Interview - Charlie McDonald

Charlie McDonald is a singer-songwriter creating cinematic pop with a soulful R&B edge. Known for his evocative storytelling, emotionally charged melodies, and a distinctive soulful voice that’s instantly recognisable, Charlie invites listeners into deeply personal spaces with each release. His music evokes the sensitivity of artists like Labrinth, James Blake, and Aurora, while carving his own path through lush, introspective soundscapes. Returning with his second single, "Time", a cinematic pop ballad infused with R&B textures, showcasing his signature emotional depth and sonic maturity, we speak to Charlie McDonald about all things music below.

Welcome to MeloDrift. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical background? 

Thank you so much for having me! Growing up, music was everywhere around me, but ironically, my mother didn’t want me to pursue it. She believed it was too expensive, and we simply didn’t have the means. Despite that, music found its way into my life naturally. My parents were huge fans of Cher, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Mariah Carey. At home, my mum would constantly play pop and R&B, while my dad introduced me to the richness and depth of jazz and above all Stevie Wonder. Later, my father became a bar owner and began producing live music in his venue, hosting powerful, soulful artists like Asaf Avidan, Beth Hart, and many more. Over time, my ear and my vision became attuned to artists who were sensitive, raw, vulnerable, and truly unique. That’s how my understanding of music was born through emotion first, then through sound. I’m convinced that this kind of auditory journey shaped my voice too, like a stone rolling over melodies, carving itself little by little with precision, emotion, and a deep sense of truth.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

I love this question. If my life had a theme song, it would be the Flying Theme by John Williams, from the E.T. soundtrack. It's a piece filled with a profound sense of freedom and wonder. Every time I hear it, my eyes well up: it's overwhelming in the best way. It's deeply cinematic, evoking innocence, magic, and a kind of emotional flight that perfectly mirrors how I experience some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Who or what have been the most impactful influences on your musical style and sound?

I draw inspiration from a diverse palette of artists: Amy Winehouse, Prince, Beyoncé, Snoh Aalegra, and Sinéad Harnett. These artists continue to inspire me through the years because they are constantly evolving, yet their music remains timeless. And that’s exactly what my music is: timeless. I want people to remember it in 100 years. That’s not just a dream, it’s my life mission.

How do your life experiences shape your songwriting, and what emotions or ideas do you hope listeners connect with in your music? 

My biggest influences are my failures, my darkest moments, and my sadness. These are the times when I write most honestly, when I can truly tell my truth. I'm deeply convinced that music born from these raw emotions can resonate in every home, in every car, in every mind, because we all live through highs and lows. Through my songs, I just want to help people embrace their emotions in the most genuine way. Music has the power to say what we sometimes can't. That’s exactly what I tried to do with my new song 'Time'. Grief is incredibly difficult to process, and I hope that those who are going through it can turn to this song whenever they need to, whether it's to feel understood, to cry, or simply to ease the pain, even just a little.

Each phase of music-making—writing, recording, rehearsing, and performing has its own unique rewards. Could you share a memorable moment from each stage? 

While writing, I remember one night I was overwhelmed with emotion, and a song just poured out of me in one sitting; it felt like therapy. In the recording phase, there was a moment when I found a vocal tone I had never reached before. It was raw and vulnerable, and I knew it had to stay on the track, and there was a religious silence in the studio after that take. Rehearsing is often really repetitive, but once, in the middle of a late-night session, everything clicked. We just stood there smiling, knowing something real had happened. And during a performance, I once saw someone in the front row crying while singing every word back to me. That moment stays with me. But honestly, the most meaningful reward comes after all that iq when fans send me messages on Instagram saying my music helped them feel better. That’s the moment I feel the purpose of it all.

Is there a song of yours that holds particular personal significance? We’d love to know more about the story or the inspiration behind it.

Yes, my last release, "Time," is the perfect example. I had to process grief I hadn’t fully accepted. One day, while rearranging my bedroom, I came across some old pictures. I suddenly felt this wave of guilt for losing some of the most precious memories I had. It wrecked me; I felt a deep ache in my stomach. I remember thinking: "I lost a friend, and now I’m losing the memories too…" That feeling was overwhelming. So I started writing because even after all these years, my relationship with my best friend, who passed away, is still incredibly important to me. "Time is so unkind with us", as I said in the song. Time became my way of expressing that pain. To me, it was the only thing that truly mattered in that moment. And I think it’s essential to speak honestly about what we fee,l especially as men, even if it’s difficult. That honesty is what gives music its soul. I wish that time never mattered.

If you could swap lives with any musician for a day, who would it be and what would you do?

I think I’d swap lives with Olivia Dean for a day just to perform with a full band, including horns and real instruments that bring timeless music to life. I deeply value the energy and soul that live instrumentation adds. If I had that opportunity, I’d play every festival in the world to connect with people and share my songs in the most authentic way. I would also surprise the audience with a show they’ll never forget. I’m working on creating a truly memorable live experience, where the scenography will tap into the audience’s memories, and the arrangements will be both nostalgic and full of energy. I want to leave space for the instruments to speak, to breathe, so that each song becomes a living, emotional journey.

What’s a guilty pleasure song you secretly love but might surprise your fans?

Blasting "Best of Both Worlds" by Hannah Montana while driving and screaming every single word like it's my personal anthem.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or dreams you have for your music and career?

My current goals are to collaborate with producers who truly inspire me, and to build a band so I can bring my music to the stage and start touring. I have a lot of new songs on the way, and I can't wait to share them live with audiences everywhere. I'm also really excited to be releasing the music video for Time, which I shot in Hollywood and Downtown LA. It’s a very personal project, and I’m looking forward to hearing how people connect with it. Another big goal for the coming months is to drop my first EP. I’ve been working hard on crafting a cohesive and emotional body of work, and I can’t wait to finally put it out into the world. I'm also really excited to be releasing the music video for Time, which I shot in Hollywood and Downtown LA. It’s a very personal project, and I can’t wait to hear what people feel when they watch it.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers before we close? 

Yes, I'd like to say that what's happening in the world is heartbreaking. I want to use my voice to remind people that hate has no place here. I truly believe in a future where Palestine will be free. At the same time, I’m deeply affected by how the trans and LGBTQIA+ communities are being increasingly silenced and persecuted, especially in times of war. Their pain is often invisible, and it’s important for me to speak up for them too.

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