Charles Costa – Charles Costa

Charles Costa, the alt-indie singer-songwriter and London native, enters a new era with the shedding of his previous moniker, King Charles. But why the rebranding? Aside from sharing a name with the now monarch, Charles was looking for an opportunity to reinvent his image and deep dive into a journey of self-exploration. Turning inward to reveal the man behind the music is a vulnerable thing, but this artist is not one to shy away from scary topics. Fuelled by a hyperfocused passion for raising money for charity, Costa’s latest fundraising endeavour is 90 Marathons in 90 Days – a 4000-kilometre hike along the Pacific Crest Trail which has raised over £167,000 for James’ Place, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention for men.

Costa is extremely open about personal struggles, with his upcoming self-titled album full of raw-to-the-bone writing. Crafted in Suffolk within the walls of an intimate arts centre that was formerly a US Air Force base, he worked tirelessly with multi-instrumentalist Jesse Quin and violinist Tom Hobden to produce the album. The trio have constructed an unforgettable piece of art consisting of a sweet blend of 80s electro-pop and pastoral folk. This mood diversity across the album will keep you on your toes, inviting you in for a calming, then erratic, then intimate 40 minutes with the man behind the music.

The record opens with Heart Is Heavy. Charles eases you in by the hand with gentle vocals that sit comfortably in the ear and itch a spot in the brain with their clarity. A slow build that unveils a story, this is a writing technique that is consistent across most of the album. “I know your heart is heavy / I know you’re searching for freedom” – a heartfelt message that the world around may be full of negativity and your mind may be heavy, but things will be okay again. The lyrics give the impression that this is something the singer-songwriter resonates with directly, again inviting fans along for an intimate ride.

Next is the alluring track Thief, which was released as a single at the end of 2024. Dustings of Bon Iver’s influence can be heard throughout, particularly the thickly layered harmonies with pleasing reverb. The track also features a crunching electric guitar solo that raises the hairs on your arm. Costa describes Thief as the “savagery of heartache”. Despite touching lyrics like “how my heart swelled”, you can’t help but notice the deliberate use of past tense throughout, adding a melancholic note to the overall message.

Feel Every Minute, released as a single this year, cracks the energy up a notch or two. A psychedelic electronic track rich with electric guitar and synth, this contrasts heavily with the following number, I’ve Been There, which opens with acoustic guitar picking and a sole vocal melody that lacks harmonic layers. This simplistic composition is done with just enough going on to hook the listener as if the conversation has dropped to a whisper and one must lean closer to understand. I’ve Been There leans into Costa’s focus on mental health, emphasising the importance of filling your life with the light of loved ones. It becomes more of a ballad once the chorus hits; “It’s gonna be okay,” Costa sings in a hushed lullaby. This track in particular demonstrates his dedication to honest songwriting, which is an important part of his artistry.

Nothing at the Most takes a dark twist at this point in the LP, sending fans down a haunting rabbit hole with spine-shivering lyrics like “When the night comes falling / The days seem so much like a ghost”. Another track that showcases a daring transparency, with the artist’s struggles on full display in a glass case.

Other notable highlights are the final few songs, including In The Shadows, Aeolian and Any Kinda Way. The former segues cleanly back into high energy, giving a nod to a theatrical side of his music known well under his previous moniker. With belting choruses and a return of the thickly layered harmonies, this number picks you up off your feet and gets you dancing. This doesn’t last long, however, with the exhausted Aeolian dragged through on a steady yet tired beat that reflects a level of mental fatigue the singer expresses here. Any Kinda Way brings it to a close, finishing on a more hopeful note. Similar to the opening song, this references friends, family and the importance of looking after the mind.

Reinvention of an artist’s image is difficult – taking fans with you is not a given. In the upcoming self-titled release, Costa has constructed a carefully considered bridge from his previous project to his current. Stitching in references to his former signature songwriting means fans do not completely lose an artist whose music they may have previously loved, but instead receive a reformed, fresh version of who he used to be. An expertly crafted rebirth into his new sound, Costa’s album is sure to cement a strong first step into this era.

Emily Downie
Image: Courtesy of Charles Costa

Charles Costa is released on 24^th January 2025. For further information or to order the album visit Charles Costa’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Thief here: