Charlie Williams – “The Divider” – Electronic Press Kit

A debut album from Worcestershire’s acclaimed storyteller

Album title: The Divider
Release date: March 21st 2025
Genre: acoustic / folk / Americana
Format: CD, Bandcamp and major streaming platforms

For bookings or media enquiries please reach out to charlie.will@gmail.com

Bio

Charlie Williams is an acoustic singer-songwriter and novelist. Described by one local luminary as “the bard of Worcester” he has a growing profile as a songwriter of note and stirring performer with a distinctive baritone voice and fluid guitar skills. His songs are rooted in folk but steal freely from pop, indie rock and Americana.

Armed with his acoustic guitar and a couple of creative pedals Charlie has performed solo gigs at local pubs, Worcester Music Festival and in support of other artists at ticketed events. His songs have been played on Invisible Folk Radio, BBC Introducing and local radio stations. He has been the “invited guest” at the Dragon Folk Club in Worcester and also performed such local events as the Battle of Worcester Drumhead ceremony.

He has a background as a novelist, published across several territories and acclaimed by the mainstream press (“so original that other writers must be gnashing their teeth in jealousy” – The Guardian). Just like his songs, many of his novels are rooted in home turf.

Charlie’s influences range from Johnny Cash to Depeche Mode via Nick Cave, while he is often compared both as songwriter and performer to Billy Bragg, Andy Partridge and Sting.

Album Overview

The Divider takes the listener on a journey through time, emotions and different landscapes, rooted in folk stylings but reaching beyond with elements of Americana, indie rock, and electronica. The album showcases Charlie’s hard-won songwriting ability, which took a lifetime to develop alongside earlier successes in novels and screenplays. Unsurprisingly several of these songs are of the storytelling kind, borne of the history and lore of his home county (e.g. ‘Face on a Wall’ and ’21 Summers’, both about participants in the Battle of Worcester).

A theme running through the songs is crossing the divide, be it a person choosing to leave a safe relationship, the brave but fatal act of a principled man in a civil war, or children of the 60s counter-culture choosing normal life after all.

Key Tracks

Just the Reckoning – it’s the end of the world, but don’t worry. Led by fingerstyle acoustic guitar and backed with tight harmonies, this upbeat slice of dystopian Americana is a favourite at live performances.

Face on a Wall – this mournful acoustic piece is the story of William Guise, a Worcester tailor who gave his life for his democratic principles on the eve of the Battle of Worcester in 1651. A death mask of his face was set into a wall in Worcester city centre, and is there to this day.

Normal Working People – we all have a story. Even if it ends with becoming a regular person. A stirring anthem to the everyman that is popular at gigs.

Tree on a Hill – a defiantly hopeful song about a simple conker tree that sits on top of Whittington Tump, a small hill just outside Worcester that is a beloved landmark for anyone who drives up or down the M5.

Production Notes

Self-produced at home studio and the Old Smithy Studio, Kempsey (with production input from Richard Wood).
Instruments: Acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, percussion (djembe, tambourine, shakers), synthesizer.
All instruments played by Charlie.

Track List and Links to Lyrics

Images

For bookings or media enquiries please reach out to charlie.will@gmail.com