Golden State of Mind Blog

Charlie Stockwell and the Shipwrecks Make Their Live Debut at the Tiki Bar

CHARLIE@ESTOCKWELL.COM (Charles Stockwell) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:53:41 GMT

COSTA MESA, Calif. — On Thursday, October 1, Charlie Stockwell and the Shipwrecks played their first show together as a full band, headlining the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa. The night doubled as the live release party for Golden State of Mind, Stockwell's album released September 11.

Taking the stage for his first concert with a band, Stockwell played with the confidence of a veteran. Backed by Rowan Smy on lead guitar, Steve Lunn on drums and Jody Shields on bass, the band locked in from the opening notes of "Your Ocean Blue" and never let go, moving through a fifteen song set that drew heavily on the new album while nodding to the artists who shaped his sound.

Turnout was light, as Thursday nights go: about sixty five people, mostly friends from the Newport and Costa Mesa area.

Stockwell introduced the band to the crowd by name, tagging drummer Steve Lunn as "Steve Donald Duck Lunn," after Donald "Duck" Dunn of the Blues Brothers Band.

The covers were a statement in themselves: Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic," Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Southern Cross," the Faces' "Oh La La," the Jerry Garcia Band's "Waiting for a Miracle" (Bruce Cockburn), Colin Hay's "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin," and "Paradise Beach" by Magic Von Shy. The highlight of the night came during "Southern Cross," when Stockwell & the Wrecks got the crowd dancing. Stockwell also premiered a brand new song, "Wayward and Wandering," in its live debut.

"I played with a lot of confidence. The band played well," Stockwell said of the night. The room responded in kind. After the set, audience members told him how proud they were, and how confident and polished the whole performance sounded.

Thanks are due to the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa and its staff for the warm welcome. And the feeling is mutual: the venue has asked the band back in January for another performance.

The full show was filmed on three cameras, and the concert video is in the works. Until then, Golden State of Mind is streaming everywhere: charliestockwellmusic.com

Charlie Stockwell's "Your Ocean Blue" Featured by Rising Artists Blog

Charlie@CharlieStockwellmusic.com (Chalrie Stockwell) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 18:57:29 GMT

Rising Artists Blog just published a full review and press interview spotlighting Charlie Stockwell's single "Your Ocean Blue." The feature dives into the Catalina Island origins of the track, the recording approach that captured its live energy, and the lyric craft that makes each verse feel like open water.

For anyone following the buildup to the Golden State of Mind album, this coverage marks an important milestone. Here's the story behind the song, straight from the interview.

Key Takeaways: Charlie Stockwell's "Your Ocean Blue" Press Feature

Rising Artists Blog published a dedicated review and Q&A exploring the inspiration, recording, and lyrics of "Your Ocean Blue."
The song draws directly from Charlie Stockwell's time boating at Cherry Cove on Catalina Island.
Live-play dancing energy drove the studio recording approach, giving the track its natural, rhythmic momentum.
A standout lyric about phosphorescent silhouettes of light captures a real late-night swimming experience in the ocean.
"Your Ocean Blue" is one of nine tracks on the upcoming album Golden State of Mind, with more recordings planned.

What the Rising Artists Review Highlights About "Your Ocean Blue"

The Rising Artists Blog review describes "Your Ocean Blue" as an immersive sonic landscape built on shimmering guitar lines, warm electric piano chords, and a rolling rhythm section. The reviewer notes that the production mirrors the rise and fall of ocean waves, giving each instrument room to breathe.

Charlie Stockwell's vocal delivery earns particular attention. The review calls it smooth, soulful, and effortlessly expressive, balancing tender verses with soaring melodic climaxes in the chorus. That blend of warmth and range is a signature Charlie Stockwell brings to every performance.

Why This Press Feature Matters Now

Independent press coverage positions a single within a larger story. With Golden State of Mind on the horizon, the Rising Artists feature introduces "Your Ocean Blue" to music bloggers and playlist curators who shape early discovery.

