Celebrated NYC artist CHARLIE NIELAND unveils 'Win' (feat. spiritchild)', previewing new album

August 19, 2025

Following his latest masterpiece - 'The Ocean Understands' EP, acclaimed NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland has announced that his forthcoming album'Stories From The Borderlines', set for release on October 24. The first offering from this atmospheric and imaginative collection is 'Win (feat. spiritchild)'.

Defying expectations, 'Win' is a postpunk mini-epic that starts as a piano-led hymn, becomes an explosive jangling anthem and winds up with a spectacular turn by Staten Island-based activist / rapper spiritchild. This new music arrives on the trail of Nieland's recent 'The Ocean Understands' EP and videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown', directed by multi-faceted NYC-based artist Hypnodoll.

"The material for 'Stories From The Borderlines' got its start in the NYC performance series The Bushwick Book Club in response to various literary sources. The lead single 'Win' is actually a song about surrender - “I just want you to win”, written as part of Bushwick Book Club’s residency for Banned Book Week at the Kurt Vonnegut Library and Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana," says Charlie Nieland.

"I was struck by the fearful response to the coming-of-age YA novel "All Boys Aren’t Blue" by the young, gay, African-American author George M. Johnson, which was the second most banned book in 2023. Book banning ultimately backfires. The act of hiding something from ourselves forces discovery. It begs us to honor what we don’t yet understand. Our fragile self-created identities - especially those formed in opposition to our adversaries - dissolve in the bright light of our interdependence. Our shared divinity. In a flash, the chorus woke me up in the middle of the night. “Go ahead and take my place. Take a look at my face. This is how it begins”.

Nieland's backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades. He has written for and produced such artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, as well as scoring the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Presenting a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock, the forthcoming album also involves an appearance by keyboardist Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, Polyvox). Atmospheric, with sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, these unique soundscapes promise an immersive journey, showcasing Nieland's continued evolution as an artist and producer.

After 20 years with dreampop band Her Vanished Grace, Nieland established himself as a solo artist rich on nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, releasing 'Ice Age' (2014), followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' album (2021). Half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, he also produces and co-hosts the 'An Embarrassment of Prog' podcast.

'Win (feat. spiritchild)' is available from digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where Nieland's latest EP 'The Ocean Understands' EP can also be found. The full 'Stories From The Borderlines' album, out on October 24, can now be pre-ordered.

SINGLE CREDITS
'Win (feat. spiritchild)' written by Charlie Nieland and spiritchild   
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY) from January 2023 to April 2025 
Charlie Nieland - vocals, electric guitars, bass, piano, electric piano, virtual mellotrons and string machines, percussion
spiritchild - vocals
Billy Loose - drums 
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll™  
© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez
Video for 'Win (feat. spiritchild) by Charlie Nieland
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

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From Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright & Scissor Sisters to solo creator: Charlie Nieland releases 'The Ocean Understands' EP

June 22, 2025

Four years after his acclaimed ‘Divisions' album, songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland is back with his latest masterpiece - 'The Ocean Understands' EP, a new beautiful occasion to be swept away by a stunning collection of captivating melodies and restless rhythms that expertly blend post-punk, dream pop, and prog-rock. These unique soundscapes promise an immersive journey, showcasing Nieland's continued evolution as an artist and producer.

The material from this new 'The Ocean Understands' EP and the forthcoming album 'Stories From the Borderlines' (out later this year) took root through the NYC performance series "The Bushwick Book Club" in response to various literary sources and was inspired by Nieland's deep love of David Bowie, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Cocteau Twins, Love & Rockets and The Cure.

"This set of songs is a kaleidoscope of styles. They are luminous secret rooms that reflect one human’s heart in a world at the precipice. Staying creative is resistance. As authoritarians attack culture, they make the mistake that imagination can be controlled when it actually emerges from the bottom up. Culture is not imaginary. It’s is rooted in imagination but it’s more real than what can be measured," says Charlie Nieland.

