With a style of rock that harkens back to the glory days of the 1970s – soaring vocals, meaty riffs and production that leans into the glam feels – Brisbane musician Charlie Sloan offers a modern take on rock & roll that's akin to Greta Van Fleet and Jet (for the older heads).
After honing his craft the last three years including regular gigging and session work (he's part of Ixaras' band), today Charlie has taken the covers off his debut single, 'Crown'. "Crown started from a jam a year ago," shares Sloan."It took a while for me to figure out what the song was really about. It dives into themes of attraction, conflict, and how some people in your life might seem sweet, but aren't actually good for you."
Who is... My Name is Charlie Sloan and I'm a 19-year-old rock artist from Meanjin/ Brisbane.
I sound like... JET, Pacific Avenue, Greta Van Fleet, Inhaler, AC/DC.
My first gig was... At the Cave Inn at Woolloongabba in Brisbane supporting Noah Bates.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... For me, it was more about showcasing my own material. That's why I chose to go with my own name.
In the studio... I usually will track the drums first with the tracks then move to guitar and bass. Usually I leave the vocals last, just because I know that'll take the most amount of time.
If I could tour with anyone it would be... With Lenny Kravitz, Jet, Inhaler or The Strokes.
Social media is... Great as you can find heaps of inspiration, but you also have to be careful with the amount of time you spend and what information you consume from the apps.
My favourite app at the moment is... Instagram, just because I can see what each artist is doing and I can find new inspiration for content and for musical ideas.
To date my most embarrassing moment was the time... I tripped and dropped my guitar on stage. It was super embarrassing.
Life on the road can be... A whole mixture of emotions. Sometimes it can be fun hanging with your best friends and playing music whilst travelling. Other times it can be a headache and can leave you feeling exhausted. So it's about having the perfect balance.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Lamingtons and Coca Cola.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... When I was six and got lost in Times Square. Can't bring that one up in the household, it made everyone super scared.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band? Lenny Kravitz. Just because the vibes in that band would be unreal.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Either Melbourne, Nashville, Los Angeles or London. Just because all those cities have so much culture and have thriving music scenes.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? Probably my band as it would be super wholesome.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? Fried chicken tenders with hot chips.
When it comes to pets, are you a lover or hater of our furry friend? I love big, soft dogs and chubby cats.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Bryon Bay beer. It's the only beer I'll drink.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... When I walked past one about one week ago.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Doing the dishes. For some reason, I find it super annoying. It's not that bad at all, but for some reason I hate it. Also wiping down the shelves in my house. Takes so much time.
Do you have any phobias... For some reason, I'm scared to ever get into a submarine. Just because if something happens to you, you're finished.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Probably either a show documenting my work life or me with other random musicians.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Oscar, the bassist in my band. Because he'd take it well and he'd find a way to make it super funny. Then I'd get targeted the next day.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? PJ Steaks. Fresh food and it keeps you full.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Rowlf the Dog. Because half the time he's clueless and just sits back, and sleeps half the time.
Last show you binge-watched? For me it was two shows, 'Narcos' (both shows) and Ford v Ferrari since I'm a huge car fanatic.
