A Chat with Kill ‘Em Charlie (05.12.20)
Hailing from Tipperary, Ireland, Kill ‘Em Charlie is a fivesome breeding their own type of indie-rock. We speak with the group about their EP I Hope This Works For You (‘Cause It Does For Me), alternative band names, favourite meals and much more!
OSR: How did the group form and how did you come up with the band name?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: The band formed back in 2011 with a different singer and drummer. The name came when the singer at the time read the words ‘kill ’em Carly’ in a magazine before a gig and Alex misheard it so announced the band as Kill ‘Em Charlie instead…and that was that.
OSR: Did you have any other ideas for the band or was Kill ‘Em Charlie pretty much the first option?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: Originally, the name was actually The Detours, so probably the best we didn’t settle on the first option.
OSR: How would you describe your latest release I Hope This Works For You (‘Cause It Does For Me)?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: I Hope This Works For You (‘Cause It Does For Me) is our debut EP. Of all the “white boys with guitars” recordings out there, it’s definitely one of them. Each track showcases where we pull our inspirations from, be it early-2000s indie music, pop-punk, alternative, some funky aspects – it’s got a bit for every fan of guitar music.
OSR: What is the backstory to the EP?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: We’d had these songs knocking about for quite a while and had intended to record/release them in the early stages of 2020. Obviously, Covid interrupted that plan so we recorded later than expected once some of the lockdown restrictions had been relaxed. In terms of the themes, it deals with everything someone in their early 20s has experienced, be it relationships, getting into messy situations on nights out and all-round uncertainty with life and the future at the moment. We really hope it resonates with other people of our generation.
OSR: Did you face any challenges during the writing and recording phases?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: The whole experience was actually pretty painless; so much so that we’re aiming to be back in the studio again before the end of the year. Given the lack of performing opportunities surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we really want to put out as much content while gigs aren’t happening and try to build a fan base through these means.
OSR: Do you have a favourite track on the album and why that track?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: We each have a different track I think that we favour so it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Based on the response we’ve had to the EP so far ‘One Thing To Say’ seems to be a favourite, so we’d probably recommend that as a starting point.
OSR: If you could change anything about the EP what would it be?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: There should be more Moog on it. Missed opportunity.
OSR: Do you think the Covid-19 pandemic will have long-term effects on the music industry?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: It will, unfortunately, affect smaller independent artists disproportionately more than larger established acts, particularly the longer restrictions are kept on gigs. A big worry as well is the impact those restrictions will have on live music venues, crews, etc. Hopefully won’t be long ’til gigs are back and the necessary supports are given.
OSR: What is your favourite meal?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: Perlenbacher paired with sour cream and lime flavoured crisps. If you know, you know. Lidl please sponsor us.
OSR: What is your favourite smell?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: According to someone who will remain nameless, the smell of fish food and petrol. Make of that what you will.
OSR: Do you have any favourite albums to recommend to people?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: Pillow Queens In Waiting, The Scratch’s Couldn’t Give A Rats and anything by Kneecap.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Kill ‘Em Charlie: There’s a rumour going around town that the more Kill ‘Em Charlie is streamed, the quicker the pandemic will be over. Probably nonsense but no hair in trying eh? Tell your friends.
Thanks to the lads from Kill ‘Em Charlie for speaking with us. For more from Kill ‘Em Charlie check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
