Rising soul and funk artist Charles release stunning EP 'Gorgeous, Sick & Tired'
Rising soul and funk artist Charles release stunning EP 'Gorgeous, Sick & Tired'
STREAM GORGEOUS, SICK & TIRED HERE
Rapidly rising London based artist Charles releases his highly anticipated new EP Gorgeous, Sick & Tired.
Equal parts charismatic and tender, Charles’ sleek vocal abilities have seen him become a significant one to watch on the London music scene. Oozing with nostalgic, cinematic production, Gorgeous, Sick & Tired takes inspiration from 70’s disco and funk, infusing witty lyrics with heartfelt, raw, and emotive storytelling. Charles delves into love, heartbreak and the trials and tribulations that have made him the man he is today. Laced with perfectly pitched harmonies, crisp backing vocals and feel-good percussion, the intricately produced EP looks set to continue the attention surrounding a rare and prominent new voice finally coming into his own.
In true showman style, an epic intro, interlude, and outro seamlessly merge the songs together. Combining smooth synths, soulful drum claps and funky guitars, the first track “Lucky Star” sees Charles’ tone effortlessly dance between his signature baritone and falsetto vocals. “Man” stands as a timeless entry, with its catchy chorus and scintillating lyrics the track acts as an uplifting take on feeling blue. Lead track “Right On Time” exudes depth as Charles sings “But baby we’re right on time, I swear this love was made for me, I find a piece of you inside of me in this life, I know you want to see but baby we’re right on time.” as he acknowledges the feeling of having to catch up with a life that has often felt like its slipping out of his control.
Connecting syncopated percussion with waves of enticing strings and complex production, “Hearts On The Run” is a playful piece where Charles’ unmistakeable velvety vocals sing of a love that feels like it’s running away. Continuing to showcase his addictive falsetto, “YADAYADA” utilises funk-infused textures and harmonies while the track’s insightful lyrics tell the story of the London based artists’ battle with the often-toxic side of the music industry. Rhythmic drum loops and staccato chords are embedded throughout, leaving space for a mesmerising, keys led, stripped back middle 8 as Charles playfully sings “watching paint dry on a school night” as he references the mundane carousel of the industries obsession with viral ‘moments’. Concluding the EP, “Fantasize Me” opens with a dream like soundscape that merges into another groove led banger decorated with evocative percussion and romantic guitars.
Opening up on the story behind the lead track, Charles tells us: “’Right on Time’ is a piece of my story, a reminder to myself that I deserve to be here, to be happy, to love, and to move forward. When I was a kid, I went through a dark time that turned my whole world upside down. Since then, I always felt like my life was slipping away from me, like I could never really catch up. That feeling stuck with me for years, making me believe I didn’t deserve the things that should have felt natural—happiness, success, love. The song came together on a grey day in Manchester with The KTNA. Millie and Hope created a space where I felt safe enough to share my truth, to dig into that pain and find some light. Writing with them was unforgettable; they’re such genuine, powerful artists, and working together brought out a side of me I hadn’t been able to show. I later took the track to LA and wrapped it up with Will Leong and Jackson Wise, bringing everything full circle. Right on Time is a message to myself - the past doesn’t define me, and I don’t need to carry that weight anymore. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Charles has indisputably been making waves in London’s underground music scene. Having always taken a keen interest in neo-soul, R&B and funk genres, Charles decided to instinctively weave all three together to create his own organic and highly addictive sound as it stands today. An ecosystem of infectious rhythms, smooth melodies, and timeless grooves, the rising star of the funk and soul scene continues to flaunt soundwaves that transcends genres.
With significant tastemaker attention coming from the likes of COLORSXSTUDIO, OFFICIAL CHARTS, ONES TO WATCH and WONDERLAND as well as catching the attention of the prestigious backbone of UK music BBC RADIO, his single “Taste of You” was selected as BBC RADIO 1 Introducing ‘Track of the Week’. BBC RADIO 6 have also been keen supporters adding the artist’s track “Mexico City” - a feature with artist San Soucis which was recorded live at Abbey Road to the BBC RADIO 6 B-List. The BBC have continued their support by also asking Charles to co-host an incredible BBC Introducing ‘Black History Month’ show with Danny Fullbrook and Connie Constance as special guest.
With such a prominent and important aesthetic, Charles has become a firm favourite within the fashion industry, collaborating and performing with high-end brands such as Gucci, Emporio Armarni, YSL & Selfridges. The iconic Abbey Road Studios recently invited Charles down to film and record in ‘Studio 2’ as part of their Equalise Campaign in August and they have openly expressed their support of his music and career. Being known for his incredible live performances, the rising star has recently perfored at the historic music venue KOKO, Latitude Festival, Bricklane Jazz Festival, on the main stage at Mighty Hoopla Festival in Brockwell Park and most recently his sold-out headline show at Oslo, Hackney.
Fully immersed in a glistening sense of purpose and self-assurance, Gorgeous, Sick & Tired EP cements the rising musician as a significant name emerging across the city’s music scene.
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