The Donegal folk act reveal the first single from their upcoming debut album.

Black and white band press photo of Donegal folk duo, Charles James and The Rise

The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell, Charles James and The Rise is known for their unique blend of cinematic folk with choral undertones, deeply influenced by the darker elements of the folk genre.

"Carry On" delves into the aftermath of experiencing a loss, reflecting on the idea of acceptance as a pivotal stage of grief. Exploring the profound transformation experienced through mourning and the enduring strength required to move forward, the journey was tackled through the exquisite contributions of Steve Wickham (The Waterboys) on mandolin and strings, and John Doherty (Little Hours) on backing vocals, embodying the haunting, cinematic folk sound that defines Charles James & The Rise:

"I started writing this song a few years back after the sudden loss of my father. I’d followed in his footsteps with a career at sea and he’s also the reason I became a 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."

The band’s debut album, due for release early next year, promises a profound musical journey, with contributions from luminaries such as Steve Wickham and Laura McFadden (Arborist, Krea) and influences ranging from Kris Kristofferson and Leonard Cohen to contemporary greats like Jason Isbell.

Always ensuring a rich, reflective auditory experience, there has been no shortage of praise for Charles James & The Rise, including accolades such as, “It will stop you in your tracks” by Paul McDevitt of Highland Radio, “An artist you should meet” by Rolling Stone ES, and “Not many bands working in 2023 can do what they do in 3 minutes” by MP3 Hugger.

The band invite listeners to embark on a deeply moving journey through grief, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit, paving a highly anticipated path towards their debut album.