A new single release from Tommy Charles brings on a classic approach to country music with lush instrumentation and robust vocals that all come together to create something memorable.
"Love Train" is a track clearly inspired by some classic and vintage grades as it brings together elements of soul with that classic country approach and gives you a hard and heavy groove to dance with.
One of the things I love about this single is how colorful it is and how those old school and vintage elements come into play throughout the soundscape of the track.
This is most certainly a track that you can't sit still for. You absolutely must get up and dance as soon as you start hearing it.
The beat has an almost disco-style vibe to it, and the vocals are big. They make you think of artists like Roy Orbison or Neil Diamond.
The sound of those kinds of vocals with that country tonality and heavy-handed disco style beat really create something new.
This is definitely influenced by that country feel, and a lot of the lap steel and guitar work surrounds itself with that southern tone, but all kinds of other instrumentation vibrancy brings in a more colorful aspect as well.
The vocals are performed with soul, and that element flows through the veins of the song right from the get-go.
The singing is almost animated in a way, as he has a bit of a deeper voice and tons of swagger that let his presence as an artist really shine.
When you listen to the song, you automatically want to go see it performed live.
There's something about hearing the energy on this track and the way it was performed that lets you know seeing it in a live performance setting would be unreal.
This is a robust and almost theatrical tune. There are all kinds of horns that come in and out, giving it an excitable approach, and the whole thing comes through with a punch.
Even with all the instrumentation involved, it's those vocals that really pull you in.
This track has an atmosphere that's all its own, and once you start the song, you just can't stop.
By the time you get to the last chorus, you'll be singing right alongside it and I think that's part of the point.
I think this is borderline genius simply because it's a blend of genres and old and new school approaches that bring together those classic influences and put them all into a fresh platform.
This was addicting, charismatic, and vivacious, and it certainly left its mark.
Bringing country, disco, Soul, dance, and pop all to the table in one solid track is pretty impressive.
The louder you play this song, the better it gets.
With the release of such a refreshing and energetic single, we had to chat with Tommy to find out where the soul came from and what his influences really were for this song.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Hey Tommy and thanks for taking some time with us! Let's start with Love Train! This track took elements of Americana and Country along with some gospel feeling goals and a rich swagger! Where did this track come from?
It came to me on a really good day. I think all the music I’ve listened to growing
up just turned into this weird mix of genres. It’s got a little bit of Tom Jones, of
Ronnie Milsap, some ole soul too. It’s who I am, simply.
Buzz Slayers: I am certainly hearing some great approaches on this track. Who can you say are some of your biggest musical influences?
My mom introduced me to Elvis, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Michael Buble, but
also to Kenny Rogers, Marty Robbins and Garth Brooks growing up. I’m also
influenced by BB King and Sam Cooke in my singing style. That whole crew is
really made up of all of my vocal influences and biggest inspirations.
Buzz Slayers: You recently performed at the 2025 Country Music Alberta Awards! How did the performance go?
It was a blast ! I got to perform with an amazing house band along with a good
roster of artists that night, including Noeline Hoffman, Gord Bamford, Kyle
Mckearny, and Morgan Klaiber, all Alberta-natives. It’s an honor to be part of that
community now.
Buzz Slayers: I hear you are also nominated for the Horizon Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year Awards! Were you expecting any of this?
No, not at all. What does not surprise me though is how welcome I feel whenever I am around that community, because that hospitality has been constant and growing for the last 3 years now. It humbles me.
Buzz Slayers: Are you planning on touring in support of all this?
The band and I will be performing Love Train all summer long for sure ! Spring
will be mostly for social media promo and press, but all that new music is getting
on the road in 2025. It was high time that Tommy Charles gave his fans some
new music. I’m really happy with how it is going right now.
Buzz Slayers: What comes next for you as an artist? Are you already working on any new material?
More music releases ! This year is an important one for me, because it is my first
full year as an independent artist and I’m also turning 30. So I’m sitting behind
the wheel building the brand, learning how to do social media work and putting
as much content, music and goodies out there for the fans.
Buzz Slayers: What is your favorite part of being an artist?
Getting together around a piece of paper and writing a song, taking it to the
studio and then on the road. My favorite part is… the whole process ! I like to
surprise my fans and to meet other artists. Collaboration is for sure the best part.
Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?
I’m currently listening to Gladys Knight and the Pips !
Buzz Slayers: Did you record this track at a big studio, or do you work on your stuff at a home set up?
Studio Western is a hidden gem in the heart of Montreal. It is operated by the
Mountain Daisies, a Quebec country duo. We had the best of the best of
Quebec’s musicians record the track, and it is definitely not the last time I am
using that set up for recording. We are all pretty thrilled and happy about the
result for Love Train.
Buzz Slayers: When you write a song like this, do you come up with lyrics first, or is it the other way around?
I usually have a feeling, a vibe. Then that mysterious message from the void kind of turns into a melody. Finally, the melody inspires me with some words and then my brain tries to structure a story around that idea. When I’m in it, it kind of feels like it’s also happening simultaneously to be honest.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
Thank you for your unwavering support during all of my twenties, wherever you
are in the world. I promise yall that there is some even better music coming in
this next decade. Whoever you are, I want to meet you and I hope to see you on
the road soon !
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