Getting To Know Charlie Pittman: ‘I Find A Lot Of Lyrical Inspiration From The Everyday’

Today is a special day for Sydney (Eora) alt-pop heartthrob Charlie Pittman, making the release of his hotly anticipated debut EP, nothing is forever.

The soulful, emotively charged five-tracker culminates Pittman’s entire creative journey thus far, as he explained in a statement: “I’d written a lot of songs but when I went to choose the songs for the EP, I decided on five that told the story I wanted to tell – which was pretty much just about navigating my way from childhood to adulthood; that point where you go, ‘Oh, I’m an adult now, I need to actually be one.’ Going through relationships, friendships, death, loss… all the things everyone experiences as they move through adolescence.”

As well as earlier singles i don’t wanna be here and house in the suburbs, Pittman’s nothing is forever EP also features the poignant focus track dog, black, which sees the singer-songwriter open up in a way he’d never done before. It was the last song he wrote for the record – one he penned in LA as an ode to “anyone coming to terms with hardship in their lives”, inspired by his own father’s diagnosis with terminal cancer.

Pittman said of its genesis: When someone goes through cancer treatment their face changes and they start to become unrecognisable to the person they were, especially when someone passes away, he was a shell of the man he was before. The idea that there’s ‘a plate still at the table’ meaning even if he’s gone his place won’t be forgotten and he’ll always be with us. The ‘black dog’ is a phrase coined by the Roman poet Horace to describe depression (something that trails behind you) and so I used the metaphor of burying the dog to describe how I came to terms with my personal struggle and became more at one with the idea that everyone dies and nothing at all is forever.”

Having now shared nothing is forever with the world, Pittman is setting his sights on an intimate tour of the Australian east coast, kicking off tomorrow (June 21) with a hometown show at The Lansdowne. He’ll follow it up in Brisbane (Meanjin) on Friday July 5, playing the beloved Black Bear Lodge, before wrapping things up at The Workers Club in Melbourne (Naarm) the following night (July 6). Tickets to all three shows are on sale now – head here to grab yours.

To celebrate the release of nothing is forever, we caught up with Pittman for a peek behind the curtain of his creative genius. Have a look at the music video for dog, black below, then read on for our exclusive Q&A!

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If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Mint choc-chip. It’s not crazy out there but I’d like to think it’s a bit more interesting than vanilla (although vanilla is probably my favourite flavour).

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

Opening for my favourite band The Band CAMINO in Perth was a dream come true. They’re one of my biggest influences on my sound and so to meet them was one thing, but to share a stage was incredible.

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

The expiry date of a carton of milk inspired the first line of dog, black. I find a lot of lyrical inspiration from everyday, mundane things and try and twist them to make them more interesting if I can!

Favourite place to hang out in your city?

I love just walking around the Paddington/Surry Hills area and going to nice coffee shops. Sydney is such a beautiful city so I feel so blessed to live here. I also love the beach and have done the famous Bondi to Coogee walk a few times!

Who are three artists you’re vibing on right now?

Abby Holliday, Boyish and Medium Build. All incredible storytellers with a unique, authentic sound.

Are there any Aussie artists you're keen to collaborate with in future?

I’d love to work with Blake Rose and Jack Gray – I think those guys are amazing writers and producers.

What’s something that fans might now know about you?

They probably don’t know that I’m six-foot-four, that always shocks people when they meet me for some reason. I’m also a huge football (soccer) fan and stay up ’til the early hours to watch games sometimes!

What's in the works for you in 2024?

I’m about to head out on tour for the first time ever, which is super exciting, and then hopefully playing a bunch more shows and festivals as the year goes on!