Charlie Cunningham – Frame

By starrymag | March 13, 2023

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I still struggle with this question so I’m going to chuck a loud of words out there. Melodic, at times melancholic, guitar/piano driven, indie atmospheric pop music – something like that! Sorry.

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) So hard! Ok I’ll go for… The Beatles, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder. They are the artists that I think I’ve probably listened to the most.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Bird’s Eye View.”

 

A) I wrote it in the months after my grandmother died. It was a way of processing her loss and embracing the momentary reconnection with faith that I have always associated with her. I think it’s a hopeful song.

 

Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to “Bird’s Eye View” from fans and listeners?

 

A) People have been lovely. In fact, it’s been extremely humbling to see how open people have been prepared to be with regard to their own associations with the song.

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from this single?

 

A) A sense of mournful optimism perhaps, whatever that means!

 

Q) “Bird’s Eye View” is the third single on your upcoming album Frame, which is set for a March 31st release date. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on this new album?

 

A) It was written during a global pandemic, when we were all trying to process a variety of complicated emotions, lots of conflicting feelings to try and get our heads around. We are the sum of the competing aspects of our personalities — these songs are the conversations between mine. Perhaps listeners might identify with some of those themes. I hope so.

 

Q) Which song was your favourite to write and record for Frame?

 

A) There’s a song called “Water Tower,” which is pretty much an instrumental with a piano composition at its core. It’s something that felt very organic to write and feels like a specific type of emotion was captured, which I feel grateful about

 

Q) What song challenged you the most creatively for this album?

 

A) Hmm, perhaps a song called “Pathways” – it’s quite dark, both lyrically and musically. It moves in and out of a couple of time signatures, so that was a challenge. But I’m pleased with how it turned out.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from exploring Frame?

 

A) The ultimate goal is for it to evoke some kind of emotion in the listener, whatever that may be. I certainly put a lot of mine in there, so fingers crossed it will.

 

Q) You’re also set to play two shows on the East and West Coast, then head to Europe in April and May. What can fans expect from a live Charlie Cunningham performance?

 

A) Me trying my very best!

 

Q) Which song is your favorite to play live?

 

A) It changes all the time. “Minimum” always seems to go down pretty well, which makes it a fun one to play.

 

Q) If you could collaborate with anyone on a new project, who would you love to work with and why?

 

A) Oh my goodness, I couldn’t possibly say. There are some wonderful musicians out there. Let’s say Stevie Wonder – in my dreams!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

 

A) Thank you so much for sticking with me and for making it possible for me to keep doing this. I appreciate it more than I can possibly say.