Charles Cave Interviewed
- Charlie Ireland
- Apr 22, 2016
- 3 min read
I caught up with White Lies bassist Charles Cave earlier this week to talk about his recent solo work. Post 'Big TV', Cave has kept his musical mind running and delivered three outstanding tracks of his own; 'Reason To Drive', Christmas hit 'This Fucking Time Of Year' and 'Your Song On The Radio'. With more in the pipeline, I felt it fitting to ask Charles about how he's finding the solo life, and what else is to come. Here's what he had to say...
For those who don't know you, who is Charles Cave?
I’m a 27-year-old male, living in London and making a living as a musician. I make music under my own name, have composed scores for theatre and film, written and produced for other artists and most notable, I am a founding member of the band White Lies.
What inspired you to delve into writing solo music?
Collaboration in creativity is a wonderful thing, and I've been so fortunate to have success with two friends of mine, making music over the past 9 years. Recently, however, I've realised their are certain songs, certain arrangements, sounds and even lyrics that wouldn't be appropriate to present in any other way than alone. I very much enjoy working alone, too, and it has been a refreshing exploration of what I like without the compromising that collaboration always does and should entail. Learning to sing has been a daunting task, and a year ago I never thought I would say that I enjoy singing, but I have found through practice and working on my own songs, that it’s really quite enjoyable! I would urge absolutely anyone who wants to sing to do it.
How would you describe your sound?
I’m really inspired by a lot of dusty 70’s and 80’s FM radio music that, these days, feels like it’s hushed away to Magic FM. It was a time for pop music where the art of arrangement and recording was arguably at its best, and there was an emphasis on intricate rhythm tracks, timeless melodies, ambitious chord progressions and unflinching desire to pull on the heart strings. I used to see TV adverts as a child for compilation CD’s called things like, ‘The Greatest Driving Album In The Universe EVER - Volume 16’, and the advert would play snippets from the choruses of songs from bands like REO Speedwagon, The Cars, Foreigner, Crowded House, Tina Turner etc. They sounded great (though I never actually owned one) My style of music would, hopefully, not sound out of place on one of those records.
Have you any plans to play some solo shows in the future?
You know, I would actually love to and I will get it together over the Summer. I’ve got a willing band to back me up, and it would be a fun thing to do. Stay tuned.
You've so far released three tracks, but if you had to choose, which do you feel best defines you as a solo artist?
For me, so far, I like ‘Your Song On The Radio’. This might sound arrogant, but to my ears, it’s a pretty textbook pop-song, in the style I work with. I like everything about it and I’m just immensely proud. HOWEVER, I think my forthcoming single might top it. It draws on some wider influences, especially Paul Simon who was a huge inspiration to me, growing up.
What's next for Charles Cave?
New single coming out in May. Hopefully some shows in the Summer. I’m looking to find the right people to help put out an album at some point. But whilst I do, I’m keeping things pretty modern and just plan to release a song every couple of months.
Where can we find out and hear more from you?
I’ll be keeping my freshly made Facebook page nice and up to date. There’s also always Twitter and Instagram.
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