Alice Merton Is Back In The Driver’s Seat With Charlie Brown

by | Jun 16, 2023

Alice Merton’s two studio albums – MINT & S.I.D.E.S. – saw the British-German alternative-pop artist reach over a billion streams and three million sales. She has been captivating audiences all over the world ever since she released her debut single No Roots (US Gold, multiple Platinum awards in Europe) and now returns with her new single Charlie Brown.

Alice Merton (JIDOH)

Alice Merton (JIDOH)
Alice Merton (JIDOH)

The new tune is a catchy indie pop song that tells the story of a man who is stuck in a rut. His days are repetitive, and his past keeps coming back to haunt him. He is searching for a higher meaning in life, something that makes him feel fulfilled – unfortunately, he has yet to find it. The chorus comes in as a push out of the daily grind: “Hold tight we’re moving on! Keep that dream just a little bit longer!”

The video was filmed in London and written and directed by Merton herself. At her side was choreographer Lyn Lim with whom she worked with on Lash Out and Blindside and her trusted Director of Photography Elias Koehler (Why So Serious, Same Team, Blindside, Funny Business). Together they created a world where Charlie seems to be a bit confused and depressed with his life situation, but the 29-year-old is adamant that he realises how special he is.

Check out the Alice Merton-directed video for Charlie Brown below:

Charlie Brown is a wake-up call to get back into the driver’s seat of your life. It’s a hymn to keep going – no matter how big the obstacles may be. Stop settling for the apparent security of everyday life, but fight for what is important to you. Thus, the song’s message is not only addressed to Charlie. All of us could do with leaving our comfort zone sometimes, try things and to stand up for our dreams.

Alice Merton (JIDOH)

Alice Merton (JIDOH)
Alice Merton (JIDOH)

After having finished a North American and European Tour with British indie poppers Bastille last year, Merton found herself back in the studio, writing with Chris Wood aka “Woody” the Drummer from Bastille and Songwriter/Producer Matt Wills. Merton recalls: “It was honestly one of the best times of my life, getting to tour with such a lovely group of people, and then creating music together”. William Farquarson (Bass player in Bastille) joined the session a few weeks later and out came Charlie Brown.

Bastille @ Glastonbury Festival 2022

William Farquarson of Bastille @ Glastonbury Festival 2022 (Kalpesh Patel)
William Farquarson of Bastille @ Glastonbury Festival 2022 (Kalpesh Patel)

Finished off with production by Paul Whalley (Waste My Life, The Other Side) and Mixed by Jon Kelly (Kate Bush, Freddy Mercury, Duffy) and mastered by Sascha Busy Bühren.

Wallice Uses MOTH Club As Her Punching Bag

Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory @ O2 Academy Birmingham (Nick Allan)

New Found Glory Never Miss, Only Hit At O2 Academy Birmingham

There’s something about a New Found Glory show that feels like coming home. No matter how many years have passed or how much life has changed, when those opening chords hit, you’re right back where it all started — shouting lyrics with your friends, sweaty, smiling, and completely lost in the moment.

Remember Monday @ Latitude Festival 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Remember Monday Return With New Single ‘More Than Ever’ Ahead Of Headline UK Tour

Country-pop trio Remember Monday continue their breakout year with the release of their new single More Than Ever, co-written with GRAMMY® winner and chart-topping artist Cian Ducrot. The track arrives just as the band kick off their highly anticipated What The Hell Just Happened? UK and Ireland headline tour, which culminates at London’s iconic O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Davina Michelle (Press)

Davina Michelle Launches Empowering New Era With ‘What A Woman’

Dutch pop sensation Davina Michelle has released her brand-new single What A Woman, an empowering anthem that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and individuality of women everywhere. The track arrives alongside a striking new music video, introducing a bold new chapter for one of the Netherlands’ most successful modern pop artists.

Ash @ Scala (Kalpesh Patel)

Ash Share Video for ‘Ad Astra’ Featuring Graham Coxon

Northern Irish alt-rock stalwarts Ash have shared the video for their latest single Ad Astra, featuring Blur’s Graham Coxon, taken from their brand-new album of the same name — out now on Fierce Panda Records.

Karin Ann (Press)

Karin Ann Teams Up With Suki Waterhouse For Heart-Stirring New Single ‘i was never yours’

Slovak singer-songwriter Karin Ann has unveiled her stunning new single, i was never yours, marking an evolution in sound and storytelling for the rapidly rising artist. The track — co-written with Suki Waterhouse and Harrison Whitford (Phoebe Bridgers) and produced by Benjamin Lazar Davis (Maya Hawke) — finds Karin blending folk, country, and indie rock into a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Amy Macdonald (Olivia Rose)

Amy Macdonald Shares Empowering New Single ‘I’m Done (Games That You Play)’

Amy Macdonald continues her remarkable run as one of the UK’s most enduring singer-songwriters with the release of her...
Blair Davie (Press)

Blair Davie Unveil Deeply Personal New EP ‘First And Last’

Scottish singer-songwriter Blair Davie has released their highly anticipated new EP, First And Last, via Giant Music —...
Joyce Manor (Dan Monick)

Joyce Manor Announce New Album ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’ Alongside Lead Single ‘Well, Whatever It Was’

California punk favourites Joyce Manor have announced details of their upcoming album I Used To Go To This Bar, due for release on 30th January 2026 via Epitaph Records. The band have also shared the lead single Well, Whatever It Was, accompanied by a chaotic and comedic Lance Bangs–directed music video that riffs on The Great British Bake Off, featuring cameos from comedians and musicians playing UK rock icons.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing