Charles James & The Rise, the Donegal-based cinematic folk group, have announced their self-titled debut album, set for release in September 2025.
Leading up to the album launch, the band has released a new single, “Wide Awake,” a darkly atmospheric track exploring the torment and restlessness of insomnia.
Frontman Charles James describes “Wide Awake” as “a song about the space we inhabit between wake and sleep and the inability to actually get to sleep. A fever dream made worse by the urgency and restlessness we experience during bouts of insomnia.”
The band is comprised of husband-and-wife team Charles James and Catherine O’Donnell from Inishowen, alongside Mark McGirr on drums, Rhys McBride on bass, and Des McGonigle on fiddle and mandolin.
“Wide Awake” also features Steve Wickham on fiddle and mandolin, Dylan O’hEochaidh on brass, Laura McFadden on cello, and John Doherty on backing vocals.
Known for their signature blend of haunting folk melodies and choral textures, Charles James & The Rise once again create a cinematic soundscape, this time focusing inward to capture the surreal and restless experience of sleepless nights.
James, who also works as a marine pilot, elaborates on the song’s inspiration: “I wrote this song when I was struggling to sleep on a ship knowing I had to get up again to keep watch in a couple of hours. The mounting frustration only makes things worse.”
He adds, “Lyrically, the song explores this idea of being caught between states of consciousness and eventually waking up unsure as to whether you’ve slept at all. The change of tempo halfway through is used to reinforce that feeling of frustration we all feel as a sleepless night runs on with no end in sight.”
Earlier this year, their single “Carry On” was Hot Press’ Track of the Day, and Rolling Stone (Spain) included them in its “20 Artists You Should Know” list. Their recent release, “Greatest Prize,” premiered at the Your Roots Are Showing festival and won at the Kinsale Shark Awards 2025 for its accompanying video.
They have performed across Ireland and in Austin, Texas, known for their evocative live shows and immersive visuals.
The band is currently touring in support of their upcoming album, with headline shows scheduled for Whelan’s (Dublin) and Bennigans (Derry) in July.
With “Wide Awake,” Charles James & The Rise offer another glimpse into their captivating world, a fusion of folk music and cinematic soundscapes, providing solace for restless hearts.
Find social media links, concert tickets and streaming links at : https://linktr.ee/charlesjamesandtherise
TOUR DATES
- 3rd July – Bennigans, Derry (Headline show)
- 10th July – Whelan’s, Dublin (Headline show)
- 13th September – Róisín Dubh, Galway (Supporting Without Willow)
Donegal’s Charles James & The Rise turns sleepless nights into folk fever dream was last modified: June 24th, 2025 by
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