"These songs tell stories of growing up, of how we got severed, and how we connect. I burrowed into each idea over several years that were filled with love, uncertainty and family drama. The time allowed me to create and explore sound worlds with a cinematic eye; finding contrasts in texture and time. To create an experience that shifts with each listen."

Nieland recently shared the dream-pop single 'Redshift', delving into the profound experience of creating your own chosen family, viewed through the lens of cosmic expansion and astrophysical wonder, following the stunning reverb-laced lead track 'Drown'. The video, directed by multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll, was inspired by a dystopian vision of a mythical, psychedelic siren song that explores a dark, authoritarian past through jumbled stories of the future. Sifting through present wreckage, 'Drown' searches for grace amidst violent, oceanic forces.

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades, focused on the atmospheric and the imaginative. He also wrote for and produced such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, as well as scoring the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

His dream pop band Her Vanished Grace made music for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, debuting 'Ice Age' (2014) and then 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). Half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, he also produces and co-hosts the 'An Embarrassment of Prog' podcast.

As of June 20, 'The Ocean Understands' EP' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025 
'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - vocals, guitars, basses, piano, keyboards, percussion, G-Force M-TRON Pro IV
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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OUT JUNE 20: 'The Ocean Understands' EP from renowned NYC artist-producer CHARLIE NIELAND

June 13, 2025

NYC-based songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland releases his new EP 'The Ocean Understands' on June 20. Four years since releasing his acclaimed ‘Divisions’ album, he once again brings us a collection of sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and prog rock.

The material from this EP and the forthcoming album 'Stories From the Borderlines' (out later this year) took root through the NYC performance series "The Bushwick Book Club" in response to various literary sources and was inspired by Nieland's deep love of David Bowie, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Cocteau Twins, Love & Rockets and The Cure.

"This set of songs is a kaleidoscope of styles. They are luminous secret rooms that reflect one human’s heart in a world at the precipice. Staying creative is resistance. As authoritarians attack culture, they make the mistake that imagination can be controlled when it actually emerges from the bottom up. Culture is not imaginary. It’s is rooted in imagination but it’s more real than what can be measured," says Charlie Nieland.

"These songs tell stories of growing up, of how we got severed, and how we connect. I burrowed into each idea over several years that were filled with love, uncertainty and family drama. The time allowed me to create and explore sound worlds with a cinematic eye; finding contrasts in texture and time. To create an experience that shifts with each listen."

Nieland recently shared the dream-pop single 'Redshift', delving into the profound experience of creating your own chosen family, viewed through the lens of cosmic expansion and astrophysical wonder, following the stunning reverb-laced lead track 'Drown'. The video, directed by multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll, was inspired by a dystopian vision of a mythical, psychedelic siren song that explores a dark, authoritarian past through jumbled stories of the future. Sifting through present wreckage, 'Drown' searches for grace amidst violent, oceanic forces.

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades, focused on the atmospheric and the imaginative. He also wrote for and produced such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, as well as scoring the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

His dream pop band Her Vanished Grace made music for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, debuting 'Ice Age' (2014) and then 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). Half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, he also produces and co-hosts the 'An Embarrassment of Prog' podcast.

As of June 20, 'The Ocean Understands' EP' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist.

Charlie Nieland Unleashes 'Redshift': A Prog-Infused Dreamrock Odyssey previewing new EP

May 27, 2025

NYC producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents 'Redshift', a welcome dream-pop track that delves into the profound experience of creating your own chosen family, viewed through the lens of cosmic expansion and astrophysical wonder. This is the second taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP (out June 20).

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

"Redshift is a slice of dream pop about growing up - as viewed from space. The book STRAY, by Tanya Marquardt, got me thinking about how we choose new families when we're alienated from our birth ones. This coincided with another thing I was reading about Steven Hawking and astrophysics. The song became a little field guide on how to put your own story into a cosmic context," says Charlie Nieland.

"There's an eerie freedom to embracing life when the universe is pulling apart. While in lockdown, I’d made up a modal exercise for the guitar and it was a perfect shimmering fit for this, with Billy Loose’s symphonic drums bringing it all down to earth. More gorgeous art and video clips by Hypnodoll™.

