Charlie Diamond‘s new album A New Poet In Town is a brilliant showcase of his lifelong passion for music and storytelling. His love for traveling around New England and meeting new people is reflected in the record, as he captures the essence of the region and its people through his timeless Americana sound.
The album is comprised of 9 tracks that reveal his skillful guitar playing, rich vocals and gift for weaving captivating stories into his music. Opening with the upbeat and rhythmic “Cambridge Fact Checker”, Charlie Diamond sets the tone for the rest of the album with his energetic and lively performance. The song is full of catchy singalong writing and memorable melodies that are sure to get stuck in your head.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Back To Meadow Street”. The song demonstrates his enduring songwriting talent and knack for crafting a song that’s impossible not to love.
Throughout the album, Charlie Diamond’s vocals are the standout feature. His smooth and alluring tone floats above the mesh of instrumentation, creating a beautiful and intricate tapestry of sound that perfectly complements his storytelling. His music is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy afternoon spent soaking up the sun or a long road trip through the countryside.
Charlie Diamond’s A New Poet In Town is a thoroughly enjoyable and charming album that showcases his talent as a songwriter and musician. He effortlessly blends Americana, folk and subtle rock influences to create a sound that’s familiar and timeless while still maintaining his own distinct twist. His beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics are sure to resonate with listeners and make this album a must-listen for anyone who loves well-crafted music.
We caught up with Charlie to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new album A New Poet In Town and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Charlie Diamond below.
Hey Charlie, how’s things?
Currently sitting outside starring at the stars
How did you first get into making your own music?
There was an old guitar in the house and when I was 3 years old I picked it up and started plucking away at it. Just sort of taught myself how to play. Couldn’t read a note if i wanted to.
Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?
Elvis
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, David Bowie, Elvis, Bob Dylan
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I explore a lot with my dog. We hop in the truck, pick a direction and go. I have a very active imagination and I just let it run wild. Places I go, people I meet, adventures I have… all get put into songs. Phrases and imagery swirl around in my mind and then between midnight and 2 am I feel most creative. Most of the time I sit down and in 5 or 10 minutes a song comes out. Sometimes I don’t even know how I wrote it.
What do you love about your local music scene in Hartford?
New England in general is great for folk. You could go from famous little music venues in New York City to places with great ambiance like a ski lodge in Burlington, VT. I love the coffee shops and eclectic places to play.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Driving on a road trip with self reflection. Sitting out at night under the stars. Traveling.
How has your sound evolved since you started out?
I have a Punk Rock background so yes. I didn’t start playing folk until about a year and a half ago. Didn’t even play harmonica before that. Never wrote a folk song in my life until then.
How did you find making your new record ‘A New Poet In Town’?
I wrote the record in 3 weeks. I ended up recording 1 song at a time when I had the money to do so. And so, recording it took far longer than creating it. I played everything on the record except for the drums. The core of all the songs are just me with my guitar and harmonica. All recorded live at the same time. usually, in 1 take.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
I sing for the dreamers, poets, misfits, outcasts, and those just lost on the backroads. I was trying to write songs that would stand the test of time and you could feel the thread of existence. The mysterious undercurrents of life. Think it, believe it, dream it. Stretch and expand towards your dreams. Always take the risk!
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
I’ve been obsessed with The Smashing Pumpkins. Listening to 1979 literally on repeat all day long. Like hundreds of times a day.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
A romantic feeling of life where anything is possible. Being free with no attachments. Cinematic sunrises and happy teary eyed nights full of stars.
You’ve played some very interesting venues and locations, what’s been your favourite live show so far?
Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton, Massachusetts. It’s a guitar shop that doubles as a music venue at night and has a speakeasy bar attached to it. I had my first show there every. It was the first place to take a chance on me and believe in me!
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Elvis, The Doors, and The Beatles
Probably at a sick mountain lodge on a ski mountain somewhere.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Don’t think. Just get out there and do it. Take the risk! Follow your gut!
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
Festivals and shows throughout New England. Playing as much as possible!
Listen to A New Poet In Town below
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