An Interview with Charlie Icon
Charlie Icon is an independent singer-songwriter who has been creating music his entire life. Fusing rock, indie, country, and pop influences, Charlie releases unapologetically authentic art, reflecting his passion for music of all kinds. His latest EP, Gas Station Nachos, showcases a style transition from a country-focused sound to one that is more urban. Currently working on two new singles, Charlie is a storied musician that you need to keep your eyes and ears open for. In this interview, we chat with Charlie about his creative process, plans for the year, biggest challenge as an artist, and a lot more.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Lifelong musician who enjoys writing, performing, and all things music. Husband and father of 5 kids, I own multiple businesses and enjoy cooking, traveling, and (again) all things music.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I started playing music at 6 years old when I would take a guitar up on a church stage and play along with the band. At 8 years old I was arranging oatmeal boxes on my bed and hitting them with sticks to simulate a drum set. Music has always been in my soul.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Setting aside enough time to write, practice, record, and perform.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Gas Station Nachos EP.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Matt Maeson, Knox, Shinedown, Daughtry, and Jason Isbell.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
It requires a full release of any hesitations, preconceived notions, ideas, and ego. You have to truly be a blank canvas for the ideas to flow – some are good, some are good but not a good fit for the moment, and some are just stepping stones to get you to the right idea. You have to be open to all of it. There is no bad song if you put your soul into it.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
Gas Station Nachos was a collaboration with a producer out of LA (Julianne Hope). I wanted to change things up since the last three singles I did were with producers and musicians in Nashville, and had a heavy country vibe. I love country music, but I am not a country artist – so I wanted to get back to an urban vibe.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I am working on two songs with a N.Y. producer to explore that vibe. Once those are complete I want to put together a 1.5 hour set list and refine a performance.
With his latest effort, Gas Station Nachos EP, officially released, Charlie Icon is proving himself as a singer-songwriter to compete with. Planning two more singles for this year and more live performances, there’s a lot more from Charlie in the cooker. Charlie Icon’s music is available for streaming and purchase on Spotify and most major digital streaming platforms.