Charlie Nieland ○ Drown

From CANADA

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new single 'Drown', a stunning reverb-laced offering and the first taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP, set for release on June 20. The expansive and visceral music video was directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll.

"The track 'Drown' was inspired by Monique Vescia's book 'Hole In The Sky', which I read for the Bushwick Book Club songwriter series in 2021. It depicts a dark world, where an authoritarian won the US presidential election of 2020. So I made this mythical tale from the past, told in the future, where all the stories are jumbled up - a celebration of destruction," says Charlie Nieland.

"Of course, it all feels quite prescient as we sift through our present wreckage, searching for grace in the violent forces underneath. It's a white-hot psychedelic siren song with an oceanic undertow."

It's been four years since Nieland released his 2021 widely acclaimed ‘Divisions’ with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Renowned for tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and progressive rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, with a focus on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

The Ocean Understands de Charlie Nieland

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016).

He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Charlie Nieland shares his impression of the accompanying video: "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of April 29, 'Drown' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

"Spectacularly unearthing our worldly connection through his profound, thoughtful and grounding music" - The Spill Magazine

"Nieland approaches such subjects with a musical deftness and sonic poise which may at first belie the poignancy of the message he is sending... he balances shards of guitar noise, beguiling electronica and his imploring vocals"
~ Dancing About Architecture

"A restless atmosphere that’s reinforced by brightly winding guitar lines, and Nieland’s heartfelt vocals as he sings socio-politically steeped lyrics”
~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Nieland's music brings a message of hope and a vision for a better future"
~ Rebel Noise

Charlie Nieland

Drown

Self-released 'The Ocean Understands' EP is out 📌 June 20

29 April 2025

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025 
'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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