Charlie has a very extraordinary personality. At the same time, he is very passioned about music too. When I first met him, it was 8 o'clock in the morning and he was singing out of his lungs. Without any effort, he managed to make quite an impression if I have to be honest with you.
Even though he is only 20 years old, he already runs his own label, experiments with a variety of music genres and records under different monitors.
Also, he is (probably) the only person in the world who would love to watch Mariah Carey and Joni Mitchell performing in the same festival.
And yet, in Charlie's universe this makes so much sense.
Who are you?
My name’s Charlie. I’m a writer and musician from Malvern, recording as Gûl, Loaf and under my own name for Red Wine Cowboy Records.
Tell me one person, place and thing that inspire you.
Matt Berninger, Quebec City and my family.
What is your current state of mind?
I’m alright, thanks! Life’s always up, down and askew, but with perspective and Monster Energy I get by.
What is your dream collaboration?
I don’t have a direct no.1 collaborator but I’d say with Gûl, a split with The Suns Journey Through The Night or Balrog would be pretty interesting. With my other work under RWCR it’d be someone like Alex G or Happy Diving.
Which was the first record you ever bought? When and how?
I believe it was the third Bring Me The Horizon album on CD: There Is A Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let’s Keep It A Secret. Still have it. Love that band and although I don’t listen to metalcore much anymore, it was a good stepping stone into heavy music and music collecting. I bought it in 2010 I think. It was on 2 for £10 in HMV. Played it during the first lockdown last year and it honestly holds up so well.
And the last one?
This is somehow more difficult. I’ve splurged big time these past few months. I just did a trade on Depop, so I suppose that counts. I’m getting the purple Baroness album, the Vanilla Sky OST and Emperor’s Wrath of the Tyrant.
Tell me which is the best live concert you have ever been.
It’s a toss up between Yung Lean and Wilco. Both really different experiences, both with my very good friend. At the former we were off our tits, at the latter we were drinking water. For the sake of this interview I’ll go with Wilco.
What is your greatest extravagance in life?
My unnecessary expenses.
Which record you have borrowed and never returned?
I don’t think I have ever done that. Fell out with someone who gave me a bunch of CDs, but that doesn’t count haha.
It's your last day on Earth. Which record you choose to play and why?
Tiny Cities by Sun Kil Moon. I don’t like Modest Mouse. I respect them but I don’t get them. Mark Kozelek is one of my all-time favourite musicians and this MM covers record is damn-near perfect. It’s super short and kicks me right in the emotional nuts every time.
Tell me about two records in your collection that you have and feel ashamed of.
At one point I had some Lostprophets CDs, but I quickly chucked them when the whole criminal case came out. Other than that I’m happy with all I own.
And two records that you don't have and still feel ashamed of.
Honestly not sure.
Which is your ideal festival line up?
I’d like Red House Painters to reunite, Hole Dweller with an orchestra, Ryan Adams, Emmylou Harris, The National, Mariah Carey, Capel Beulah, Gaahl’s Wyrd, Joni Mitchell, Happy Diving performing Big World in its entirety, YG and Beach Fossils.
In your opinion, which record should be taught in schools?
An early Prince record for sure. Maybe not Dirty Mind, but something like Sign Of The Times. Maybe Controversy? I don’t even like that record but it’s got some gender-bending, pro-sex stuff on there. I think...
What you were listening the last time neighbours asked you to turn down the volume?
Not sure, but probably the new Paimon album. That’s really fucking loud.
Morrissey or Liam Gallagher?
I adore them both for very different reasons but I’ll go with Morrissey.
Which dead artist, you would bring back to life?
George Michael
Which music genre is the most overrated?
Blues. It’s straight trash. Imagine the lowest-rated, seediest casino bar mini fridge. That’s modern blues music. Dreadful. It’s not a genre, it’s not a movement, it’s a fucking scale.
And the most underrated?
Soundtracks and instrumentals need some more love. More traction and attention outside of the overpriced Urban Outfitters vinyl section.
When and where you were the happiest? I’m pretty happy now. Things aren’t ideal but I feel very lucky to know the people I know and have the things that I have. Gûl Bandcamp Red Wine Cowboy Records Red Wine Cowboy Instagram
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