Challenging themselves to write a catchy pop song that indie lovers would enjoy, KATHMANDU penned and recorded their new single, Charlie.

By Graeme Smith

Slow, soulful and timeless, Charlie is the kind of track that instantly grabs your attention through its understated intro. The vocals quickly come in, captivating as always as they deliver a romantic and image-laden story during the first verse. Things get emotionally stirring during a smouldering chorus that combines bluesy guitar and classic rock and roll. The track is brought to a close through compelling vocalisations and a hypnotic, looping melody.

“It’s not thought about too much nor overly deep, just that vibe of being with someone who makes everything feel a little brighter,” say KATHMANDU. “The song started out as a bit of a joke; just a sappy little summer song inspired by Don’t Wanna Be Okay Without You by Charlie Burg (hence the name). I didn’t expect much from it, but whenever we played it live people really connected with it. So now it kind of means more to me, like a reminder that even simple, happy songs can hit home.”

An Amsterdam, Netherlands-based alternative four-piece band led by songwriter and lyricist Donna Marie, KATHMANDU first hit our radar in 2025 and quickly became favourites of ours. They sure know how to write them, and their latest is sure to find fans among the young and young at heart.

Charlie is out now and you can give it a listen below.