Charles James & The Rise release 'Carry On'
Celebrated folk act Charles James & The Rise are thrilled to announce the release of their poignant new single, "Carry On", on June 26th, 2024. This marks the first release from their highly anticipated debut album, recorded at Attica Audio and produced by the acclaimed Orri McBrearty (Rosie Carney).
"Carry On" delves into the aftermath of loss, reflecting on acceptance as a pivotal stage of grief. It explores the profound transformation experienced through mourning and the enduring strength required to move forward. Featuring the exquisite contributions of Steve Wickham (The Waterboys) on mandolin and strings, and John Doherty (Little Hours) on backing vocals, the track embodies the haunting, cinematic folk sound that defines Charles James & The Rise.
About the song Charles James says "I started writing this song a few years back after the sudden loss of my father. I’d followed in his footsteps with a career at sea and he’s also the reason I became a pilot so I was quite lost in the months after. I’d have dreams where he was still alive and Carry On was born out of that first few seconds after waking up, the sinking realisation that he was gone and I’d just have to get used to it."
Hailing from Donegal, Ireland, Charles James & The Rise is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell. Known for their unique blend of cinematic folk with choral undertones, the band's music is deeply influenced by the darker elements of the folk genre. While Charles, a Ship’s Pilot by trade, has spent two decades penning songs at sea, their music has been profoundly shaped by his experiences and the recent, poignant loss of his father in 2020.
The band's career highlights include recording at the iconic Sun Studios in Memphis, headlining shows in Chicago, and performing live radio sessions on Windy City Radio in Chicago and WFPK in Louisville. They have shared stages with notable artists such as Ryan Sheridan, Moya Brennan, Blue Rose Code, The 4 of Us, Padraig Jack, and Grainne Hunt. Additionally, they have played at prominent venues from the North Pole Inn to Nashville and performed at Electric Picnic, one of Ireland's largest music festivals.
In recent achievements, Charles James & The Rise were named Highland Radio’s winner in Hot Press’ A New Local Hero. They performed across Ireland and in Austin, Texas, and received significant regional and national airplay. Their acclaim continued to grow as they were named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s (ES) 20 Artists You Should Know for 2024.
Charles James & The Rise’s debut album, due for release early next year, promises a profound musical journey, with contributions from luminaries such as Steve Wickham and Laura McFadden (Arborist, Krea). Influences range from Kris Kristofferson and Leonard Cohen to contemporary greats like Jason Isbell, ensuring a rich, reflective auditory experience.
Media praise for Charles James & The Rise includes accolades such as, “It will stop you in your tracks” by Paul McDevitt of Highland Radio, “An artist you should meet” by Rolling Stone ES, and “Not many bands working in 2023 can do what they do in 3 minutes” by MP3 Hugger. Skylight Webzine described their music as “a musical reminder of the complexities of life,” while London Peaky praised their work as “stunning, the darker side of folk.”
As Charles James & The Rise prepare to release "Carry On," they invite listeners to embark on a deeply moving journey through grief, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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