians and artists that come and go on the record all add their own energy and influence.
You mention a serious ski accident that happened back in 2010, whilst I don’t really want to dwell on this as it was no doubt a very traumatic time for you and your family, I wanted to ask if you took anything from the experience that you use in your creative approach to song-writing?
One thing is I want to stay very close to my instruments. I lost all sense of rhythm after the accident which terrified the life out of me. After a time of clawing it back I now treat rhythm like my connection to life and this planet and locking into rhythm is sometimes the only way to fit in. In many ways the accident is responsible for this album and became a big part of the healing process. At times I wanted to escape from some of these songs but they just continued to follow me and in the end I knew I had to finish them or they would haunt me.
You mentioned that in your new record ‘Out of My Mind’ you wanted to challenge yourself as an artist and a singer to see what you were capable of, do you feel that you have achieved this?
There’s definitely a sound that I haven’t reached before and a style of singing I haven’t explored. Getting into these opened up a space to write in that wouldn’t have worked without pushing open those doors. I don’t think I consciously set out to explore this but once I started making the record it took me in a direction and I just went with it to see where it would lead. Sometimes these things just have a life of their own.
There are ten tracks on the new album, how many didn’t make the final cut? Will any of these be taken forward for possible inclusion on a future album?
I am always writing, it’s what I love to do and I have a bunch of tracks that are yet to be heard. This group of songs and recordings all got to the right place at about the same time. I worked for while at writing and exploring what it is I want to create and release and this is what represents that journey. I wanted to keep it tight as an album but I’d like to release more and as soon as I can; more music and songs.
Out of My Mind lands on April 17th are you planning a special launch party or gig to celebrate? If not, how will you be marking the occasion?
I’ll probably just share a drink with some friends. It feels more like a relief rather than a celebration, to finally get it out there. The tour comes soon after and no doubt will treat that like one big party. I’m just through the roof happy about the moment finally coming to release this album and I want to share that with everyone.
Your UK tour kicks off on May 3rd in Newcastle and wraps up in London on 13th May, which of the places that you’re playing are you most excited about?
All of them! I’m just dead excited to be back on the road and playing these songs to audiences. When we have played the new songs live the reaction has been incredible. The blend of the new and the old works so well live. I’ve played a lot of the venues before so there will be some familiarity and hopefully some familiar faces.
Do you notice a North/South divide when it comes to audiences? If so, how do they differ in your opinion?
I really never know what to expect wherever I am playing. I like going back to places wondering how it will be because it’s always a wonderful thing to be struck surprised in an electric city. There’s so much to influence show atmosphere. I love a lively crowd, the energy they bring is so important to the show, they really play their part. Obviously its up to us to ignite this but when they respond it’s magical.
Will you be playing any UK festivals this year? If so, where can we see you?
Yes! I’m excited about ‘Live at Leeds’ and ‘Hit the North’ in May and then there’s a bunch coming up after that.
I read that you were planning on creating a ‘calypso’ album in New York but the bleak winter didn’t really fit the mood so you reunited with the Grammy nominated producer Matthew Wilder to work on new ideas in Los Angeles and London instead. Have you made progress with the calypso album and if so, when can we expect it to be available to listen to?
I’ve gotta do it absolutely... as soon as I hook up with the right people in the right climate! I have a bunch of songs and ideas and it’s just a case of bringing it together. Who knows it might be up next but you can’t force these things.
I was listening to some of your older material and ‘Lady Percy’ has a real calypso vibe to it, when did you first get turned on to this genre?
I spent a lot of time in South Africa when I was younger and some of the music that originated there really gripped me. I fell for that kind of rhythm before I knew anything about life; it made me happy and I love cultures that feed off expressive feelings.
You’ve received tremendous support from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Cerys Matthews and John Kennedy on the radio, how does it make you feel when you hear your music being played?
It’s great, a real endorsement of the song, I really want my music to reach as many people as possible and when you receive this kind of support from those you respect in the industry, it’s special. I have put so much into writing these songs and it’s really satisfying to know that you are reaching people on some level and they are enjoying your work. I don’t really enjoy playing my music to people directly or having listening sessions. I think too much about all of the details and what someone’s thinking. Radio is out of my control and far away so it feels really nice.
Out of My Mind follows 2016’s Gamble for a Rose and 2012’s Loveblood. There is a steady 3-4 year timespan between each album, tell me about your approach to song-writing and what happens during the time between the releases?
Much of the pace was dictated by the healing process following my accident. But I’m now in a great place and feeling better than I have felt in years. I’ve spent most of my time writing and creating, the ups and downs of emotions over the last few years have fuelled many creative processes. I have made more albums than I’ve released which would come into it too. The music industry either feels like a locomotive on rigid tracks or a beginner on a uni cycle so you have to plan carefully and that can take time. But now I just want to get really stuck into releasing music and touring. One thing I can promise is It definitely won’t be 3 years until my next album.
You’re a well-travelled person, where would you say provided you with the biggest inspiration to get your book out and write lyrics or music?
Probably South Africa, as I said I spent a lot of time there when I was younger and in many ways it started my love affair with music. But I like moving around, it clears my head and provides inspiration which is so important to my writing. I love spending time experiencing different cultures, not having any appointments and being as far away as possible, on the other side of the world maybe, but it’s not always possible and I can’t stay away from London and my studio for long.
Lastly, there are MILLIONS of bands out there, can you please tell me about a few bands or artists that are lighting up your world at the moment?
Father of the Bride by Vampire weekend. Great album.
Siobhan Wilson is pretty mesmerising
We’d like to thank Charles for sparing the time to chat to us and we wish him every success with the release of Out of My Mind on April 17th and the tour that follows it (details below);
King Charles UK Tour Dates;
3rd May - Newcastle, Hit the North
4th May - Glasgow, Classic Grand
5th May - Birmingham, Castle & Falcon
6th May - Nottingham, Glee Club
7th May - Bristol, Thekla
12th May – Cambridge, The Portland Arms
13th May – London, Omeara
‘Out of My Mind’ full album track listing;
SIDE A
Freak
Out Of My Mind
Deeper Love
Money Is God
Melancholy Julia
SIDE B
She's A Freak
Drive All Night New York Sunrise
Watchman
Feel These Heavy Times
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