The Black Country indie band Chartreuse created ‘Bless You & Be Well’ by fully engaging with their instruments, trusting their instincts, and opening their hearts wider than ever.
Stream: ‘Bless You & Be Well’ – Chartreuse
In 2024, Chartreuse entered Flóki Studios in Iceland, located near the Arctic Circle on a piece of land between the Greenland Sea and Hópsvatn Lake, not fully knowing the direction their sophomore album, Bless You & Be Well, would take. This innovative indie rock band from Black Country, England, consists of brothers Mike (guitar, vocals) and Rory Wagstaff (drums), Rory’s long-time partner Hattie Wilson (piano, vocals), and Hattie’s childhood friend Berry Lovering (bass). The band's camaraderie is palpable, as the affection and empathy they share infuse their music with a warm vibrancy. In the face of life’s challenges—such as serious surgeries, familial cancer scares, death, and an ever-present existential crisis—they found solace in the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape surrounding the recording studio.
Chartreuse maneuvers through melancholic tones, with warm, melodic, and harmonious vocals. The drumming sometimes incorporates jazzy or complex rhythms while remaining accessible. The bass can be heavy and brooding at times, though it can also shine brightly. Their sound embodies indie and alternative influences while featuring many nuanced elements.
Producer Sam Petts-Davies (The Smile) collaborated with Chartreuse at Flóki Studios to produce Bless You & Be Well. Previously, the band's ethos revolved around a philosophy of “whenever we hear something familiar, we try to mess with it,” positioning themselves as somewhat “anti-band.” However, with Petts-Davies, they experienced a shift, letting go of their aversion to resembling others. Instead, they leaned into their instincts, allowing spontaneity to guide them, as Petts-Davies reassured them: “You are a band, and this is how you sound, so let’s just embrace it.”
In the “Making of ‘Fold’” video on their YouTube channel, a moment occurs where Wilson notices she elongated the lyrics. Petts-Davies expresses his appreciation, stating, “I really like that, I think it’s quite… ‘cause you got this,” and he begins the track again, gesturing like a conductor, “Quite a nice contrast.” The drag in the lyrics towards the end of sentences may seem minor at first glance, but it adds depth and amplifies the emotional weight of the song, creating a broader emotive landscape.
The band’s acceptance of the music they produce, paired with a natural inclination to create nuance, manifests in this project—not through overthinking, but through a sense of creative freedom. The unique textures are apparent across different tracks; for instance, the lively acoustic guitar in “Sequence of Voices” and “More,” the subtle organ sounds and melancholic singing in “Offerings,” and the energetic instrumentation with a groovy bass in “Moon Man,” which features a bright, hopeful dual vocal chorus.
For each of their four singles, Chartreuse shared personal reflections on the themes behind the songs—Hattie Wilson discussed “Losing It” and “Fold,” Mike Wagstaff addressed “More” and “Sequence of Voices.” In his note for the latest single “More,” Wagstaff wrote: “The pressure that I put on myself to write this music and make it the best it can be is completely self-imposed. Ultimately, it’s about not wanting to be seen—staying in a state of introversion and remaining there. This is a sentiment I aimed to express in the song. When I sing ‘they want to see you naked, they want to hear you say it, I don’t want to wear a mask,’ it reflects my inner dialogue regarding the duality in my personality, revealing my desire to not feel invisible most of the time.”
There is a striking alignment of vulnerability and trust in Chartreuse's Bless You & Be Well—not only through their willingness to explore changes in sound but also in the openness of their lyrics and the personal stories behind them, which are woven throughout the record.
It can seem peculiar to realize how relinquishing control or letting go of certain elements can bring someone closer to their true self. It is equally strange to step back from producing—an area where Mike Wagstaff had taken charge for much of the band's previous work—and embrace a new realm of creative freedom, potentially leading to delightful surprises.
Read our intimate conversation with Chartreuse below and stream their sophomore album, Bless You & Be Well, wherever you listen to music!
— —
:: stream/purchase Bless You & Be Well here ::
:: connect with Chartreuse here ::
— —
A CONVERSATION WITH CHARTREUSE
Atwood Magazine: What bands have you been listening to, and who do you consider your influences?
runo plum radiates a captivating warmth in “Lemon Garland,” a nostalgic and enchanting reflection filled with longing, closeness, and the tender beauty of companionship. In conversation with Atwood Magazine, the Minneapolis singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on solitude, desire, and the fragile connections of friendship, providing insight into the developing artistry that has established her as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie folk.
Completely sunlit, vibrantly crafted pop music.
Combining emotion with pure strength.
“This song captures that moment when you choose to let go of concern for who’s observing, and instead, just dance with complete abandon.”
Norwegian artist Jouska has released a new track titled 'California'. The songwriter’s upcoming album 'How Did I End Up Here?' will be available on October 17th and tells various stories.
The Black Country indie band Chartreuse created ‘Bless You & Be Well’ by fully embracing their instruments, trusting their instincts, and expanding their hearts more than ever.