Charlie Havenick - "Queen Anne"

Charlie Havenick isn’t afraid to toy around with different sounds. The Los Angeles songwriter cut their teeth in a jazz-loving, math rock group called The Stamp Collection and went solo during the pandemic, exploring less math-y sounds and simultaneously turning the thematic focus onto their own experiences. Their debut solo offering “Easy, Fire” seemed like a first step forward into new territory, with Havenick dipping their toes into more folk-oriented songwriting, while their second single, “Dichotomy,” was more Evan Dando-esque in its classic college rock leanings. Havenick’s latest track, “Queen Anne,” again showcases her desire to venture out into music that’s a bit more personal and rooted in powerful melodies.

Havenick exudes some Los Angeles flair from the get-go, wasting no time working in a Joan Didion reference in the track’s opening seconds. “Slouching towards Bethlehem, you’re gonna die someday,” sings Havenick, in a way adopting a bit of Didion’s outward gaze, but instead directing their focus onto their younger self. They barely recognize how they used to be, unwaveringly singing, “I don’t want to be you.” Havenick is an accomplished guitar player and really succeeds in getting the most of the instrument, layering their playing in a way that yields maximum floatiness. 

Stream “Queen Anne” below!

Check out Charlie’s music on Bandcamp. You can also stream it on Spotify. Keep up with Havenick by following them on Instagram.