This new moon in particular has us thinking about a fresh start and new intentions for taking care of our planet. With recent fires and clear warnings from the earth that climate change is happening, the reality of losing the ability to even see the stars is jolting. We’ve been finding gratitude in the small moments of our daily lives, like listening to a good song. Lately we’ve been drawn to the lyrical, textured music of London-based Charles Watson. His song “Now that I’m a River” and the accompanying music video feel like a breath of fresh air through this season’s (and this year’s) intense transformation.
“And take my hand, through the wreckage we’ll go. Through the wreckage we’ll go. I can’t stop know that I’ve started and I won’t wait for someone else’s charge” – Charles Watson
Featured Artist: Charles Watson
Q1: Your song “Now That I’m a River” plays with themes of freedom through acceptance and detachment. With the difficult events of the past year, many of the sentiments in the song feel relatable. What were you thinking about when you wrote this song, and how do you feel about that meaning shifting or being interpreted differently through the context of time?
I like the idea that all the stuff that makes us, and the things around us is always on the move. I suppose rivers are a very simple, everyday measure of that. I don’t intentionally do it but rivers seem to be something I like singing about. I used to try and stop themes repeating themselves in my songs but I’ve just learnt to accept it’s what I like. The night I wrote the title down was one of the long evenings chatting with friends about all kinds of stuff that inevitably turned to space and time. Kinda of those Stand By Me ‘….yeh what the hell is goofy…’ nights. 5am stuff. I’ve attached a picture of the tape we listened to that night. Some good stuff on there.
Q2: We are particularly drawn to the solo acoustic performance of this song in your music video. The spare arrangement puts the focus solely on the lyrics and the voice. How do you go about writing and arranging a song?
Ohh thank you! I enjoyed making that video. I don’t really have a method to be honest. I like making notes and that seems to be pretty helpful when it comes to writing songs. I’ve never been very good at sitting down and writing a whole song at once. I wish I could do that. I’m a bit of a demo monster and love just making a world for a song to live in…sometimes before the song is really there, which is a major pain in the arse as it means I normally have to abandon it.
Q3: How have you spent time during the pandemic? Has it been creatively inspiring for you, or a space to pause and reset?
I have spent most of my time during lockdown scoring a film called Youngstown, by Pete Ohs. It’s been a perfect project to work on while I can’t get in a room with people. I really love collaborating when recording my songs so I’m just starting to do that now. I’ve missed that side of thing. I found it quite hard to get into that I’M BEING SUPER CREATIVE DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC mode to be honest. Since things have eased in the UK I’ve been going to the studio more…things feel a little more normal at the moment. I hope it lasts.
Q4: This solo album feels more stripped-back and introspective than your past musical outlets. What motivated that shift?
I actually feel like I’ve been writing in the same way from the start but I think it’s probably more about the presentation that feels different this time around. This was the first time I’d recorded live with a big live band. There were seven of us in the studio and I think all the collective talents of those musicians really made the record something totally different. I feel like I found a great way of working for my songs for the first time. Turns out you just need all your closest mates and a killer studio. Who knew??
Q5: What’s next for you? Is there a new album in the works, or touring plans beyond COVID?
I actually just booked to go to the studio next month to make a start on a new record. I’ve got a few songs I’m really excited about. I’ve also just finished recording an album with another project called The Surfing Magazines which will be out sometime in 2021. Touring..….I do miss traveling a lot. I hope we can do it safely sometime soon. I’ve seen some pictures of the distanced shows and I’m glad things are starting to happen again.
About the New Moon Playlist
On the New Moon, the earth, moon, and sun align making us unaware of the moon’s presence in the sky. Without the visual presence and glow of the moon, other celestial bodies typically hidden now shine brighter. Our chances of seeing the sky clearly are heightened on this day, making it a day of clarity and new beginnings. Creatively it’s the perfect time to set intentions for a new cycle of dreams and goals, and ways of manifesting them.
To honor this monthly opportunity for fresh starts and creative beginnings, we’ve asked our friend and musician we admire, Chase McBride, to curate a seasonal New Moon Spotify playlist.
Follow The Joshua Tree House on Spotify and be the first to hear new playlists. Last season’s New Moon Spotify Playlist featured artist Mia Pixley.
