Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Cornwell.
Hi Charlie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi there! My name’s Charlie, I’m the guitarist and singer for Electric Circus, a hard rock band from Baltimore. We’ve rocked around the local rock scene, and we’ve been working our way up the ladder so far through hard work, determination, and our passion for making music. I personally began playing the guitar in late 2017, seeking to find something I would enjoy and would be able to continually learn with. I quickly fell in love with the guitar and I couldn’t put it down. Back in 2018, Tyler Stover and I met playing together at a local music school and became friends. We started playing together outside of the music school and started a band together. For the longest time we searched for other musicians, and it was so hard to come across anyone who played our style of music at our age. It was very discouraging and difficult, but we stayed true and never gave up in our search to put together the band we dreamed of. Then in 2022 we met our bass player Kieth Surbrook, he’d seen our ad in a local music store and reached out and we met in person not too long after. He played one song and he was in undoubtedly, we knew right then he was the perfect fit. Fast forward six months of nonstop rehearsal and drilling originals and covers. We still couldn’t find a singer and we were losing hope. Then we all decided to bite the bullet and do it ourselves so we could reach the next level in our journey. Kieth and I began singing lead and Tyler doing backups. Fast forward to now we’ve made a name for ourselves in the local scene for our high energy show and skillsets. We love to put on a fun, and interactive show for the crowd. And that has helped us to get where we are now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
ABSOLUTELY NOT hahaha. It was such a challenge to find musicians our age who were into the same type of music we are, as well as dedication and proper skillset. Getting our name out there to start things rolling was such a challenge to get shows because absolutely no one knew us. As well as trying to market ourselves as much as we could to get in the door of places proved to be very challenging early on in the process because we had no prior reputation so it’s totally understandable. But still a good challenge.
Also keeping your head up high after every let down, mishap, sideswipe, and heartbreak that comes your way while pursuing a dream you love and want more than anything can prove to be very difficult, but it is far beyond worth it in the end when things start paying off and you achieve that goal.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We write our own original songs and put a special twist on the few covers we throw into the set live as well. And we put on a unique show every time we play out. We specialize in hard rock, such as the style of Van Halen, The Scorpions, Dokken, and many more. We’re known for having extremely high energy during the show, Charlie for his shredder guitar playing and interesting riffs, headset mic, plus his energizer bunny meets the Tasmanian devil drinking coffee on stage acrobatic show. Tyler for his insane drum antics and impressive grooves + ability to stay perfectly in the pocket with every turn. Kieth for his thunderous bass lines and feel with every song, riff change, and every bass run adds the perfect amount of spice and character to each song. We’re most proud of the work we’ve done so far, and how fast we’ve been able to work our way up the ladder as we’ve only been on the circuit since August of 2023. As well as how we’ve grown as a band and been able to adapt seamlessly as a three-piece act and be able to put on the show and have the sound like we have an frontman. Our style of music sets us very apart from others because we’re one of the only bands in the area that plays this kind of music, as well as our looks and stage antics our very unique as well.
What’s next?
We’re going into the studio to record an EP for a big show coming up early this summer! We can’t wait to professional record three of our songs to put out for everyone to hear. We’re hoping to climb higher up the ladder with things this summer and begin to play even bigger venues and put on even better shows. The sky is the limit when you love what you do and put your heart into it, and we plan to go as far as we possibly can!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electriccircus_band/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Electric-Circus/61552144616374/
- Other: https://www.badlandsguitarcompany.com/charlie-cornwell
Image Credits
Stephanie Cincinnati – Catonsville Clubhouse pics
Hannah Lujbli – Zen West pics
Owen Paugh – Early Zen West pics
