From
Photograph by Thomas Edwards
01.
Charlie Lawless is a songwriter based in the north of England, writing sparse, slow-burning songs about loose ends, half-remembered places, and people trying to get by.
Influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young, and A. Savage, his music leans into the quieter, rough-edged corners of folk and indie. Alongside his solo work, he plays with Madame Claude, Poor Effort, and Where the Deer Go, and is currently studying for a degree in music production, learning how to make things sound as good as they feel.
Madame Claude
A recent photoshoot from an upcoming release with my band Madame Claude. Photograph by Thomas Edwards
Its Just A Shame
'It's Just A shame' is a song about struggles with addiction. introspectively and of a very close friend. Photograph by Charlie Lawless
Poor Effort
Poor Effort live at Withington Hall
Falling
'Falling' is a song about accepting losing someone. Photograph by Charlie Lawless
Madame Claude - Gendarmes
A recent single released by Madame Claude
03.
Projects I am involved in
I write songs under my own name and play bass with Madame Claude and Poor Effort. I’m studying music production at Futureworks in Manchester, keeping busy on both sides of the desk.
Music Production Degree at FutureWorks
I'm studying music production at Futureworks to sharpen my songwriting and learn how to record properly. The goal is to be able to capture Madame Claude's sound, and eventually work with other bands too.
Madame Claude
Madame Claude are a five-piece band from Manchester, blending ska, punk, and rocksteady with a rough-edged energy. Formed in 2020, their sound nods to The Clash, The Fall, and Ian Dury, while keeping one foot firmly in their own world. Known for tight rhythms, sharp lyrics, and chaotic live shows, Madame Claude are carving out their own corner of the UK scene.
Poor Effort.
Built off British mindsets, begrudging bosses and too much telly, the poor effort project launched in mid 2024, gaining radio support from BBC 6 Music, Radio X, BBC Introducing Manchester and features in DIY Magazine & Louder Than War. Based in Salford - poor effort dips in and out of electronic, hiphop & postpunk influence revolving around the lyric writing. A wry, Northern English sensibility explores a wide range of topics from societal observations to the human condition.
Where The Deer Go
Christian Bell and Niamh Connor are a vocal and acoustic duo blending jazz, blues, and folk influences. With Christian on guitar and vocals and Niamh adding rich, soulful harmonies, they create a stripped-back sound that’s warm, timeless, and full of heart.
