Nick Charles

“Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic blues and roots guitar music”

Upcoming gigs

A life in music...

With dazzling melodic fingerpicking on six and twelve string guitars, stinging bottleneck slide and a lifetime’s stories and songs gathered or written on the world’s musical highways it’s no surprise that Nick Charles is labelled internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”.

During his extensive and acclaimed career, Nick has released nearly twenty albums on major Australian and US roots music labels. His recordings have garnered worldwide recognition beginning with “My Place” and now his most recent release “Guitar Music”. This recognition has succeeded in having Nick signed to the Grammy Award-winning label, Solid Air Records USA (“Home of the World’s Finest Guitarists”). The only other Australian recognized by the label being Tommy Emmanuel.

Consistently averaging 150 shows a year in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, his music encompasses a delightful and eclectic mix of acoustic roots including blues, folk and early ragtime jazz. Along the way, there are stylish nods to the Great American Songbook and the finest contemporary players and composers from Chet Atkins to Lennon and McCartney to Leo Kottke.

Nick has been widely recognised in the industry for his talent and work. His awards include: Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year 2014, twice winner of the Australian Song Contest, Song of the Year 2013 and 2014 (Australian Blues Awards), Album of the Year (MBAS) multiple times, Song of the Year (MBAS) multiple times, Solo Performer of the Year multiple times and The Age Victorian Blues Album of the Year 2016

Nick is also an experienced educator and continues to share his vast depth of guitar knowledge and enthusiasm with his many students. Nick also writes columns for several music magazines.

Nick’s current projects include composing pieces for his next solo album; playing with the classic Aussie band, The Stars, alongside lead singer and long-time friend and collaborator, Mick Pealing; or performing solo or with Mick around the country. Make sure to check out Nick and Mick’s latest album release, “Songs from This Town”.

Sign up for Nick’s newsletter using the form below, and come along to a gig soon. You won’t be disappointed.

Purchase CDs

Nick's Guitars

Nick is a Maton Guitars' featured artist.

Nick plays and recommends Maton's C.S. Classic six-string acoustic guitar and their SRS70C12 12-string guitar.

Check out Maton's website for full details of these beautiful instruments.

Visit Nick's YouTube Channel

Watch as Nick performs some of his favourite pieces.

Listen on Spotify

Sign up for Nick's newsletter

Tell the world...