Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide to start become a soloist?
Hi…it sort of happened by accident really.I was in a band and we were always jamming and writing songs that I’d taken into the practice room but some didn’t work or band members weren’t keen on ,so I guess I took those songs and recorded them on an old 4 track tape machine myself which then took me onto recording them on my own which led onto me as a solo artist.
Introduce us all to yourself and your musical history?
I’m Charlton lane ,one-man boogie disco scuzz funk band from the west country….Been part of the Bristol and baths music scene for nearly 20 years in the band Rusty Springfield and The dynamite Pussy club. I am now also in a two-piece band Leathers with Ed calvert who was also in Rusty Springfield and The Dynamite Pussy Club…also use to book the band as a promoter for my night KILLINGMOON which we did pretty regular for 10 years around Bristol and Bath.
What support is out there for new artists in Bristol?
Bristol is such a great city for music…always nights on by lots of promoters or there is the capacity to put on your own show at one of the many venues… it’s pretty easy to get gigging once you are ready…I guess the biggest hurdle would be to find like minded souls but it’s a pretty easy going place.
Who is inspiring you at the minute on the Bristol unsigned scene?
There are so many great bands around it’s hard to say…I really love BullyBones a proper garage rock band…they have great songs and have that spark of danger about them….just did a gig with a new all girl band Mimi and the Miseries,they were aces too.
What would you like to see more of in Bristol?
Car parking outside venues for bands… can be a right nightmare.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
Can’t say I’m a big conspiracy theory guy…I believe we DID go to the moon…I’d like to think Elvis is working in the poundshop on Camden high street though or Jim morrison runs a beach shop in Thailand.
I wish that was true.
What useless party trick /talent do you have/?
Can wiggle my ears
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
That’s hard question… it’s always those gigs where you almost don’t think and the music just happens…ive had a few of those….tiny basement gigs that are rammed to the rafters are always fun.
What was the worst experience on stage?
Prob in The Dyankite Pussy Club, we drove 4 hours to play a festival and the sound guy just was bit off from the soundcheck onwards….soundcgheck was pants and the gig was not fun and he made it worse.
I look back on that as a nightmare.
Tell us a funny story from backstage?
Mmm…DPC supported the mighty BOB LOG in London and I went into his dressing room and on a table was his trademark Helmet which he wears onstage…I thought I gotta try that on so I did but my head was way bigger than his…I got it on but had real trouble pulling it off…was getting worried I’d bust it or have to wear Bob Logs helmit forever.
If you had to describe your band to an alien how would you describe them?
Like crashlanding your spaceship on the grooviest planet in the known galaxy….with free beer.
If you could play any music festival which would it be?
Love to go play SXSW…to play there and soak up the atmosphere and see loads of great bands..
Closer to home I guess Glastonbury would be good…its only 20 minutes from my house so I could use a proper loo beforehand too.
What’s your biggest achievement as an Artist?
With Charlton Lane music-wise my last single Gimme Gimme was a pretty big deal … got lots good press and radio plays and the streaming went crazy…that was a great thing to see happen…just having the drive to go for it..in the bigger picture playing music has been such an important part of my life and one that has given me life long friendships
What makes you stand out as an Artist?
I guess I’m doing or trying to fuse electro dance music to rock n roll…a promoter recently used the tag line ‘the beatbox bo diddley’ and like that… I know there are some amazing artists around at the moment teading that beat path like billy no mates and Sleaford mods who I love…if what I do stand someones ears up and they dig it that’s amazing.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most? (Can’t say the virus )
Trying to get some petrol.
What’s your favorite song to play live and why?
I love playing Tight pants…the first song I did as Charlton lane so it has that sorta first love thing but it also grooves along nicely.
I hear you have a new single brewing, what can you tell us about it?
My new single is ‘On The Wall’….i recorded this just before the winter lockdown in November 2020…with all the covid stuff and people on the streets protesting for various causes I guess I just wanted to say how all these issues were staring at us for ages and should’ve been dealt with way before it got to the point it did….I mean who in their right mind thinks having a statue of a prolific slave trader in the heart of a city was a good idea….or even celebrating them in the first place.
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
I always had in my head that it was Charlton lanes take on Gil Scott Heron….I love Gil Scott and when all these things were going on in 2020 I sat there thinking what he would make and have to say about it
What was the recording process like?
It was very quick…I work pretty quick as most of the song is ready to go from home recording and getting it ready at home…once I’m in the studio it comes together nicely….i’ve been going to a studio in Wells which is run by Ben Turner who I’ve known a long time thru recording and playing around the area….he knows how I work now and gets it.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
Never run out of plectrums or milk.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think so…I always feel once you’ve recorded something that’s it….sometimes I listen back after a month or so and think maybe I’d change that but then you listen back after 6 months and realise you were right the first time.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I’ve just recorded few Charlton Lane tracks at the studio in wells which sound so good….I’m going full on Temptations as a one-man band so excited to see how they pan out…also really looking forward to recording with Leathers….weve had to keep putting it off due to lockdowns but 2022 will see an album out…I’d love to do more Charlton lane live stuff too.. I’ve sussed it out now and do gigs but be cool to take it around a bit more.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Maybe a giant pepperoni pizza.
Thanks for doing us today folks, all the best and keep in touch.
Thanks for asking…good to talk, take care, and keep it groovey.
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