Charles James and The Rise

Charles James & The Rise is the folk project of husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell. Drawing from the rugged beauty of Donegal and the timeless darkness of folk tradition, their music weaves cinematic depth with choral harmonies. A Ship’s Pilot by trade, Charles writes from a life shaped by adventure, loss, and the wild Irish coastline.

The duo has garnered widespread acclaim for their emotive storytelling and electrifying live performances, which have graced stages from Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing to Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Centre. Their deeply personal approach to songwriting has won fans across the globe and has placed them firmly on the radar of folk and indie music lovers alike.

The first singles off their debut album have been released to critical acclaim, with "The Sailor & The Saint," earning a Hot Press Premiere, “Carry On” being named Hot Press Track of the Day and “Greatest Prize” featuring in numerous top 10’s and tracks of the week globally. Already recognized as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s (ES) “20 Artists You Should Know for 2024,” and kicking off 2025 with a showcase at Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland’s folk and roots conference, Charles James & The Rise are solidifying their place as one of the most captivating folk acts on the scene.