Features : Inspired by COVID Lockdown, “Hitch a Ride” Puts International Pop Band CHARLIE on the Map

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - Only good things happen when musicians from various genres gather to create a band. And that is what happened for CHARLIE, the latest pop band to hit the industry. Unlike other pop bands, CHARLIE is a diverse quartet.

Band members are emersed by different cultures and music genres based in South Africa. The result is CHARLIE’s unique sound.

“We have an interesting take on things and music. We always see things a little differently because we come from different genres,” said singer/songwriter Charlie Vallów, a founding member. “When we write our songs, it all comes together in a giant melting pot. All the styles come together. We have a slightly different take on music, topics, harmonies, and songs. People can relate to it but still go, ‘hmm, this is different.’”

The band was formed during the COVID-19 lockdown when guitarist/songwriter Hugo de Waal joined Vallów. Recently drummer Riaan van Rensburg was added to the group. Rounding out the quartet is bassist Chris van der Walt.

On a mission to use music to spread positivity, the band connects with fans worldwide because CHARLIE is not a typical mainstream pop group. Depending on the inspiration and vibe, their music may have a lighter or darker side and even showcase blues and country influences. CHARLIE is the mere definition of international pop.

On April 1, the “Hitch a Ride” EP drops on streaming services, while the title track will be released on March 18. Producing the EP under the academic supervision of producer Professor Sean Slade of Berklee College of Music was the group’s close friend and owner of Wolmer Records, Lanie van der Walt. Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound mastered the EP.

The four-track collection was written during the lockdown with songs focusing on loneliness and nostalgia.

“We love harmony and soundscapes, so our chord movement is adventurous and more complex,” explained Vallów. “We have beautiful instrumental melodies supporting our vocal melodies.”

Their debut single, “‘Hitch a Ride,’ is an upbeat pop track about feeling like an outcast and lonely, that you don’t belong,” she explained. “But then you find someone whose vibe and spirit resonates with you, and you decide to share a little of life journey with them.”

Changing tempo and mood, “Haunted by the mem’ry of your smile” is the story of sleepless nights. “You are rolling around in bed and cannot sleep because you’re missing someone. You keep thinking how things could have gone differently and torturing yourself with the past,” said Vallów.

Displaying their versatility, “Take Me Back” transports listeners to pre-COVID days and hopes that those days will return.

The final track, “Lullaby of Goodbyes,” is a dark pop ballad about saying your final goodbyes to people and situations that hurt you. “We used a trap beat and decided to chop it up and rework it, making a new kind of a disjointed sound to underline this eerie story,” she said.

Looking forward to post-pandemic times, Vallów said, “We love music and writing. But we love, love, love performing. We are anxious for South African stages to open back up. We really thrive on live music. We feel vulnerable and out of place without being able to perform. When we get on the stage again, we are going to bring it.”

Make sure to stay connected to CHARLIE on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

Link to music: https://electromodeza.lnk.to/HitchaRideAr

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-AT4n5tHL0EXSSbypx7fuQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHARLIE-10913102476908

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie.artist.music/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlie_music0

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Charlie_artist_