Tre Charles: Live at WHIP
Last month, indie-soul artist Tre. Charles came by our studio during the Philadelphia stop in his headline tour and gave us a taste of his work in this near thirteen-minute set. With style emulating a mix of sounds from Khalid and Frank Ocean to Hozier and Thee Sacred Souls, Charles is one to watch in the R&B scene. Utilizing unique breathy vocals and reverb, he draws from experiences that reflect the depths of human emotion while drifting through hypnotizing melodies.
His first song, “Memory.,” starts off the session with a heavenly guitar melody, suspending listeners in the moment and beginning a descent into a dream-like space. The lead and bass guitars are isolated, and deliberate pauses are used to create space before the drums are introduced. Charles leads his band through textured instrumental breaks in the vocals throughout the track that you can’t help but bob your head to.
Charles followed with “Stay in the Light.,” a brand new single off his upcoming album As of Now. He opens with a quick drum interlude that ushers in the central guitar riff of the song. Charles leads you on a blues journey that alternates between gradual valleys and fast-paced, jazz-like peaks in this psychedelic-indie song. He builds tension that persists throughout the track, deliberately dragging on a repetitive beat that resists resolution, which mirrors the song title and lyrics of endurance among uncertainty.
Closing the set with “Lately.,” Charles solidifies his expertise as a vocalist, utilizing elongated notes and riffs with that heavy signature reverb. His band members set the tone and groove for the ending of the session, creating a soulful atmosphere with consistent rhythms.
Charles’ approach to music through the blending of soul with jazz and psychedelic elements, along with intimate lyricism, gives audiences the space to lay down, relax and introspect. He brings an innovative and unique perspective to the soul genre and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Set List:
Memory.
Stay in the Light.
Lately.
Musicians:
Tre. Charles – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Carl Jenkins – Drums
Keenan Jenkins – Bass
WHIP Team:
Producers – Terrel Bundy & Emma Booth
Videographer – Colt Gunn
Audio – Chuck Fuschia & Sergio Paul
Music Director – Amaris Alfonseca
Social Media – Mileny Flores
