Kat Harlton
Photos: Provided via artist/PR Team
Edmonton-based country-Americana artist Tommy Charles recently released his intoxicating new single “Love Train” (Believe Digital) on February 28th via all streaming platforms.
Drawing inspiration from the golden age of the 70s, “Love Train” offers a smooth and irresistibly groovy sound, highlighting Tommy’s signature deep crooning vocals. The track blends the intensity of disco-soul in the style of Tom Jones, the melodic elegance of Fleetwood Mac, and the lyrical depth of vintage country à la Conway Twitty and Ronnie Milsap, creating a boldly vintage atmosphere.
Tommy recently performed the new single on the main stage of the 2025 Country Music Alberta Awards, where he is also nominated for the Horizon Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year Awards.
Tommy Charles brings a classic sound, effortless vocals and top-notch production to the Canadian music scene. Born in Montérégie, Québec, Tommy first caught the public’s attention as a finalist on the hit singing competition show La Voix (2019). His debut album Southern Accent (2023) followed, earning him even greater recognition.
Known for performing in various languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese and English, Tommy revisits the classic sound of his musical heroes, including legends like Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, and Sam Cooke. A dynamic live performer, Tommy regularly tours across Canada and Texas, making his shows an unforgettable experience wherever he goes.
I had the opportunity to chat with Tommy about his new single, his musical journey so far, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey so far?
Tommy: It’s been a long road travelled from my first stages in Quebec, to South America, to Texas, Nashville and finally, Alberta. As a teenager, I started off as a crooner, singing Sinatra and Buble, then leaned into country music to what is now, I think, a style of my own, a cross breed between Americana, traditional Country and Soul. I was always of fan of the oldies, and I was blessed to grow up in a home where I got the best of it, both of the Memphis soul and blues scene from my dad, an avid fan of the genre, and the Country and Pop classics from my mom, an Elvis, Roy and Tom Jones devotee. Mix that with Latin music, an influence I got from living in South America for many years, and you have a pretty good idea of what I do now in Alberta.
Kat: What was the inspiration behind your new single “Love Train”?
Tommy: My girlfriend ! Love, freedom, rhythm and blues, all the good stuff. One day I was feeling really good, inspired, and in love and I felt like writing a sensual, feel-good, old school love tune. And behold, Love Train was born in the living room with just a guitar and a coffee.
Kat: What was the creative process like for this project? Any unique challenges or memorable moments you can share with us?
Tommy: There definitely has been some questions when it comes to the genre of the song and its reception by the public and the industry. Love Train is hard to put in a box and is reminiscent of several styles: a little bit of cheesy Soul in the style of Tom Jones, some heavy classic pedal steel all throughout the track, some Conway Twitty meets Ronnie Milsap piano licks and attitude… It is for sure a little vintage feeling and contrasting with the current state of commercial country music. Because of that, I have felt some push backs, mainly internal ones, but we decided to release the song no matter what, as my initial feeling about it was so good. Listening to the final track, the mastered mix, was a very special moment because I had been playing the song acoustically for a while, and the band really did a great job at bringing the vision to life.
Kat: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Tommy: Oldie is goldie. No shame in liking the good ole stuff and if there are some fans out there who like their vintage classics, we’re here to create new ones for them, with them.
Kat: What has been the most rewarding experience of your music career so far?
Tommy: Meeting long time fans who have very special, and personal stories to share with me and how, somehow, my music connected us. I will never get over the magic, the way music has of bringing strangers together.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you this year?
Tommy: A LOT of new music. There are a lot of songs on the shelf ready to be shared, and I mean it when I say that this year is a good year for it. A new Tommy Charles is arriving !
Connect With Tommy
Facebook: /tommycharlesqc
Twitter: @tommycharles_
Instagram: @tommycharlesmusic