A published Q&A also gives listeners direct access to the artist's own words. That kind of first-person storytelling builds trust and anticipation well before an album drops.

Catalina, Cherry Cove, and the Song's Imagery

In the interview, Charlie Stockwell traces the song back to the Two Harbors area of Catalina Island. He spends roughly 45 days a year living on a boat in Cherry Cove and describes the island as an addiction that calls you to return.

That pull is woven into the opening verse: "a singular mission to return to the waters so wild." Boaters who know the channel crossing recognize that feeling immediately. The lyric turns a personal ritual into something universal.

The Lyric That Says the Most

When asked about his favorite line, Charlie Stockwell pointed to: "In the warm summer night, we swim in the water, so naked our silhouettes of light." He explains that the silhouettes of light refer to phosphorescence, microscopic organisms in the water that glow when disturbed.

Late-night swims after a good evening with friends on the boat are a regular occurrence. The image is vivid because it comes from a real, repeated experience rather than poetic invention.

How "Your Ocean Blue" Was Built in the Studio

The interview reveals a recording approach grounded in physical movement and spontaneity. Charlie Stockwell describes the lyrics arriving fast, almost like rap music, carried by the song's natural rhythm. When recording, his whole body moves and dances to keep the energy alive.

That led to a deliberate production choice: bring the live-play dancing energy into the album recording. The result is a track that carries the feel of a live set, captured with studio clarity.

Perfecting the lyrics took months of refinement through live performances and home studio sessions. The bulk of the words came quickly, but smoothing every line until it flowed took patience and trial and error.

What This Means for Golden State of Mind

"Your Ocean Blue" is one of nine songs on the upcoming album Golden State of Mind. Most tracks on the record follow themes of ocean love and coastal life. Songs like "Paradise Beach" explore the feeling of beachside warmth, while "Warmed by the Sun" dives into the relationship between the ocean and the island.

Charlie Stockwell has also shared that plans are in place to record additional songs beyond this album. His songwriting continues to sharpen, and the Rising Artists feature positions "Your Ocean Blue" as a compelling preview of what the full record will deliver.

Where to Read the Interview and Hear the Song

The complete review and press Q&A is available on Rising Artists Blog. You can read the full feature, including Charlie Stockwell's answers about Catalina life, studio decisions, and his favorite lyric.

To hear "Your Ocean Blue" and explore more of Charlie Stockwell's catalog, visit his SoundCloud page. Keep an eye on the Golden State of Mind Blog for updates as the album release approaches.

FAQs About Charlie Stockwell's "Your Ocean Blue" Press Feature

What is "Your Ocean Blue" by Charlie Stockwell about?

"Your Ocean Blue" is inspired by Charlie Stockwell's time boating at Cherry Cove on Catalina Island. The song captures the pull of ocean life, from the sound of waves lapping at the hull to the glow of phosphorescent water at night.

Where was the Rising Artists Blog review published?

Rising Artists Blog published the full review and press interview on their website. The feature includes a critical review of the track's production and a detailed Q&A with Charlie Stockwell covering the song's origins and recording process.

What album is "Your Ocean Blue" part of?

"Your Ocean Blue" is part of Charlie Stockwell's nine-song album Golden State of Mind. The album centers on themes of ocean love and California coastal life, with additional recordings planned beyond the initial nine tracks.

How was "Your Ocean Blue" recorded?

Charlie Stockwell and his production team chose to bring live-play dancing energy into the studio recording. The approach preserves the natural rhythm and physicality of a live performance while maintaining studio-quality production.

Where can you listen to Charlie Stockwell's music?

You can stream Charlie Stockwell's music on SoundCloud, where tracks like "Warmed by the Sun" are available alongside other releases. Visit the Golden State of Mind Blog for the latest news on upcoming songs and album updates.

Your Ocean Blue - Unique sound. Where did it come from?

