King Charles (musician)

King Charles
Background information
Birth name Charles Costa
Origin London, England
Genres Alternative rock, folk rock, surf rock, indie
Years active 2007–present
Labels Universal Republic, Island, Buffalo Gang

King Charles (born Charles Costa) is an English singer and songwriter.

He plays the guitar, piano and cello. He is also a classically trained singer. He began writing songs at the age of 17.

In 2009, he became the first British person to win the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, for his song "Love Lust". The competition was judged by Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Loretta Lynn and Jerry Lee Lewis, and following this King Charles was signed by Universal Republic/Island.

In 2012, he teamed up with the record producer Matthew Wilder and released his first album Loveblood. He released his second album, Gamble for a Rose, in 2016.

In 2020, Costa again worked with Matthew Wilder on Out of my Mind. In April 2020, Clash magazine said "They say the freaks shall inherit the earth, and it will be King Charles who was ordained by god to rule over them".

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
FRA
SCO
LoveBlood 36 168 78
Gamble for a Rose
Out of My Mind
  • Released: 17 April 2020
  • Label: Buffalo Gang
  • Format: LP, CD, Cassette, Digital download

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
BEL
"Bam Bam" 2011 LoveBlood
"Love Lust"
"Ivory Road"
"Mississippi Isabel" 2012 84
"Lov Madiba (feat. Katie Amelia & Shingai Shoniwa)" 2013 Non-album singles
"Loose Change for the Boatman" 2016 Gamble for a Rose
"Gamble for a Rose"
"Freak"
"Out of My Mind" 2019 Out of My Mind
"Deeper Love"
"Feel These Heavy Times" 2020
"Animal" 2021 Non-album singles
"12345"
"Oh Mama"
"A Letter to Her Majesty" 2022
"We Didn't Start the Fire"