Donegal’s own Charles James & The Rise are back with a track that’s set to haunt your waking hours. Their new single, 'Wide Awake', released today, plunges listeners into the disorienting world of insomnia, weaving a darkly atmospheric tapestry of sound that is unmistakably their own. This release also heralds the eagerly awaited arrival of their self-titled debut album, due in September 2025.
Known for their unique blend of folk melodies and ethereal choral arrangements, Charles James & The Rise have forged a reputation for crafting deeply cinematic soundscapes. With 'Wide Awake', they turn their artistic gaze inward, capturing the restless, surreal experience of a night spent battling for sleep. Frontman Charles James describes the song 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 inspiration for the track stems from a very personal place for James. He explains, “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.” This tangible sense of dread and mounting agitation is palpable throughout the track. James further notes, “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.” This dynamic shift perfectly embodies the mental torment of a mind unable to switch off.
'Wide Awake' arrives on the heels of significant recognition for the Donegal outfit. In 2023, they earned the title of Highland Radio’s winner in Hot Press’ A New Local Hero competition, leading to performances across Ireland and even a venture to Austin, Texas. Their live shows have become renowned for their evocative and visually immersive nature, drawing audiences into their distinctive sonic world.
As the band continues their tour in anticipation of their upcoming debut, with headline shows slated for Whelan’s in Dublin and Bennigans in Derry this July, 'Wide Awake' offers another compelling peek into their enchanting realm. Charles James & The Rise consistently demonstrate their mastery of cinematic folk, a genre where haunting beauty meets profound introspection, providing a comforting, albeit unsettling, refuge for anyone who has ever found themselves “wide awake” in the dead of night.
For more from the band on the run up to their new album, be sure to connect on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
