Ben Coley

Radio Presenter | Music Journalist

Exclusive review: Charlie Bateman

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Singer-songwriter, Charlie Bateman, performs an engaging folk set live at Chaplin’s in Boscombe on Tuesday 21st March.

Having not stepped foot in Boscombe before, it was difficult to determine what the little sea-side town would hold in store. Escaping the cold March wind, there comes a blast of warm air inside a dimly lit, cosy and quirky room, it was clear straight away that Chaplin’s is a local music venue to be cherished by its locals. The upstairs room was by no means packed full of people, in fact there were perhaps only a couple of dozen in the room. These people were sat playing chess and drinking, and were the cause of a relaxing hum of white noise, creating a gentile ambience. This, you would think, is the perfect setting for an intimate acoustic performance, and it certainly was.

After only being in ‘Chaplin’s’ for 10 minutes, there approached a young gentleman sporting a modest checkered shirt and a pint of lager. This was Charlie Bateman, an acoustic folk artist from Hampshire. Charlie began playing guitar at the age of 11 and started gigging when he was 16. Having played the gig circuit for a while Charlie founded his own folk-indie band called ‘Thinker’ three years later. Charlie’s main influence is The Levellers.

This particular gig Charlie was playing in Boscombe is part of his March tour around the Dorset region. “Thinker are having a bit of a hiatus at the moment because the fiddle player is in the royal marines” said Charlie, looking entirely relaxed and at ease before his set. Despite his band’s temporary brake, Charlie said that he has his own backing band when he plays festivals in the summer, but after watching him play, you could argue he doesn’t need a band at all.

Charlie played a mixture of his own original songs as well as some covers. Kickstarting the set were two of Charlie’s own songs, which are to be featured on an upcoming album which is currently in the making. What was immediately clear was that Charlie has developed his own interesting guitar playing style. In the second song in particular Charlie was making use of intricate finger picking as well as some interesting chord progressions. This was great to see, as Charlie could effortlessly breeze through chord progressions enabling his voice to come to the fore.

Charlie Bateman

Equally impressive was the rig Charlie was playing through; a SoloAmp, capable of amplifying sound at up to 16kHz, as well as a rustic Gibson J45 deluxe guitar, which kicked out a warm tone. This was perfect for Charlie’s sound, as there was plenty of clarity in the vocals as well as a thumping, but not an overbearing guitar sound.

Charlie’s songs were succinct and to the point, this was refreshing to see, as his songs were stripped to their bare essentials. Many of Charlie’s own songs are also quite rousing, because Charlie made great use of his percussive and bluesy playing style. One song was even in a 5/4 time signature. “It’s normally volume and tempo that helps to get people’s attention when playing in pubs” Charlie reckons.

A particular favourite song was ‘Bullets’, written about Charlie’s friend in the army. This song followed similar suit to his other songs, whereby it was well structured, but what really enticed was his sense of pain in his lyrics. The song also made good use of Charlie’s vocals, which were much softer than expected. It is in fact a voice reminiscent of Paul Heaton from The Beautiful South; easy on the ear and a sits comfortably in the higher register.

Another focal point of the set was Charlie’s own version of ‘Umbrella’ by Rhianna. “I don’t really like the song” said Charlie, “but people like to hear things that they know, and I never play songs the way they originally are which keeps it interesting.” Charlie’s version certainly engaged, and it definitely had a few heads nodding in the venue.

One person that enjoyed Charlie’s set was Zoot Valler, who works behind the bar at Chaplin’s. Whilst Zoot was pouring a pint of Aspall’s Cider and Charlie was playing the Lumineers ‘Ho Hey’, Zoot said that Charlie “has put his own modern twist on some cover music which is really refreshing to hear, he also has a really soft voice which is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere – it’s just a shame there aren’t more people here.”

On that note, there really weren’t many people watching Charlie’s set. Whilst some songs would rouse a few cheers from the dozen-strong crowd, there were moments within the set that the audience seemed disengaged and were simply chatting amongst themselves. What was also a little disconcerting was that Charlie was using a music stand complete with lyrics which was down by his feet. Yes, Charlie did play a large set, but it perhaps tainted what was otherwise a very professional image.

I would definitely download his music!”

Despite this, those who did watch Charlie’s set seemed to enjoy it. Sharing a similar opinion as Zoot Valler was Tom Walker, who was sat at the bar, engrossed in Charlie’s performance. “I thought he was great, I really liked the approach he has with the audience. I would definitely download his music!” Tom is in a blues band himself, called Della Grants, and said that he also enjoyed watching Charlie’s guitar playing.

The set came to a close. Whilst there was not a thunderous applause, or a stampede of fans chasing after him, it seemed that Charlie Bateman was completely at ease with his music and progressing forward. “I am currently working on a ten track album. This is following on from my debut album called ‘Fall out fall in’. I have set up my own record label with my band ‘Thinker’ and I am going to pitch my new songs to various other labels before releasing the album so that I can hopefully get some support behind my new songs.” A smart move indeed.

As the last few stragglers left the bar and as Charlie packed his acoustic guitar back into its case, Charlie was expressing his excitement for his next upcoming gigs. The set was enjoyable. In fact, thoroughly pleasant. Whilst the night perhaps wasn’t shared by as many fans as Charlie was hoping for, those who were there can agree that it was certainly nothing to shake a finger at. Bring on the new Charlie Bateman album!

The new vinyl age is here as sales hit 25 year high

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Over £3.2million records were sold last year, perhaps the new vinyl age has arrived.

The door opens to a record store in Boscombe, revealing a miniature world, a world of dusty vinyl sleeves, crackling guitar chimes and the 1980’s generation  exploring shelves of records. Vinyl is very much associated with days gone by, but seems now that everyone is boarding the vinyl vehicle. A vinyl store seems to be as much of an experience as listening to the vinyl itself. The inside album sleeves boast detailed photos of bands we all know and love, tatty old boxes are crammed to the seems with black, shiny discs, and all of these records are overlooked by large, rustic posters of Prince, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley. Overlooking the “rock/psychedelic” record shelf is a black and white poster of The Beatles,  it’s as if the eyes of Paul McCartney himself are watching you sift through The Beatles’ back-catalogue.

Music goes around in cycles, and vinyl has come full-circle.”

One person in this record store is Chris Rose, 33, he’s behind the desk answering calls. Being an avid vinyl collector himself, Chris wanted to set up his own business to facilitate his passion for record collecting. He has been operating his record store in Boscombe for six years now. “We are getting a good cross-section of people from fifteen to people in their sixties who are wanting to buy records,” said Chris, “but I see more younger people buying records now.” Of course, it could be argued that adults buy vinyls for nostalgia. But why are teenagers tapping into it? Chris reckons it’s the “warmth, touch and feel” of

A vinyl record collection in Boscombe

a record that plays a part, “it’s the sound quality and visual appeal that people like about vinyl, you can’t get that with a download.” An avid vinyl collector, Matt Freeman, 26, from Sandhurst, said vinyl is an “immersive” listening experience, “you have to listen to the album in full, vinyl slows the whole process down.”

December last year saw vinyl sales overtake digital downloads, with vinyl making a whopping £2.4 million, compared to £2.1million in digital sales. This does not seem like a random coincidence either. Vinyl sales in 2016 were up 53% from the previous year. One thing is clear, not only has vinyl resurged, but the resurgence is happening fast.

 

It’s now not just a tiny specialist store that sells a Led Zeppelin vinyl, so too does HMV, vintage clothes stores and even supermarkets. Whilst another phone call rings behind the desk, and whilst a door-bell chimes to signal another eager customer, Chris Rose points out that music is like fashion, “it goes around in cycles, and vinyl has come full-circle.” This raises an interesting point, may this be the new vinyl age?

Take a look at Bruno Mars and The Rolling Stones. Bruno Mars released a 90’s looking and sounding third album (‘24k Magic’) in 2016. The 90’s sound clearly resonated, reaching second on the Billboard Top 200. Also, over 200,000 fans flooded to stadiums to see Mick Jagger’s moves in the The Stones’ 2013 reunion tour; they’re still rocking today! Retro-esque music is selling like hot cakes, and is still relevant. The past is meeting the present. New artists are being inspired by music of the past, and these inspired artists are finding their way into the grooves of records.

One of the UK’s leading vinyl manufacturers is Key Production. Key Production Account Manager, Jack Stephenson, 29, said “There’s been a rise in vintage fashion, which has lead to the vinyl craze. I’ve worked here for four years, and record production has gone up and up; there’s a massive appetite for vinyl.” Matt Freeman reckons vinyl “will definitely grow in popularity; my girlfriend was never interested in records, but is now!”

As the store closing time approaches, a man in a Metallica shirt takes a quick last look at the band merchandise shelf.  The stats don’t lie, vinyl sales are expecting to make a 55% annual growth rate between now and 2020, so the dawn of a new vinyl age may well be upon us. The man leaves the store, but does not shut the door behind him, it seems that the door to the world of vinyl will remain ajar for quite some time.