After a 15-year hiatus from songwriting, Austin-based Americana artist Charley Ramsay has quietly re-entered the music world with a renewed sense of purpose. His latest release, *Bottle Rocket Sunsets*, produced by Andy Sharp (Sheryl Crow, Spoon), earned him a 2025 Unsigned Music Awards semi-finalist placement and marks a powerful return to form for this seasoned songwriter.
Deep Roots in the Austin Scene
Charley’s musical journey began in the late 1980s, writing and performing alongside close collaborators in the vibrant Austin and San Marcos music scenes. For over a decade, he honed his craft, co-writing songs that eventually appeared on television shows including *Veronica Mars* and the ABC Studios series *Cupid*. His 2008 solo album *Catalyst* showcased his distinctive voice before he stepped away from songwriting entirely.
“I spent more than 10 years writing and performing in the Austin and San Marcos area with close collaborators,” Charley reflects. “After releasing *Catalyst* in 2008, I stepped away from songwriting for more than 15 years.”
A Quiet Re-Entry
In 2024, Charley released *Dirt Floor Camelot*, a project that served as both a personal milestone and a creative reawakening. The album reconnected him with songwriting on his own terms, free from industry pressures or expectations. That quiet return set the stage for *Bottle Rocket Sunsets*, a collaboration with producer Andy Sharp that brought fresh energy to Charley’s introspective songwriting style.
Drawing from influences like Chris Whitley, John Hammond Jr., Nick Drake, and The Beatles, Charley’s music blends Americana, country, and alternative elements with thoughtful, poetic lyricism. His instrumentation centers around acoustic, classical, and resonator guitars, with harmonica adding texture to his storytelling.
Memorable Moments
One standout memory from Charley’s early days still resonates: playing South by Southwest in Austin opposite Stevie Ray Vaughan. “That was something special,” he says, recalling the energy and chaos of those breakthrough years.
Now based in Austin, Texas, Charley continues to write and record, with new releases on the horizon. Fans can stay updated on upcoming projects through his website at charleyramsay.com.
With *Bottle Rocket Sunsets* earning critical recognition and reconnecting him with audiences old and new, Charley Ramsay’s return to music proves that some stories are worth waiting for.
**Connect with Charley Ramsay:**
Instagram: @cramsay3
Website: charleyramsay.com