Q&A: Charlie Reed Steps Onto The Scene with Reflective Debut Single “Don’t Drop Me”
CHICAGO-BASED INDIE GROUP CHARLIE REED is more than just another addition to the city’s ever-expanding sonic underground, and it’s a perfect time to hop on the bandwagon. The band’s roster includes Twin Peaks’ Colin Croom and even Divino Nino’s Justin Vittori, giving the group a reputable standing in the Chicago scene. With such an impressive resume out of the gate, it can be easy for tensions to rise in sharing the limelight, having a voice in a band with seven members, and making that debut single one to remember.
Charlie Reed has checked off those concerns with “Don’t Drop Me,” a somber and reflective track that lets each carefully spliced guitar string, drum hit, vocal inflection and bass line stand out in their own way while simultaneously adding to the song’s emotive stickiness that has yet to loosen its grip on me. The song is accompanied by a homebrewed music video filmed at Chicago parks and golf courses that may contrast the song in its “Brady Bunch” editing and retro silliness, but basks in the carefree nostalgia that makes it instantly memorable, especially if you’re from around here. Read below to learn more about “Don’t Drop Me” and what’s in store for Charlie Reed.
LUNA: The Chicago indie scene has seen groups rise from the neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Logan Square and reach their respective audiences, like The Slaps, Beach Bunny, Grapetooth, and especially Twin Peaks. More so, they always seem to receive the most love in their hometown, whether that be at Riot Fest or The Metro. What do you have in store for this Chicago music scene that consistently shows appreciation for those dedicated bands and musicians?
TRIMBLE: If anything I think what we offer is something different. I’d much rather our shows feel intimate and even personal. There’s nothing like going to a performance and you can hear a pin drop cause everyone is listening intently. I guess what I mean is, we’re not a party band. It’s not better or worse, just different.
LUNA: Whether it be inside and outside of Chicago, who do you find yourself inspired by?
TRIMBLE: I’m inspired by all the hard working musicians and artists I know, people closest to me and especially my bandmates' and their projects like Honeyslides, Spread Joy or Divino Niño. Shout out to other Chicago buds that are killing it, Liam Kazar, Bnny, Tobacco City to name a few.
LUNA: Regarding the story behind making “Don’t Drop Me”, it’s a very personal tale, but with the instrumental help of Nolan and Colin of the band to help accentuate it musically. What is it like collaborating with others on a song that seems so incredibly personal?
TRIMBLE: Honestly, you kind of get used to it. Naturally it’s hard letting go of your ego when it’s so personal. But it’s important to be vulnerable because it helps everyone attach themselves to the song. It’s something I've gotten better at but am still working on. To their credit I couldn’t ask for a more sweet and caring group of people to be collaborating with.
LUNA: Also speaking on “Don’t Drop Me”, the melodic cadence is careful and easygoing, but also lyrically dripping with regret and loss. It’s sad, but uplifting; a reminder that all endings have a new beginning, another door open when one closes. How did you decide upon this slower, concentrated melody in regards to the subject matter at hand?
TRIMBLE: Well, first I wrote the melody and progression and then the lyrics kind of came out of me. But I like when songs have these contrasting elements. I’ve been writing that way for a while. To me it feels bitter sweet. In life no experience is absolute. To say the least it’s complicated.
LUNA: So much of the emotion is within your vocals, and seems to emotively sway not towards what he’s saying, but how he’s saying it. This is something that I love about bands like Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine, where the song’s lyrical purposes are driven by these raw, poignant vocals. How do you balance this within your vocal performances?
TRIMBLE: Wow, I'm flattered. I don’t consciously go into the studio trying to put any particular affect on my voice, but the songs are very personal so I think regardless of my intentions something comes out. Stylistically it’s something that’s developed over time just in the way my voice is naturally and through my musical influences, for example Gene Clark, Nick Drake, Geroge Harrison, and maybe some Elliot Smith from my childhood.
LUNA: Do you have a story from recording or writing sessions that you think exemplify what makes “Don’t Drop Me” so special?
TRIMBLE: I always liked the hook but I never really thought it was going to be a single until it was all put together. One day me and Colin met up to do some overdubbing and seemingly out of nowhere he laid down that guitar harmony part that was, for me, just what the song needed. I feel like we’re on such a similar wavelength. I love working with him.
LUNA: It’s refreshing to see members from separate bands come together to make their own sound, taking what makes each of you special as musicians and crafting something new out of it. What is it like bringing your own perspectives to the table and crafting a song that represents everyone’s strengths?
TRIMBLE: It’s a treat. No doubt everyone brings something to the table. It can be hard managing a bigger band, but they are all great listeners, knowing when to sit back and when to play. When it comes to writing, it’s such an advantage. We have an arsenal of talent that brings the songs to life.
LUNA: It can often by anxiety-inducing to look ahead in the band’s future: imaging what opportunities might arise, who will be exposed to your music, the creative headspace of all the members. It can be a lot. But, if you were to take a glimpse into the future of Charlie Reed, what do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
TRIMBLE: I think the future is looking swell. I’m excited about the album coming out May 1st and if everything goes well, we plan on touring as much as it allows us. We’ll also be in the studio this winter working on a new album which is my favorite thing to do. I think it’s safe to say most musicians, or artists for that matter, make a lot of sacrifices to do what they love. It can be tricky to balance everything but the goal for me is for the band to be able to sustain itself and continue to be an outlet for my songwriting.
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