Edito de Like a HoboEvery now and then a British artist finds success abroad before their homeland discovers their talent. In the case of Suffolk musician Charlie Winston it is the French who have first embraced his unique blend of quirky alternative folk-rock-pop sending his debut single ?Like A Hobo? to the top of the charts on its release in January and his album ?Hobo? to stratospheric sales (it is now certified platinum).
The child of musician parents and brother of folk singer Tom Baxter, Charlie grew up in a hotel in Suffolk through which passed an endless procession of itinerant artists, orchestras, actors and thespians. Charlie developed a deep love for the performing arts and entertainment whilst nurturing his musical talents. After several years of busking his way around Europe, writing music for theatre and dance productions, and playing in bands Charlie decamped to Paris when Peter Gabriel's Real World Records licensed ?Like a Hobo? to the French label Atmosphériques - Winston had left an EP at Gabriel's flat while babysitting - and within weeks he was at the top of the charts and being declared a national superstar by a nation that had fallen for his soulful voice and instantly catchy melodies.