A Quick Chat with Charlie Lane

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Gold Drips’?

Gold Drips came about back in 2019. Written first alongside co-writer Lyra Caltabiano, who was a session guitarist at the time.  I had the lyrics and melody down and then Lyra and I put together a rough take on a not-so-great voice memo. I returned to the track in 2021 when its story had a whole new meaning to me. I really wanted to keep going with it, taking it to fellow co-writer and producer Adam Heath and developing it further together.

Lyrically, Gold Drips is written around enmeshed family situations, co-dependent relationships and what it is, and was to be stuck in a position of loyalty and remembering your strength to break out of that place, to do what’s right, even if that means you must leave what’s comfortable behind. 

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

There are so many, and I’m so eclectic with what I choose to listen to, I’d have to say Amy Winehouse. Her vocals! The control she had was insane, her distinctive blend of jazz, soul, and rock was just so influential to me as a vocalist, and another is Daniel Johnston. His songwriting was incredible. He could create these dark, heavy folk-rock songs, with really vulnerable lyrics, like just pure sad honesty that stemmed from his childhood, mental health and heartbreak. It was so raw and beautiful. These artists really helped me stay true to myself when writing my own songs.

What’s the creative process like for you?

For me it has always been lyrics first. I write to tell people a story. It's a form of therapy for me and I want it to be for my audience too. It might not be the same storyline, and a little self-indulgent at times, but a story nonetheless. From the lyrics I go to the vocal melody/s and work out how I want to articulate them to match up. Then I fiddle around with chord progressions and tempo until I feel something hits right. If I do a co-write, I’ll send the artists I’m working with at the time, and we’ll go from there.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

It would be the stigma around disability and mental health. Luckily, we are seeing so many fantastic disabled up and coming musicians this year. It's great to see more diversity and inclusion, however it would be great to see some more disabled artists included in rotation on commercial radio, community radio and seen on festival line ups. 

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I have always said when I’ve been asked this question that I have absolutely no idea what I’d do. Like, it’s such a short and possibly cliche’ answer. However, been doing this for 11 years.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why? - 

Mark Ronson. He’s an amazing artist, producer, and song- writer. He’s worked with a lot of my favourite Brit pop artists. Working with him would be an absolute dream!   

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

Network with other artists and musicians, collaborate on projects. Most importantly, find a mentor/s that are a little more experienced or established in the music world than you who you can look up to for advice. Even as you grow in the industry, networking and having a great mentor is invaluable. There is so much to keep learning as a musician as the industry is constantly changing. 

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

I’d have to say Adam Heath. He is a multi-instrumentalist and the most humble, interesting person I’ve worked with and met. He is constantly on the fly touring as a session musician for people such as Maple Glider, C. Watts, and a really cool ACDC cover band. He also does corporate gigs in Melbourne and has done plenty of other session work. He teaches on top as well. I always wonder if he actually sleeps. I admire his work ethic so much and we get on like peas in a pod. I just find his knowledge of instruments fascinating and love to watch him work.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

At the moment the sessions and I are taking it one step at a time. We have the rest of the album coming out this year so want to see where that leads. Most likely a regional Aussie tour is on the cards though.