Charlie Mars will perform Friday, May 31 at the Mucky Duck in Houston.
It’s been three years since Charlie Mars released his breakthrough album, 2009’s Like A Bird, Like A Plane, and he’s not yet through enjoying its success. So much so that his upcoming album, due out August 14, is rooted in its predecessors design.
Highlighted by tracks “Listen to the Darkside” and “Meet Me by the Backdoor,” the album is focused on a mood which involves love, loss, addiction, and consolation, all set to mellow rhythms and snappy guitar riffs.
Later this summer, Mars will release Blackberry Light, which he admits is not a huge break from Like A Bird. Instead he hopes the new record is an even stronger representation of his abilities.
“I wanted to get together with the same musicians, in the same studio in Austin, and make a better record than the one before,” Mars said. “I waited until I had material that I thought was strong enough, and true enough, to make a go of it. We did. It was so much fun. I don’t go into making a record with too many expectations, but I’m proud of how it turned out.”
Although none of the new album tracks have been released, Mars has been playing some of them at small acoustic shows near Austin. Having continued Like A Bird’s theories, the newer songs sound as though they would fit on the older album, except that there’s a definite change in mood.
“I think this album is definitely more upbeat than the last one,” Mars said. “I look at the acoustic versions as the little seed….and the band versions as the big tree in the backyard. I’m always thinking groove…whatever version it is.”
One thing Mars definitely plans on continuing is his persistent desire to tour. Although most of his shows have been in support of other acts, or at smaller venues, he feels his music has earned him the right to headline.
“Most of (my shows) were pretty below the radar,” Mars said. “Recently, I played with Marc Broussard at the House of Blues. That was a great show. I’ve only recently had enough success in Texas that it makes sense to have my own shows. I’m looking forward to that.”
That success, among other things, has kept the Mississippi native coming back to the Lone Star State.
“I like wide open spaces – in landscapes, in soundscapes,” Mars said. I’m down with the warm climate. I really like the people that I’ve met in Texas – great studios, great players, and cheap Mexican food. Sign me up!”
Mars will showcase his talent in Houston when he plays May 31 at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. He hopes to return near the date of Blackberry Light’s release for a release party. After that, he expects to be spending a whole lot of time on the road.
“I’ll probably be on the road for at least two years after we release this record, with breaks here and there,” Mars said. “I’ll be swinging through Texas as much as I can.”