Charlie@CharlieStockwellmusic.com (Chalrie Stockwell) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:50:04 GMT

1. What was the initial spark or personal experience that inspired the creation of "Your Ocean Blue"?

My time boating in Southern California, specifically the Two Harbors area of Catalina Island. I spend about 45 days a year living on a boat in Cherry Cove. And I wish I could spend 365 days. The island is like an addiction. It calls for you to return when you are away. I am not alone. Many other boaters feel that same way. I think that is why that first verse speaks to so many similar-minded people. “a singular mission to return to the waters so wild”

2. The soundscape of this track feels remarkably deep and immersive. How did you approach the instrumentation and production choices to mirror the emotion of the title?

The lyrics on this song come out fast and quick. Almost like rap music. But the meaning just flows. It also needs the energy. When I recorded this, and when I play this, my whole body moves and dances to the rhythm. That energy keeps the lyric flowing and feeling so natural. When recording this, we made the decision to bring that live-play dancing energy to the album recording.

3. Is there a specific line or lyric in "Your Ocean Blue" that holds the most personal significance to you, and why?

My favorite line. “In the warm summer night, we swim in the water, so naked our silhouettes of light”. This may sound sensational, but it truly is something that happens regularly. After a good night spent with friends, returning to the boat, the dark, warm water beckons you to strip down and just jump in. No time for bathing suits. The silhouettes of light refer to a common phenomenon of phosphorescence. Microscopic creatures in the water that glow in the dark. When you dive in, they glow, and you see the glowing shape on the body.

4. What was the most challenging aspect of taking this track from an initial concept to its final mastered version?

Perfecting the lyrics. The bulk of lyric cam quickly, but refining them so that they flowed so smoothly was months of work, trial and error, through live performances and countless hours in my home studio.

5. When audiences listen to "Your Ocean Blue," what primary feeling or message do you hope stays with them?

Enjoy boating and the ocean wherever you are, and however you can. Local Catalina folks have told me they love the line “the sound of the waves that lap at the hull at night”. It is a unique thing, and anybody who has slept on a boat will tell you that sound of waves slapping on the hull makes you sleep beautifully.

6. How does "Your Ocean Blue" set the stage for where you are heading next musically? Can fans expect an EP or album in the near future?

Your Ocean Blue is part of a 9 Song Album called “Golden State of Mind”. Most of the songs follow this theme of love for the ocean and boating. Songs like “Paradise Beach” describe that warm feeling of beachside life and being. Or “Warmed by the Sun,” which describes the million-year-old torrid relationship between the oceans and the island. More is in the works… Plans are in place to record 10 more songs for release in 2027. My songwriting has gotten much stronger, and I am very excited for the new material.

Album Release Journey 2026

Charlie@CharlieStockwellmusic.com (Chalrie Stockwell) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:07:47 GMT

Follow my album release journey through songwriting, recording, live shows, and the process of sharing new music in 2026.

Hello friends.

I am a prolific songwriter, but getting that material recorded in a way that I was happy with was a real challenge.

Over a year ago, I worked in a local Long Beach studio and got my first song recorded. At the time, I had ambitious goals to record a handful of songs. That process was slow, and the result was the song "An Album in The Sun" released in 2025. Having been frustrated by that process and the product, I went back into my home studio and tried doing it myself. To notably lackluster results. I needed to find the right team to work with. Accept I cannot do it alone.

So, back in March of 2026, i started looking for a local studio. That is when posted on the app Vampr looking for a studio. I got many replies, most from far-away places and people who didn't fit my needs. Beatmakers and mastering, even a few scams.

One of the first listings that I connected with was Rowan Smy, the producer on "Golden State of Mind". After a few easy conversations and some very nice-sounding samples of work he had done in the past, i decided to give it a shot.

Starting in March, we recorded two initial tracks. The songs "Your Ocean Blue" and "Paradise Beach" Were the first tracks to be laid down. The result was nothing short of amazing. Giving me the confidence boost and the ambition that perhaps doing an entire album would be more effective than just releasing a single and a B-side. So we continued, and more songs were in the next tranche. Then four songs in a marathon session. Songs like "Twist Me, Tie Me" came out of those sessions with nothing more than just a few weeks since they had been written.

