Up-and-coming local artist Saddles' well-worn acoustic sound and powerful lyrics may pack the punch of years of experience, but listeners may be surprised that only one man and a few months of inspiration are behind its timeless sound.
After years in local bands, Phoenix musician Charles Barth is striking out on his own as Saddles, making his live debut Friday at the Clubhouse. A refugee from Valley post-hardcore outfit Black Hole Calcutta, Barth says his solo material is an almost-complete stylistic reversal.
"I was frustrated that we were never playing with anyone I respected, just a bunch of kids doing screamo," Barth says. "This music is just kind of a departure from that in every way."
Barth chose the name Saddles to echo what he calls the "Western feel" of the solo material, strongly influenced by alt-country artists like The Snake The Cross The Crown and Briertone.
"I just really admire their storytelling," Barth says, "and tying them into real catchy melodies."
Barth says Saddles' biggest musical influence is former Pedro the Lion bandleader David Bazan, whose December concert in Tucson he cites as life changing.
Originally envisioning Saddles as a multimedia spectacle, with "huge visions of all these electronics up on stage," Barth says he was inspired by Bazan's stripped-down show.
"It was just him up there with his guitar," he says, "and I realized how strong the songwriting was."
Barth says he now plans on holding a simple performance to showcase his talent. "I just need to write good songs and let that be the show — just me and my guitar."
Barth says that while it's hard to remember how long he's been writing his solo songs, he's only been working on the recordings since December.
Now, just a few months later, he's about to make his live debut with rising local stars Dear and the Headlights. They're making a stop in Tempe before heading out on a nationwide tour with Jimmy Eat World and Paramore.
"It's like reaching a goal, for me," he says. "Dear and the Headlights are such a huge influence on my music, so I'm just considering it a pleasure to play with them."
And what does Barth do with his spare time? A glance at his MySpace page reveals a fervent dedication to one very particular condiment — Skippy reduced-fat peanut butter.
"I'm just nuts for it — it has to be reduced fat, on any kind of fruit."
Barth says his obsession hasn't yet affected his music, but only time can tell.
"I just love the hell out of peanut butter," Barth says.
If you go:
Saddles at the Clubhouse
Friday, Feb. 29.
1320 E Broadway Road
6:30 p.m. All ages, bar with ID.
Reach the reporter at: samuel.gavin@asu.edu
