Charles has been playing music for over 25 years, starting out playing with his father and brother as a child. Charles studied music theory at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, and later studied with drummer Gil Sharone, who is known for his work with Marilyn Manson, Dillinger Escape Plan and Stolen Babies. Charles also studied with legendary big band drummer Ed Shaughnessy, probably best known for his years as the drummer for The Tonight Show Band on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Charles is always expanding his skills in new areas and has enjoyed great success playing in musical projects ranging from metal, rock, progressive, blues, country, and pop. He has played with many diverse artists including singer-songwriters Circa 62 and Kris Angelis, UK artist Shaughnessy and the rock groups Darkhorse Rising and Ryatt. He performed on Motorhead’s last Motorboat Cruise with hard rock artist Sonia Harley. He is currently touring with legendary rock band Black Flag.
Charles enjoys composing his own solo pieces and working with other musicians and artists on creative projects. He created the Corn Man project, a progressive rock musical suite accompanying a “children’s book” style graphic novel creatively exploring some of the challenges of today’s food industry. The third EP features special guests Greg Mathieson on B3 and Derek Sherinian on keys.
In addition to drumming, Charles writes music for television and has over 150 placements in shows like Oprah, Dateline NBC, Late Night with Seth Myers, The Young and the Restless, and The OWN Network. He is a regular contributor to Drumhead Magazine.
To Charles, the drumset is a musical instrument that he feels needs to be explored and tested further. “I’m not a drummer,” he will tell you, “I am a musician who plays the drums.”
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