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Nashville star returns to Ocean City, Maryland hometown
By KristinMarch 14, 20185 min read
On the award, Charles said, "I may have dreamt of big stages back in my hometown, but never did I think a guy who grew up in Ocean City, Maryland would win Tennessean of the Year."
But it's clear that guys and girls who grew up in Ocean City, Maryland are capable of a lot of things -- Charles is a testament to that, as evidenced by his extensive volunteer work and the success he's seen in the world of country music. Not only will Charles come back to his hometown to open for Josh Turner and Mo Pitney on the 23rd, but he'll also be making his way up to Delaware the next day for Shore Craft Beer's Beer at Bethany Beach Festival.
We talked to Charles about his music, his plans for the future and the Ocean City influence that shines through much of his music.
In my writing, you will find a love for the beach that draws me to play there and sing about it. My last song "Bout Summertime" is all about the anticipation of the end of winter and the fun and feeling summer brings. We all know how tough winters can be in OC. As a kid especially, and even now, I can't wait for summer. That video was filmed in the Virgin Islands where I headlined a festival for 5,000 people and until the hurricanes played frequently. My newest song and tagline for my new merch line is "Tequila Kinda Day." Although it talks about going to Mexico... my pen was led by many Tequila Kinda Days right here in OC, MD. Did you ever play at the local bars and clubs in OC before moving to Nashville? Yes, I played at a country-themed bar called Cowboyz, Smitty McGees and several venues in Baltimore. When you were growing up here, did you ever imagine you'd come back to play such a huge show at the Convention Center? Absolutely. When I left for Nashville I decided I would do whatever it takes to be successful in the music business. There is no in-between -- that's called a hobby. That mentality ultimately led to my first nationally broadcast song on country radio named exactly that -- "Whatever It Takes." I dreamed every day of big stages and nothing could mean more than taking on one in my hometown. My next dream will be to sell out my own concert at the Convention Center and walk out on stage and say, "Hey OC, we did it!" I've dreamt of that, and March 23 as I open for one of my idols growing up, it will be a big step in that direction. What can fans expect from you this spring/summer, in terms of new music, touring, etc.? Last year was a huge success! I played over 165 shows in 32 cities and four countries. I was able to help Zero Cancer raise millions to fight prostate cancer as their National Spokesman. Just when I thought the year couldn't get any better, I was named "Outstanding Young Tennessean of 2017." This year I've been doing a lot of writing and I have never been more excited about the music I have coming. It starts with "Tequila Kinda Day" in time for spring and warm weather. Then there's powerful songs like "God and a Woman" and "She's Where I Belong." Not sure when the full album will be released but the single will go out in the spring. I will keep everyone else up to date on Facebook and Twitter. [I'm] so excited and hope everyone will love the new stuff. What are some of your favorite things to do when you come back to visit OC? See my friends and family, first off. I love when I perform at home, especially with my five-piece band from Nashville that rocks, and I have an amazing fiddle player that always captivates the Ocean City crowd. I always get a crabcake or 10, or Jumbos and Natty Bohs. Gotta get out on a boat, maybe head to Assateague and do some fishing. The full band will be back again July 4 through 8 with a full week of shows from the Castaways campground in Assateague to MR Ducks, Dry Dock up to Hammerheads Dockside in the Indian River Inlet. I'll probably stop by Bull on the Beach for some ice-cold beers and darts. Seacrets when it's not too crazy is another favorite. Tickets to Charles' upcoming show with Josh Turner and Mo Pitney can be purchased here.
About Kristin
Kristin is a writer and photographer in Ocean City, Maryland, and is the content manager for OceanCity.com and other State Ventures, LLC sites. She loves getting reader-submitted stories and photos, so send her an email anytime. She also works part-time at the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City Film Festival and lives just off the peninsula with her dog and fiancé. Her photos can be found on Instagram @oc_kristin.
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