It's been four years since Nieland released his acclaimed ‘Divisions’ album with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and prog rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, focused on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Earlier, Charlie Nieland released the stunning reverb-laced lead track, 'Drown', the video for which was directed by multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll. Inspired by a dystopian vision, this mythical, psychedelic siren song celebrates destruction, exploring a dark, authoritarian past through the jumbled stories of the future. Sifting through present wreckage, 'Drown' searches for grace amidst violent, oceanic forces.

Charlie Nieland says, "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of May 27, 'RedShift' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

Renowned NYC artist-producer Charlie Nieland announces new EP, while unleashing stellar first single 'Drown'

May 5, 2025

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new single 'Drown', a stunning reverb-laced offering and the first taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP, set for release on June 20. The expansive and visceral music video was directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll.

"The track 'Drown' was inspired by Monique Vescia's book 'Hole In The Sky', which I read for the Bushwick Book Club songwriter series in 2021. It depicts a dark world, where an authoritarian won the US presidential election of 2020. So I made this mythical tale from the past, told in the future, where all the stories are jumbled up - a celebration of destruction," says Charlie Nieland.

"Of course, it all feels quite prescient as we sift through our present wreckage, searching for grace in the violent forces underneath. It's a white-hot psychedelic siren song with an oceanic undertow."

It's been four years since Nieland released his 2021 widely acclaimed ‘Divisions’ with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Renowned for tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and progressive rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, with a focus on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Charlie Nieland shares his impression of the accompanying video: "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of April 29, 'Drown' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025 
'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Email

NYC producer / dream pop artist Charlie Nieland presents 'Divisions'

December 21, 2021

"This collection of his solo offerings – his second as a solo artist – spectacularly unearthing our worldly connection through his profound, thoughtful and grounding music" - The Spill Magazine

"Pressing drum strikes create a restless atmosphere that’s reinforced by brightly winding guitar lines, and Nieland’s heartfelt vocals as he sings socio-politically steeped lyrics” ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Brings to mind R.E.M. with both music and vocals right in line with the kind of music they put out in their first ten years... Nieland carries it with strength, his voice like a beacon of truth" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Thoughtful and socially-conscious... Neiland brings a message of hope and a vision for a better future" ~ Rebel Noise

"Nieland approaches such subjects with a musical deftness and sonic poise which may at first belie the poignancy of the message he is sending... he balances shards of guitar noise, beguiling electronica and his imploring vocals" ~ Dancing About Architecture

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new ‘Divisions’ LP and his latest video for ‘The Land of Accidents’. Directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll, this expansive, visceral music video is inspired by our beautiful earth.

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having written and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects'(starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound'and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

"As the pandemic took hold, so did my plan to produce ‘Divisions’ and I began a listening expedition through my inspirations, from The Beatles to Yes, Cocteau Twins to Interpol, Peter Gabriel to Blur, U2 and The Flaming Lips. I wanted these tracks to be mini-epics, where you hear something new every time you listen. I started recording in my apartment this summer and reached out to drummer Brian Geltner and cellist Patricia Santos, who recorded their parts at home and shared them with me,” explains Charlie Nieland.

“As restrictions lifted, I started a marathon tracking process at my studio that included violinist Heather Cole, both Susan Hwang from my band Lusterlit and Billy Loose from Her Vanished Grace on drums and Susan on backup vocals. I called into service all my instruments, from lap steel, to 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic guitars; fretless, fretted and 8 string basses; analog synths, virtual mellotrons, TR-808s and more. This whirlwind journey is heard here in the obsessive and passionate, surreal and visceral, dream-like progressive rock and dream pop of Divisions"

Nieland also played power dream pop with the band Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration. He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang.

