At 46, the Englishman Charlie winston is one of the most French-speaking artists with Murray Head et Jane Birkin. Little brother of Tom Baxter, the man in the hat who lives on the French Riviera has released 5 albums since 2009, the year that saw him explode the charts with his single "Like a Hobo". Sponsored by Peter Gabriel (for whom he babysat), he will release a new album called "Love Isn't Easy" on October 10th, containing the single "Never Enough," which has been widely played on the airwaves for several months.
Created in 2001, the Noctambules festival took place on June 7th at the initiative of the commune of Saint Aubin du Médoc with the support of ARTEDI PRODUCTIONS, organizer of quality shows. On this occasion and for Luxe Infinity, Diego was able to meet once again Charlie Winston who was the headliner of a free gathering in Gironde. This year, 10 people were present at the sports field to applaud La Gapette, Die Cabine, Molotov Brothers, Splenius, Web and Charlie Winston.
THE INTERVIEW
Diego: Have you heard from Peter Gabriel since our 2023 interview and have you seen his latest I/O tour?
Charlie Winston: Unfortunately no, and I didn't see his last tour because he didn't come near my home in Nice.
Diego: No performance at Nikaia in Nice, that's a shame! And your last "As I Am" tour, how did it go?
Charlie Winston: It was incredible. A big tour that allowed me to find a great group of musicians. Only the drummer changed for these new shows, but the feedback was very positive, and it's been fun.
Diego: What did you think of the concert filmed for Arte in Meisenthal in the Vosges and recently broadcast? I think it's fantastic.
Charlie Winston: The Halle de la Verrière, located in a natural park, is incredible. It's a rare beauty, and we were well-versed in recording this concert. It was a really good time to film a live testimony. The audience was enthusiastic.
Diego: What is the subject of your new single “Never Enough” released at the end of May?
Charlie Winston: This song is a paradox because the music is very happy, but the lyrics relate to the illusions of fame and success. Without falling into depression, it questions the artist about the purpose of happiness and what we can do with it. We think we never have enough, but the main message remains to remain confident despite the pitfalls and difficulties of a professional career.
Diego: Should we enjoy it without worrying about what others think?
Charlie Winston: Absolutely! In addition to this message, I also talk about the "Hall of Fame" which is the pantheon of fame with these meetings of artists which can be more or less useful depending on the resentment of each one.
Diego: Is there any plans for an official music video for “Never Enough”?
Charlie Winston: Currently, only a lyric video is available on YouTube, but we're considering producing a video. Whether it's for this song or another, that remains to be seen.
Diego: The album "As I Am" tells the story of your relationship with your wife and children, including their intimate aspects. What will be the content of your album "Love Isn't Easy," available in October?
Charlie Winston: We're sticking with the theme of love by saying that it's not easy, but it's worth experiencing! Like "Love Isn't Easy," which is one of the 12 tracks on this new album, the subject suggests that if you don't love others, you can't love yourself.
Diego: That's for sure! Let's hope that in 10 years, you won't release an album about divorce! (laughs)
Charlie Winston: (laughing out loud) But it can happen!
Diego: Another joke, after "Square One" could you release "Square Two"?
Charlie Winston: Aaaaahhh! As you know, "Square One" is a blank page, a starting point...
Diego: Does this new album contain collaborations with Vianney or Ibrahim Maalouf as previously?
Charlie Winston: No, none. It's a Charlie Winston album all by himself!
Diego: Just after the previous tour, you're releasing a new album and new shows?
Charlie Winston: Yes, in fact, tonight is the first date of our new show. It's incredible being an artist because I feel like I haven't played for a very long time, even though the previous tour actually ended in early 2024. I was looking forward to coming back, and before I became famous in 2009 with "Like a Hobo," I was playing constantly. Every week, we play small shows to get recognized. Currently, you do year-long tours and then go back to the studio after a relatively similar writing phase. The consistency is there, with a record every three years since 3.
Diego: Tonight is your real comeback and is it a first for the audience of the Noctambules festival?
Charlie Winston: Yes, that's the first date, and we'll be touring until 2026. In fact, I'll be at Palmer's Rock on February 6, 2026.
Diego: Are we entitled to some new songs that have never been played in concert?
Charlie Winston: Yes, three or four.
Diego: What are the 5 best minutes of your life?
Charlie Winston: Probably the first few minutes of my two children's lives. Also, when I hit number one with my single "Like a Hobo," that's still a big moment when you hear it.
Diego: Finally, if you could go to a restaurant with any living or deceased celebrity, who would it be?
Charlie Winston: Either the German Friedrich Nietzsche or the Australian Damon Young.
Diego: Not the same generation, but two philosophers! Thanks Charlie, great tour to promote this new album and see you in 2026 in Cenon at Rocher de Palmer.
Charlie Winston: Thank you!
Diego
Photos: studios_air (Adrien)
Thanks to: Delphine and Vincent from Artedi Productions
