London/Paris-based singer-songwriter Charlie McDonald introduces himself as a compelling new voice in soul-pop with his debut EP 'Things I’ve Never Said', led by the standout single ‘Don’t Worry’. Blending soul, pop, and R&B with a cinematic touch, McDonald crafts a sound rooted in vulnerability and emotional honesty, creating music that feels both intimate and quietly expansive.
At the heart of the project, ‘Don’t Worry’ captures that ethos with striking clarity. Inspired by a live performance from Lola Young, the track began as a simple note-to-self before evolving into a soothing, piano-led anthem of reassurance. With its warm textures and fluid melodies, it offers a gentle reminder that it’s okay to sit with uncertainty rather than fight it.
So with the new track out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was my own voice. I frequently surprised myself when I was a child doing high notes in the bathroom when my parents were out.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Younger, I fell in love with Pop Music, Soul and RNB but most of the time it was vocal songs like “I have Nothing” by Whitney Houston because my mother was always watching The Bodyguard on VHS or Billie Jean by Michal Jackson. And with time, I’ve been addicted to major Popstars like Beyoncé, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears and many many more.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first album was AQUARIUM by AQUA with their Barbie Girl. My parents bought me this album multiple times because I used to lose it, I still don’t know where by the way. My father said I couldn’t stop crying if the album wasn't on and on repeat in my bedroom. This was the only way to make me happy. It was my escape while my parents were fighting and screaming in the house.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The song I wished I could have written would be a recent one : Semantic Satiation by Lola Young. This song evokes the way you receive love in different ways and more particularly with the love you receive and you get used to the word “I love you” and your kind of hermetic because there is no more meaning and the word loses its real meaning. This song is a pure diamond and this is the type of questions circling into my head…
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t have a certain habit but I need to be alone in my bathroom and just be with myself and all the demons that live with me so I can bend them on paper and scream at them what I feel.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, my favourite artists, like me, are very earthbound, ultra sensitive and vocally powerful. If you dive into my Vinyls Collection, you can count Cleo Sol, Snoh Aalegra, Sienna Spiro, Lola Young and the mystical Chappell Roan.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I hope I can open for Sam Smith and Jorja Smith one day… We have a lot in common and would love to also share a duet on stage. Jorja was the first concert of my life, the first time I was able to buy a ticket with my own money and this moment deeply upset me.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The best reward you can have as a musician is the messages you receive from fans understanding your message and that they feel better, knowing your artistry is really obvious and meaningful to help them move forward.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part as a musician is not being heard…It's as if you were screaming at a boat but you’re on an island and nobody can hear or see you.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I had was from myself as nobody gave me couple of advice when I asked to be honest, I said to myself : “Don’t be afraid to really show who you are and to never give up on my dreams”.
-
Charlie McDonald's new single 'Don't Worry' is out now. Check it out in the player below.