Nieland elaborates on 'The Land Of Accidents': "This is a dark anthem to not-belonging, inspired by a passage in the novel ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith: a dialogue between the thirst for acceptance and freedom. The suffering we feel in our estrangement can just as easily be liberation. “Nothing happens the way you expected". It was written as part of the international performance series, Bushwick Book Club,” says Charlie Nieland.

The 'Divisions' LP is out now, available digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Charlie Nieland: Electric Guitars, Bass, Glockenspiel, Vocals
Brian Geltner: Drums, Samples
Written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded: July-Nov 2020 at home and at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn NY)
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover photo and video by Hypnodoll

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Charlie Nieland releases 'Divisions' LP plus stunning video for 'The Land of Accidents'

May 5, 2021

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new ‘Divisions’ LP, out March 5, as well as a new video for ‘The Land of Accidents’. Directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll, this expansive, visceral music video is inspired by our beautiful earth. She notes "Where we’re from can often feel as if it were projected onto us".

"As the pandemic took hold, so did my plan to produce ‘Divisions’ and I began a listening expedition through my inspirations, from The Beatles to Yes, Cocteau Twins to Interpol, Peter Gabriel to Blur, U2 and The Flaming Lips. I wanted these tracks to be mini-epics, where you hear something new every time you listen. I started recording in my apartment this summer and reached out to drummer Brian Geltner and cellist Patricia Santos, who recorded their parts at home and shared them with me,” explains Charlie Nieland.

“As restrictions lifted, I started a marathon tracking process at my studio that included violinist Heather Cole, both Susan Hwang from my band Lusterlit and Billy Loose from Her Vanished Grace on drums and Susan on backup vocals. I called into service all my instruments, from lap steel, to 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic guitars; fretless, fretted and 8 string basses; analog synths, virtual mellotrons, TR-808s and more. This whirlwind journey is heard here in the obsessive and passionate, surreal and visceral, dream-like progressive rock and dream pop of Divisions"

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having written and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Nieland also played power dream pop with the band Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration. He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang.

Nieland elaborates on 'The Land Of Accidents': "This is a dark anthem to not-belonging, inspired by a passage in the novel ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith: a dialogue between the thirst for acceptance and freedom. The suffering we feel in our estrangement can just as easily be liberation. “Nothing happens the way you expected". It was written as part of the international performance series, Bushwick Book Club,” says Charlie Nieland.

The 'Divisions' LP is out March 5 and will be available digitally everywhere, including Spotify and Apple Music, and can also be ordered directly from the artist via Bandcamp. That same day at 1pm EST, Charlie Nieland is celebrating with a livestream show featuring songs from and some words about the new record.

CREDITS
Charlie Nieland: Electric Guitars, Bass, Glockenspiel, Vocals
Brian Geltner: Drums, Samples
Written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded: July-Nov 2020 at home and at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn NY)
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover photo and video by Hypnodoll

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music |

Charlie Nieland releases 'Divisions' LP plus stunning video for 'The Land of Accidents'

March 5, 2021

Charlie Nieland presents 'The Land of Accidents', a dark anthem to not-belonging

February 22, 2021

"Pressing drum strikes create a restless atmosphere that’s reinforced by brightly winding guitar lines, and Nieland’s heartfelt vocals as he sings socio-politically steeped lyrics” ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Brings to mind R.E.M. with both music and vocals right in line with the kind of music they put out in their first ten years... Nieland carries it with strength, his voice like a beacon of truth" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Thoughtful and socially-conscious... Neiland brings a message of hope and a vision for a better future" ~ Rebel Noise

"Nieland approaches such subjects with a musical deftness and sonic poise which may at first belie the poignancy of the message he is sending... he balances shards of guitar noise, beguiling electronica and his imploring vocals" ~ Dancing About Architecture

Ahead of the March 5 release of his new ‘Divisions’ LP, NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents the single ‘The Land of Accidents’ with a new video, directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll, who spectacularly unearths our worldly connection with her expansive, visceral music video.

“The Land Of Accidents is a dark anthem to not-belonging, inspired by a passage in the novel ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith: a dialogue between the thirst for acceptance and freedom. The suffering we feel in our estrangement can just as easily be liberation. “Nothing happens the way you expected,” says Charlie Nieland.

