Charley Ramsay is a veteran singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is returning to the scene in 2024 after a 16 year hiatus. With original releases dating back to 1993, the Texas-native’s last commercial release was his 2008 album Catalyst.
A lifelong musician, Charley Ramsay is a classically trained guitarist who cut his teeth throughout the 80s and 90s on the stages of Austin’s legendary indie scene. As a songwriter, he has a penchant for penning deeply personal yet universally relatable tales of American life. Citing the inspiration of ground-breaking artists Wilco, Damien Rice, Francis Moon, R.E.M., and Fleetwood Mac, Ramsay mixes elements of alternative, blues, folk, and country into his own unique vibe.
Dirt Floor Camelot is the brand new album from Charley Ramsay, released worldwide via all major streaming services on March 12, 2024. Throughout the ten-song set, the singer celebrates the simple pleasures and emotional complexities of life in modern America. Without planting any flags or rousing any rebels, Charley paints an authentic portrait of the universal struggle to live a happy and fulfilled life.
From the opening title track ode to downsizing, to his delta-blues infused cover of The Call’s 1989 alternative rock classic “Let the Day Begin ”, Charley Ramsey frames his tales in the alt-country/Americana realm. It’s a recipe of blues-bends, folky introspection, and a pinch of rock & roll attitude that often recalls pioneers of the genre like Peter Case and Jeff Tweedy. Country fiddles meet Beatles-esque chord changes on tracks like “You Bide Your Time”. The hometown pride anthem “Lockhart” pairs Dylan-inspired wordplay with a mellow country waltz groove.
“Peace, Salam, Shalom” is a heartfelt tune about holding on to hope, for love in life and peace in the world. Charley Ramsay’s sound routinely blurs the lines between blues, folk, rock, and country. On tracks like “Norman Rockwell” and “When You Come Home” he spins that vibe into bluesy dark alt-country allegories. “Helicopters & Horses” and “Forever and a Day” spin all the above into radio-ready alt-pop grooves.
Check out Charley Ramsay’s triumphant return Dirt Floor Camelot in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the track “Helicopters & Horses” on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. We had the chance to chat with Charley about the record. Read his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Charley Ramsay.
8 Questions with Charley Ramsay
Where are you from?
Charley Ramsay: Born in Austin, Texas. Raised on chicken-fried steak and high school football.
How long have you been making music?
Decades. His start in music came about when he played the role of Captain von Trapp in the high school musical production of “Sound of Music.” During this performance, he was seen holding a guitar but didn’t know how to play it. He decided to enroll in classical guitar lessons during his freshman year in college.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Joe Victor from Black Range Recording out of New Mexico.
Andy Sharp from Austin, Texas
Steven Collins and Jacob Heldabradnt from Lockhart, Texas.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Chris Whitley, John Lee Hooker, John Hammond, Jr.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My father, a Texas state district judge.
What inspired you to create this project?
My first songs were written for the bar crowd as the band I was in were playing around Austin. My first solo album songs were about myself. These songs are about family and beyond just myself.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I plan to continue to write songs that I think are worth sharing. It’s important that I like the songs I produce. There are a couple of clunkers that have made it on my albums but for the most part, I’m proud of them all.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
With 16 years of experience under his belt since his latest releases (And a few co-writing credits on songs that appeared on TV shows, such as “Veronica Mars,”) Charley is back with even more fervent motivation to create music that matters. The newest album places a profound emphasis on the concept of time, going beyond the mere passage of days. It serves as a poignant reminder that life is not merely an accumulation of moments but a varied fabric of experiences that contribute to the uniqueness of our individual journeys. This full-length invites listeners to reflect on the essence of our lives as a whole, highlighting the importance of cherishing and celebrating the diverse array of events that shape our paths.
By emphasizing the significance of these moments, the music on this album encourages an appreciation for the depth and richness found in the subtleties of our personal narratives. The songs on this release perfectly tie in with the concept. The track “Bide Your Time” explores the healing process of letting go, while “Dirt Floor Camelot” humorously captures the joy of downsizing.
Connect with Charley Ramsay
YouTube
Spotify
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