Texas singer-songwriter Charley Ramsay returns with 'Somebody Somewhere', a heartfelt Americana single that blends resonator-driven roots textures with modern production and layered harmonies. Taken from his forthcoming album 'Bottle Rocket Sunsets', the track captures Ramsay’s talent for pairing rustic storytelling with emotional clarity.
Raised in San Marcos and shaped by years performing across the Austin music scene, Ramsay stepped away from music in the late 90s to focus on family life before briefly returning with his 2008 album 'Catalyst'. Now, after more than a decade away, he reemerges with renewed purpose and perspective.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The harmonica. I wore out Vol 2 Harmonica Blues with Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson and others.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was an opportunist when choosing what I listened to. My dad had an eclectic music taste growing up so I’d discover new music by whatever he brought home: Roger Miller, Herb Albert, Meatloaf, Billy Joel, Jesus Christ Super Star, John Williams Classical Guitar.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Queen II (1974) but I didn’t buy it. During a party, the DJ threw it out to the audience because it skipped while playing. I actually caught it mid-air, took it home and listened. I became a Queen fan instantly. What amazing songwriting.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Of recent, “All My Days” by Alexi Murdoch. The perfect song for bringing the listener into that warm feeling of melody and lyric. I feel a part of that song every time I listen to it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try to leave different guitars with different tuning lying around at different spots at home. It becomes easy to pluck out an idea or thought when they are easily accessible. BUT, I always try to just let go. I fear if I think about the process too much, that it will become too formulaic.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Nike Drake, Alexi Murdoch, Langhorne Slim, Chris Whitley.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Mumford and Sons
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I adore the recording studio and I absolutely love the little moments when something shifts from how it was in my head to something different but better during the recording. I love these moments when I listen to the finished product. An example, I worked hard on the pervasive fingerstyle guitar parts in Bottle Rocket Sunsets. The next day, my most wonderful producer Andy Sharp (Sheryl Crow, Spoon) had removed ALL my guitars, saving them for the very end of the song. The mood became so much better, IMO, building to the end.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Playing the guitar. I have so much I want to express through the guitar but struggle with bending the instrument to my will. I know I need more click track drills but I'm just too lazy to practice for the studio.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I caught John Hammond Jr after his show at Austin’s Cactus Cafe for him to sign his album Frogs For Snakes for me. I told him I had stopped playing classical and electric guitar and started playing more acoustic blues because I was inspired to play more like him. He was polite and signed “Be Yourself”. I’ve certainly veered from this advice but it’s a good foundation to always go back to. Be yourself when creating, writing, recording, living.
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Charley Ramsay's new single 'Somebody Somewhere' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.