On September 29, New York City native Charles on TV announced the release of his debut EP Truth & Lies. Exploring the hypocrisies that exist within the world of liberal elites, the self-written six-track EP combines quirky instrumentals and live jazz that create the backdrop for enthralling, smooth vocals that lure the listener into synth-infused dreamscapes. Impressive and impactful in his unique ability to shine a satirical light on the striking realities of today’s existence, he is able to retain a highly approachable sound. His skillfulness at accomplishing this highlights the utter excellence of his musical and storytelling abilities. The artist describes the overall piece as:
“[Truth & Lies] is a coming of age story that explores my queer identity, romantic relationships, my relationship with myself, and my place in America.”
The EP opens with “And Be A Star”, a mesmerizing track that acknowledges that Charles on TV is learning more about the artist he wants to be every day. The subsequent track “Don’t Pretend” is an in-studio improvisation track about “preaching injustice on the internet, then closing our screens with a sense of ease after temporarily cleansing ourselves of guilt and complicity,” says Charles. Following it is “This Xmas (I Want You)”, an irony-filled, beachy queer love ballad narrating the feeling of being young, naive, and romantically infatuated by a f*ckboy. Then, there is “I Don’t Know” born from the moment he realized the pandemic was a fact of life and no longer a temporary, scary inconvenience.
“Lately”, the focus track of the EP, is an upbeat anthem for those who’ve been taught to keep wrath tamed and turn the other cheek, mimicking the smiles we wear when, inside, we’re angry. Charles describes the track as:
“‘Lately’” is a “f*ck you” song. It’s an anthem for the “nice folk” who’ve been brought up to keep wrath tamed and turn the other cheek. A song for those of us trained to passively aggress because we don’t know how else to release frustration. It’s an upbeat tune mimicking the smiles we wear when, inside, we’re angry.”
Through this incredibly thoughtful and innovative project, Charles on TV proves his ability to take a look at current societal structures and skillfully weave his ideas into music. Pairing uncommon elements together, he creates a genre-defying sound using elements of abstract sonics and lyricism. The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist’s quirky combination of new synths, old orchestral instruments, witty lyricism, and smooth vocals make for a sound uniquely his own.
Stream Truth & Lies on Spotify here.
Follow Charles on TV on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
Photos Credit: Charlie Szur
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