Charles Howl, the solo project of musician, filmmaker and videographer Danny Nellis, continues his staggered return with thoughtful and personal new single ‘Leave Me Out’.
He has over the past twelve months gradually shared the first new music since his wonderful 2017 album ‘My Idol Family‘. There is a power to be got from songs with room to breathe and Leave Me Out continues in a less-is-more, confidently understated direction with no fuss or frills established by recent singles ‘Dreamer (In A Bad Way)‘ and ‘Eveline’.
On ‘Leave Me Out’, Danny ponders on the pressure social media inflicts on us and the consequential damage to our mental health.
‘This song reflects the exhaustion caused by the constant influx of social information we consume. Subconsciously pulling us to join in, to compare ourselves, to envy. All of which I have been guilty of.
These feelings are so widespread and thankfully more openly discussed now, I don’t see distance as a niche thing to write a song about anymore. Yet at times the only peace I can find is in rare moments where I can take myself out of it.
‘Leave Me Out’ is a statement of fact that I don’t arrive at often enough, but when I do and I believe it, I am calm.’
Recorded by Euan Hinshelwood at his Vacant TV Studios in London and mixed by Richard Ian James, the song is well travelled in its creation. Written in a friend’s attic in Montreuil, Paris, during the initial lockdown, the video is filmed in Berlin where Danny now lives.
‘I wanted to concentrate on space within the track, very stripped back verses that somehow fall over themselves into a chorus. The information of which comes either late or early, blurring the lines – everything on the one can make me nervous sometimes.‘
Self care is everything and in the video for Leave Me Out, which we are delighted to premiere today, Danny leaves behind the stresses of counting Facebook likes. He prioritises wellbeing instead and enjoys a selection of relaxing and stress busting spa day treats in Neukolln’s Sonnenalle district. Gets himself a full Turkish shave, a facial. Has his nails done, indulges in a full body massage – and sharp new haircut.
‘I decided to have an intimate portrait of me made while getting pampered. Go on, treat yourselves,’ he advises.
Charles Howl plays Sebright Arms, London on Friday 2 December.
