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CM13 is the new project from The Swamp Born Assassins frontman Charlie Moffat, and it will see Charlie collaborating with various artists. This project starts with a track written to honor Charlie’s late wife, Elaine, whom he sadly lost to cancer. That first track, “Fine Line,” delves into the little signs of loved ones still being near, in a different form. Lil Charlie joined us to talk about the project and his background, not only with The Swamps, but with punk outfit Fire Exit.
What are your earliest musical memories growing up?
I must have been around three, I remember my parents had a record that I played over and over again… ‘Tell me a Story’ I think it was. My Aunt and Uncle had a state-of-the-art gramophone, a solid piece of equipment, real wood stereo speakers…the lot, and many, many singles…Fats Domino’s ‘Blueberry Hill’ was played till it wobbled…lol.
My mum bought me my first record when I was five. It was a Rolling Stones double A-side with ‘Off the Hook’ on one side and ‘Little Red Rooster’ on the other, also my aunt in Canada sent amazing records for my Xmas in the 60s.. Jefferson Airplane, Stones, The Monkeys.. I’ve always had music in my life.
Were you always destined to be a musician, or was that purely by accident?
Destined for sure.. I used to draw bands on stage as a kid, amps, the lot. My first gig was a BB [Boys Brigade] display singing ‘Bye Bye Johnny’…the Quo version. We were probably crap but I was hooked in by that… singing in front of a crowd.. it was a buzz.
Who was your biggest influence in becoming a musician?
Wow! Now you’re asking!? I got lots of inspiration from many places, probably that Fats Domino single stirred the blood, then the usual, Stones, Beatles, but American influences too like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s ‘Déjà Vu’, then leading to Paul Rodgers and Free. My biggest influence and inspiration harmonica-wise was a guy called Lester Butler from the band The Red Devils. I was lent their ‘King King’ CD from a friend…produced by Rick Rubin, and live, man, he could make that harp cry.
What was your first gig as a performer like?
Well, apart from the BB display and bands at school, my first biggish gig was at my local Bowling Club with my covers band The Easy Riders, many moons ago. All my neighbours, friends, and workmates were there…I was cackin’ it big time, but it all seemed to go ok…we got them up dancing and no cans were chucked so that was a result.
Gun to head time: favourite album?
‘Led Zeppelin IV’… definite.
Nowadays, a band or a musical artist can explode onto the scene without cutting their teeth crammed into a Transit van as they head from gig to gig. What was your first tour like? Must have some great horror stories!
Well, many a transit was hired during my covers band scene, traveling all over the country to various blues festivals, but probably the Irish tour with punk band Fire Exit was the most adventurous. Getting stopped by the police before we got on the ferry to Belfast because the other band, The Zips, were in military gear (Clash influence, you see). Promised digs that never happened, sleeping on the promoter’s floor surrounded by rebel Irishmen talking who got shot where and showing bullethole scars…I moved from the couch to the hall big time. Next night, after another gig, we travelled from Dublin to Belfast…yep, no digs again.. ended up with two bands sleeping in a minibus in the middle of winter on Belfast docks….least we didn’t miss the ferry..lol.
Who would you class as an underrated lyricist? ,
Robert Plant is a great lyricist… but Jon Anderson from Yes writes sublime lyrics…a bit weird at times, but that’s my thing. I like a bit of poetry and mystic in songs…oh also…Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull.
Tell us a little bit about your new project, The CM Project, who features alongside you?
I wanted to do something really different from my norm, experimenting with something heavier and prog. Tony McShane from my daughter’s band, The Velvet Hour, offered to send me something. So after a few days, he sent a whole finished instrumental, and it was amazingly good. He recorded every guitar on it. Once I had listened to it a few times, I got an idea for lyrics, then recorded my vocals in my home studio..I didn’t experiment with different styles…it came naturally, and the vocals I ended up with seemed to go with the song, and I enjoyed singing in that style.
I then took it to the producer Gordon McNeil, who worked with the Swamps. He recorded drums and re-recorded my vocals. He then produced and mixed the song; he did a fantastic job as always.
The single features you singing in a lower register than you normally do. Was this an organic process or something that was planned?
As I said previously… I wanted to try a different style of song, and that meant a different vocal style too. I’ve been doing vocal exercises, and I do think they improved my breathing and note longevity. They came naturally and sounded right for the song. I’m really pleased how they turned out.
‘The Fine Line’ is the debut single from The CM Project and is helping to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to your heart. In what ways can people help you raise funds, as well as raise awareness?
With the song release on the 30th of June, there will be a Just Giving link that will be on CM13’s Facebook page. This is linked to Macmillan, and donations can be made through that. We will send the MP3 of the song to each person who donates. Hopefully, friends will share the link. We also hope to do various events throughout the year and get as much as we can through these.
Given how well-received the single has been, has it spurred you on to release more material as The CM Project?
As the Boss says….Absofknlutly. Tony has already sent me another great song in a similar style, so that will definitely be done in the future.
What is the state of play with The Swamp Born Assassins? Is there new music on the way?
Yes, new music for sure. Myself and Craig [Craig Buchanan, Swamps guitarist] get together when we can and are writing together. We have a few songs on the go, and once we sort structures and lyrics, we will get Andy [Andypaws Christie, Swamps guitarist] along and he can add his influence. The SBA is one of these bands that might disappear for a bit, but they will always come back with a vengeance.
Find out more about the CM13 Project, HERE.
All live images – Dave Jamieson
