A fresh new release from Charles Grace brings out a warming and somewhat cinematic folk undertones single that hints towards classic influences and a contemporary backbone built off of some outstanding guitar work, a bit of deep grooves, and melodic and flowing vocals.
"Thousand Times" is a fantastic single that showcases the artists ability to create soundscapes that border on different subgenres of pop and can reflect a truth and honesty in the lyrics about being descriptive and poetic at the same time.
This release is quite beautiful and gracefully performed as he teams up with Kyrie Varieur and builds some tasteful harmonies that really create an atmosphere that's all its own.
This track is subtle but dynamic and has a way of wrapping itself around you and keeping you right where it wants you.
There is plenty of heart and soul strewn throughout the course of the single and you can tell that Charles definitely has a pure love for his craft and there was a lot of attention to detail that went into this track.
The guitar work is again, subtle but super well done and played with the feel of a seasoned musician influenced by all kinds of classics as those influences ooze through to mold something that became his own.
There's something about this track that screams old soul. I'm not sure exactly what it is. It's hard to pinpoint but it certainly is there, and you can kind of feel that in the music.
You definitely get a great feel for the character of this track, and it does a really good job of giving a tone to the artist's presence.
There's also a lot about this song that makes you want to sort of move. It's that deep-rooted groove that has this almost funk to it although in a more calming fashion of course.
I think that's one of the most fun things about it. It's got a certain kind of swagger almost that makes you sway back and forth and just get into the feel and vibe of this song.
With the release of such a wonderfully woven single, we wanted to have a sit down with Charles Grace to find out where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay Charles let's start with "Thousand Times"! This had a cinematic and contemporary tone to it! How did this track come about?
I wrote Thousand Times on my Breedlove acoustic guitar during the early months of the pandemic. Lyrically, the song is my attempt to articulate the contrasting feelings of denial and acceptance. Like many of us, I was having a hard time coping and remembering that I was still loved by those closest to me. I couldn't wait to look back on those feelings, but there was no way around it. I had to go through it, and fully feel everything.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you really fall in love with music?
My music journey technically started in the womb. My mother used to put headphones on her stomach when she was pregnant with me. My grandfather had an entire room dedicated to his vinyl records. My aunt is the secret sauce who sparked my eclectic taste with artists such as Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, and Boyz II Men. Ever since I was ten years old, I was always an album person. I would listen to an album repeatedly until I memorized the track listing and pick out the little ear candy in the mix. The song that made me want to play guitar was "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
There is really no limit to what inspires songs for me. Family and relationships are constant themes in my songwriting. I am also a sucker for good literature. Flannery O' Connor and Cormac McCarthy are two of my favorite authors. Many times though, my songs are a summation of several journal entries over a period of time. When I notice repetition in my thoughts, then I pull the thread out and make the most of it.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Musically, this song is heavily influenced by my love of R&B and soul music. In 2020, I started learning a different slow jam every month; songs by Blackstreet, D'Angelo, Michael Jackson, SWV, Ella Mai, and H.E.R. Inevitably, the soul quickly showed up in my chords and arrangements. At the same time, I was still listening to my longtime influences, like Coheed & Cambria, Gary Clark Jr., and The Paper Kites.
I have always gravitated toward artists who are not tied to one specific genre, yet still maintain an instantly recognizable sound.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I am not working on music, I am most likely exercising outside, cooking some soul food, eating with friends, or watching pro wrestling. If I can do all of them at the same time, then I am in my happy place.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Coheed & Cambria, Thrice, The Brothers Landreth, Ariel Posen, Cleo Sol, Maxwell, Marcus King, Chris Stapleton, Moonchild.... just to name a few, haha!
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Nothing on the calendar right now, but that will change soon.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I worked with my good friend and producer, Casey Corum at Brea Canyon Recording Studio. He and I spent the better part of a year recording a total of six songs to be released on an upcoming EP.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
They can expect more new music! I will also be popping up around Southern California for live performances as much as possible.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
First, I just want to say thank you for giving an indie artist like me a chance. There are so many things competing for our attention every day. It is truly a privilege to share this music, and I sincerely appreciate each and every person who takes the time to listen.