‘CARRY ON.’ A song of loss, a song of grief, but ultimately, a song of celebration

IRELAND’s premier deep, dark alt folk outfit CHARLES JAMES AND THE RISE have just released the poignant single ‘Carry On,’ examining the aftermath of loss, and reflecting on acceptance as a crucial stage of grief.

“I started writing this song a few years back after the sudden loss of my father,” explains Charles James.

“I’d followed in his footsteps with a career at sea and he’s also the reason I became a [maritime] pilot, so I was quite lost in the months after. I’d have dreams where he was still alive and ‘Carry On’ was born out of that first few seconds after waking up, the sinking realisation that he was gone, and I’d just have to get used to it.”

‘Carry On’ features contributions from Steve Wickham (The Waterboys) on mandolin and strings, and John Doherty (Little Hours) on backing vocals, and will feature on the band’s debut album due for release early 2025.

Hailing from Donegal, Charles James and The Rise is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O’Donnell, who together produce their unique blend of dark, cinematic folk with choral undertones, and have just been named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s (ES) ‘20 Artists You Should Know for 2024.’

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