Donegal-based cinematic folk outfit Charles James & The Rise release their brand new single, “Wide Awake”, a darkly atmospheric track exploring the quiet torment of insomnia and are also proud to announce the release of their long-awaited self titled debut album, arriving September 2025. With their signature blend of haunting folk melodies and choral textures, the band once again delivers a deeply cinematic soundscape — this time turning their lens inward, capturing the surreal and restless experience of lying awake through the long hours of the night.
“Wide Awake” is described by frontman Charles James as “a song about the space we inhabit between wake and sleep and the inability to actually get to sleep. A fever dream made worse by the urgency and restlessness we experience during bouts of insomnia.”
Expanding on its inspiration, James shares:“I wrote this song when I was struggling to sleep on a ship knowing I had to get up again to keep watch in a couple of hours. The mounting frustration only makes things worse.” He continues, “Lyrically, the song explores this idea of being caught between states of consciousness and eventually waking up unsure as to whether you’ve slept at all. The change of tempo halfway through is used to reinforce that feeling of frustration we all feel as a sleepless night runs on with no end in sight.”
“Wide Awake” follows a wave of critical momentum for Charles James & The Rise. In 2023, they were named Highland Radio’s winner in Hot Press’ A New Local Hero competition and have since played stages across Ireland and Austin, Texas, building a reputation for evocative live performances and immersive visuals.
Earlier this year, their single “Carry On” was named Hot Press’ Track of the Day, with Rolling Stone (Spain) including them in its “20 Artists You Should Know” list. Their most recent release, “Greatest Prize,” continued this upward trajectory, premiering at the Your Roots Are Showing festival and earning a win at the Kinsale Shark Awards 2025 for its stunning accompanying video.
The band is currently touring in support of their forthcoming debut album, set for release in September 2025, with upcoming headline shows in Whelan’s (Dublin) and Bennigans (Derry) this July.
With “Wide Awake,” Charles James & The Rise offer yet another glimpse into their spellbinding world — a space where folk music meets the cinematic, and where restless hearts will surely find a home.
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