“Written as part of the international performance series, Bushwick Book Club, I recorded 'The Land Of Accidents' to be part of the upcoming ‘Divisions’ album. As Joseph Campbell says, “We’re in a free fall into future… But all you have to do to transform your hell into a paradise is to turn your fall into a voluntary act… Joyfully participate in the sorrows of the world and everything changes.”

Hypnodoll lends some insight into this new clip: "This video was inspired by our beautiful earth and it’s ancient history. Where we’re from can often feel as if it were projected onto us — but in the end, we are all made of stardust”.

To date, Nieland has previewed tracks from this album, including 'Tightrope', 'So Few Have So Much', 'Pawns' and 'Divisions'.

Renowned for tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and progressive rock with sweeping melodies and restless and visceral rhythms, Charlie Nieland has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, with a focus on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Nieland played power dream pop with the band Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration. He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang.

Over the years, Charlie has written and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

'The Land of Accidents' is available now digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Divisions' album will be released on March 5 and can be pre-ordered directly from the artist.

CREDITS
Charlie Nieland: Electric Guitars, Bass, Glockenspiel, Vocals
Brian Geltner: Drums, Samples
Written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded: July-Nov 2020 at home and at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn NY)
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover photo and video by Hypnodoll

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Charlie Nieland presents 'Tightrope' single with mystifying video ahead of 'Divisions' LP

January 18, 2021

Tightrope is from the upcoming album Divisions, now on Pre-release at Bandcamp: https://charlienieland.bandcamp.com/album/divisionsVideo directed by B.A Mial...

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new single 'Tightrope', an exciting new offering that brings him one step closer to the release of his new 'Divisions' LP. The brilliant accompanying video was directed by visionary B.A Miale.

"Tightrope was written in response to the novel 'Little Liar' by Julia Gray. Reading it brought out for me the similarities of wishing and lying, crossing our fingers for each, and how we can tumble down into our loneliness without seeing the color that surrounds us. The lyrics to the chorus, "The colors run together, The coins are thrown forever, An instrument of trust", jumped out of the air for me and when I picked up the guitar, the music came just as instantly, like the song was waiting for me to find it. It really felt like a gift, with elements of classic British pop crisscrossed with post-punk and shoegaze; ELO meets Psychedelic Furs," says Charlie Nieland.

Video director B.A Miale's interpretation elevates the song into a beautifully surreal tale that opens into a shimmering, slightly nightmarish, wonderland. In terms of her inspiration for this video, she refers to Oscar Wilde: "We are all in hell, but some of us are looking at the stars"

"The storyline was inspired by this intense year we are collectively experiencing, surrounded by death and heartache. Like the protagonist, some of us absolutely need our escapisms to remain sane, even if they render us delusional," says B.A Miale.

Both the song and the video feature Nieland's Lusterlit bandmate Susan Hwang on Janggu, drum kit and vocals. The video stars international cabaret and circus performer Amy Gordon, whose last acting gig was playing a pigeon in the big apple circus until covid shut it down.

This single comes on the trail of several previewed tracks, including 'So Few Have So Much', 'Pawns' and 'Divisions', the video for which was created by Brooklyn-based video director Hypnodoll, presenting a beautifully layered glimpse at the what’s behind the illusion of separateness in this critical moment.

Renowned for tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and progressive rock with sweeping melodies and restless and visceral rhythms, Charlie Nieland has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, with a focus on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Nieland played power dream pop with the band Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration. He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang.

Over the years, Charlie has written and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

The 'Divisions' single is available now via Bandcamp. The full album by the same name will be released in March 2021. It can already be pre-ordered directly from the artist.

CREDITS
Charlie Nieland: Acoustic 12 String Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass,
Programming, Vocals
Susan Hwang: Drums, Janggu, Vocals
Heather Cole: Violin
Recorded: July-Nov 2020 at home and at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn NY)
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Charlie Nieland

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