Donegal-based cinematic folk outfit Charles James & The Rise has announced the release of their long-awaited self titled debut album, arriving September 2025.
In advance of the new album, the band has unveiled a single, “Wide Awake”, out now, which is a darkly atmospheric track exploring the quiet torment of insomnia.
“Wide Awake” is described by frontman Charles James 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 was formed by husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O’Donnell from Inishowen. They’re joined by Mark McGirr on drums, Rhys McBride on bass, and Des McGonigle on fiddle and mandolin.
Additional musicians on Wide Awake include Steve Wickham on fiddle and mandolin, Dylan O’hEochaidh on brass, Laura McFadden on cello, and John Doherty providing backing vocals.
With their signature blend of haunting folk melodies and choral textures, the band once again delivers a deeply cinematic soundscape — this time turning their lens inward, capturing the surreal and restless experience of lying awake through the long hours of the night.
Expanding on its inspiration, James, who is also a marine pilot, shares: “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 continues, “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, the band’s single “Carry On” was named Hot Press’ Track of the Day, with Rolling Stone (Spain) including them in its “20 Artists You Should Know” list. Their most recent release, “Greatest Prize,” continued this upward trajectory, premiering at the Your Roots Are Showing festival and earning a win at the Kinsale Shark Awards 2025 for its stunning accompanying video.
They have since played stages across Ireland and Austin, Texas, building a reputation for evocative live performances and immersive visuals.
The band is currently touring in support of their forthcoming debut album, with upcoming headline shows in Whelan’s (Dublin) and Bennigans (Derry) this July.
With “Wide Awake,” Charles James & The Rise offer yet another glimpse into their spellbinding world — a space where folk music meets the cinematic, and where restless hearts will surely find a home.
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)
