Podcast Summary: "Charles Kelley: New Moons, New Beginnings"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Takin' a Walk
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Hosted by Buzz Knight, the "Takin' a Walk" podcast delves into music history, exploring the stories behind musicians, bands, and the music they create through insightful conversations with notable guests.
• Episode: "Charles Kelley: New Moons, New Beginnings"
• Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

The episode titled "Charles Kelley: New Moons, New Beginnings" features an in-depth conversation with the renowned Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Charles Kelley, best known as a founding member of the chart-topping trio Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). Host Buzz Knight, alongside correspondent Sarah Harrelson, navigates through Charles's illustrious career, personal journey, and his latest musical endeavors.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Charles Kelley opens up about his formative years in Augusta, Georgia, highlighting the diverse musical environment of his household. Growing up as the youngest of three musically inclined brothers, Charles was exposed to various genres, shaping his eclectic taste in music.

[08:55] Charles Kelley: "It was chaos. My mom loved R&B, my dad loved country, and my older siblings brought home everything from Dave Matthews Band to Nirvana and Led Zeppelin."

This mix of influences allowed Charles to gravitate towards what felt right, ultimately leading him to a career that blends elements from different musical styles. A pivotal moment from his childhood was discovering Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way," which left a lasting impact on him, evident in his music's pulsating bass grooves reminiscent of the band's style.

[10:00] Charles Kelley: "I remember sitting in my room, playing that Fleetwood Mac record over and over. It was the one that was just blowing my mind."

Musical Career

Inside Blue and Early Bands

Charles reminisces about his early days forming bands with his brothers. The initial group, Inside Blue, caught the attention of music legend James Brown’s management, marking a significant early milestone.

[12:56] Charles Kelley: "Having a band get noticed by James Brown's manager was pretty cool, even if things didn't fully materialize at the time."

Despite initial hesitations from their parents about signing deals at a young age, the experience was invaluable, laying the groundwork for his future in the music industry.

Formation of Lady A

Moving to Nashville was a decisive step for Charles, driven by encouragement from his brother Josh who had secured a record deal. This move led to the formation of Lady A, a band that would achieve widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards.

[14:15] Sarah Harrelson: "The early years with Inside Blue set the stage for what was to come with Lady A."

Solo Career and "Songs for a New Moon"

Charles's solo journey marks a significant evolution in his career. His latest album, "Songs for a New Moon," represents a departure from his country roots into a soft rock territory infused with 80s nostalgia.

[05:48] Sarah Harrelson: "With a brand new solo album, 'Songs for a New Moon,' Charles is embracing a new chapter filled with optimism and fresh perspectives."

Musical Process and Collaborations

In creating "Songs for a New Moon," Charles collaborated with esteemed songwriters like Josh Kear, aiming to blend throwback sounds with a contemporary energy. The involvement of Grammy-winning producer Dan Huff added a distinctive electric guitar tone, characteristic of 80s and 90s hits, to tracks like "Never Let You Go."

[17:08] Charles Kelley: "Writing with guys like Josh Kear brought out something different in me. There were no rules; I didn't have to make a country record."

The album's production process involved detailed writing sessions, where songs were developed into fully fleshed-out tracks with live drums and bass, allowing for iterative tweaks and enhancements.

[25:16] Charles Kelley: "We would leave each day with a solid foundation and know what we wanted to tweak the next day."

Personal Journey and Sobriety

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Charles's personal journey towards sobriety, which has profoundly influenced his music and outlook on life.

[24:51] Sarah Harrelson: "Charles, what is recovery taught you that leads into your musical process?"

Charles shares that sobriety brought him immense gratitude and a newfound appreciation for the quiet moments in life. This personal growth is palpable in his music, infusing it with themes of redemption, positivity, and spiritual growth.

[27:09] Charles Kelley: "Recovery brought a sense of gratitude. I'm celebrating the little wins and enjoying the journey in a way I hadn’t before."

He credits sobriety for allowing him to enjoy his work without the pressures of the music industry's demands, leading to a more authentic and joyful creative process.

Future Endeavors and New Beginnings

Looking ahead, Charles expresses excitement about his evolving role as a solo artist and the opportunities it presents to connect with new audiences. He envisions performing his new music live, hoping to create joyful and engaging experiences for his fans.

[30:24] Charles Kelley: "I'm excited about performing these new songs and sharing them with a packed house. It's such a fun set of music that even during rehearsals, I couldn't stop dancing."

Charles also reflects on embracing vulnerability and the freedom to fail, which allows him to explore his creativity without the constraints often imposed by group dynamics in Lady A.

Advice to Younger Self

In a heartfelt segment, Charles offers advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of learning musical instruments and enjoying the journey.

[32:20] Charles Kelley: "Learn how to play piano. Enjoy the journey and remind yourself that you get to do what you love."

This advice underscores the significance of continuous learning and maintaining passion throughout one's career.

Closing Remarks

Sarah Harrelson concludes the interview by congratulating Charles on his new album and expressing gratitude for his continued contribution to music.

[33:23] Sarah Harrelson: "Congratulations on this chapter, 'Songs for a New Moon,' and thanks for all the great music you continue to give us, my friend."

Charles reciprocates the appreciation, setting a positive tone for the closure of the episode.

[33:37] Charles Kelley: "Thank you, Buzz. Appreciate you, buddy."

Conclusion

The episode "Charles Kelley: New Moons, New Beginnings" offers a comprehensive look into Charles Kelley's life, both personal and professional. From his early influences and the formation of Lady A to his transformative journey towards sobriety and his adventurous solo career, Charles presents a narrative of growth, resilience, and creative exploration. His latest work, "Songs for a New Moon," embodies his quest for fresh beginnings and authenticity, making this episode a must-listen for fans and those interested in the profound journeys behind successful artists.

Notable Quotes:

• Charles Kelley (08:55): "It was chaos. My mom loved R&B, my dad loved country, and my older siblings brought home everything from Dave Matthews Band to Nirvana and Led Zeppelin."

• Charles Kelley (10:00): "I remember sitting in my room, playing that Fleetwood Mac record over and over. It was the one that was just blowing my mind."

• Charles Kelley (17:08): "Writing with guys like Josh Kear brought out something different in me. There were no rules; I didn't have to make a country record."

• Charles Kelley (24:51): "Recovery brought a sense of gratitude. I'm celebrating the little wins and enjoying the journey in a way I hadn’t before."

• Charles Kelley (27:09): "I realize that it's not the end all be all, and it should be fun."

• Charles Kelley (30:24): "I'm excited about performing these new songs and sharing them with a packed house. It's such a fun set of music that even during rehearsals, I couldn't stop dancing."

• Charles Kelley (32:20): "Learn how to play piano. Enjoy the journey and remind yourself that you get to do what you love."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a detailed overview of Charles Kelley's insights, experiences, and aspirations, enriched with direct quotes and timestamps for reference.