Nick Charles is an acclaimed Australian composer, guitarist and performer who constantly delivers outstanding, melodic fingerpicking licks on both acoustic and electric guitars. Nick’s deep appreciation of music history is embedded in his own songwriting and recording DNA and it’s no surprised that he’s often labelled internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”. Nick is much admired within the roots music community and is known for his fabulous curation of the ‘Guitarist Concerts’ at both Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Melbourne Guitar Show.
Apart from his solo shows, Nick Charles can currently be seen playing with legendary Australian country rock act Stars, as well as performing with Stars singer Mick Pealing in duo mode. Nick is about to release a new solo album, Further Down The Line, featuring covers, instrumentals and self-penned songs.
Ahead of the release of his new solo album Further Down The Line, Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with Nick Charles for an in-depth chat about his career as well as discussing (and playing) his favourite guitars, as our Musician of the Month for July. Photos and video assistance by Jason Rosewarne.
MORE ABOUT NICK CHARLES
During his extensive and acclaimed career, Nick has released nearly twenty albums on major Australian and US roots music labels. His recordings have garnered worldwide recognition beginning with “My Place” and now his most recent release “Guitar Music”. This recognition has succeeded in having Nick signed to the Grammy Award-winning label, Solid Air Records USA (“Home of the World’s Finest Guitarists”). The only other Australian recognized by the label being Tommy Emmanuel.
Consistently averaging 150 shows a year in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, his music encompasses a delightful and eclectic mix of acoustic roots including blues, folk and early ragtime jazz. Along the way, there are stylish nods to the Great American Songbook and the finest contemporary players and composers from Chet Atkins to Lennon and McCartney to Leo Kottke.
Nick has been widely recognised in the industry for his talent and work. His awards include: Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year 2014, twice winner of the Australian Song Contest, Song of the Year 2013 and 2014 (Australian Blues Awards), Album of the Year (MBAS) multiple times, Song of the Year (MBAS) multiple times, Solo Performer of the Year multiple times and The Age Victorian Blues Album of the Year 2016
Nick is also an experienced educator and continues to share his vast depth of guitar knowledge and enthusiasm with his many students. Nick also writes columns for several music magazines.
Nick’s current projects include composing pieces for his next solo album; playing with the classic Aussie band, The Stars, alongside lead singer and long-time friend and collaborator, Mick Pealing; or performing solo or with Mick around the country. Make sure to check out Nick and Mick’s latest album release, “Songs from This Town”.