The Process overall was truly an incredible experience. Going into it with so little understanding of the process and coming out of it understanding my songwriting skills, and most notably the range and potential of my voice. I owe so much to the producing skills of Rowan Smy and to him challenging me to reach places I didn't think I could go

Key Takeaways: Album Release Journey 2026

The title track "Golden State of Mind" was a surprise. And as we played it more, it became clear it was the anthem for the album, and as such, the album was named for it
"Your Ocean Blue" was one of the most unusual songs on the album, with its fast and frenetic-paced lyrics that just flowed like the never-ending sea.
The song "So Clear" was written last October while I was recovering from knee surgery. It's quite ironic that, from a moment when I was taking a good amount of pain killers for managing post surgical pain, a song about clarity and confidence came out of it
"Passagemakers Song" was a long-time fan favorite because of its haunting harmonies and ethereal sound. I'm glad we were able to capture that unique essence of this song
I don't think I expected much out of the song "Inner Peace". But after it all came together in the studio and we discovered its massive, driving rock backbone it wound up as the number two track on my album

Why I’m Sharing My Album Release Journey

This all has been a learning curve for me

The first thing I said when I was in the studio was I've only done this once before and the experience was not that great. So let me know if I get on your nerves and I'll let you know if you get on mine. I thrilled to say that that never happened. Rowan and I spent hours and hours working together and never once got in each other's way or thought we we're better at doing something

The live band Charlie Stockwell and the Shipwrecks, as well as promoting live events around Southern California was a huge learning process.

I hope that I can show or share some of that information with you

Why I Want You in the Process

The success of this album relies strictly on you, my friends and my fans. I need people to listen; I need people to share; I need people to post, and I need people to appreciate all the effort and work we put into this album.

I'm confident in the material, and I hope you find the same joy that I have found making it

That kind of connection matters to me. It turns a release into something shared instead of something announced at the very end.

How the Album Is Coming Together

What I’m Learning Along the Way

This process keeps teaching me patience. Not every strong idea stays strong the next day, and not every quiet idea should be overlooked. My need and desire to put it out as quickly as possible is tempered by my long term strategic thinking for all of the album and songs

I’m also learning how much small choices shape the final result. A subtle harmony, a different tempo, or a stripped-back arrangement can completely change the emotional weight of a song.

What’s Ahead for Live Events and Music Promotion

Upcoming Live Performances

Live events are an important part of this release. I want to play these songs in real spaces where people can hear them up close and connect with them in the moment.

That is why I formed Charlie Stockwell and the Shipwrecks with CO-performers Rowan Smy and Steve. We have an upcoming date October 1st at the Tiki Bar in Orange County in Costa Mesa at 8:00. We're constantly out looking for new and other places to play. With regular rehearsals the sound is becoming really incredible

How I’ll Be Sharing the Music

I’ll be promoting the music in ways that feel honest to me. That includes updates here, social posts, video snippets, and direct messages to the people who want to stay close to the journey.

The goal is not just to announce the music once. It’s to keep building a relationship around the release so each song has time to land with people.

How You Can Follow and Support the Album Release Journey

The easiest way to stay connected is to follow these updates as I share them. I’ll use this space to post progress, live event news, and moments from behind the scenes.

You can also help by listening, sharing songs when they arrive, inviting people to shows, and passing updates along to someone who might connect with the music.

Every bit of support matters. When you follow along, you’re helping turn this album from a personal project into something that reaches other people in a real way.

FAQs About the Album Release Journey

What is an album release journey?

An album release journey is the full process of making and sharing an album. It includes writing, recording, planning live events, promotion, and the final release itself.

Will there be live events connected to the album?

Yes, live events are part of the plan. I’ll share dates and details as they come together so people can follow along and hopefully join in person.

The album release party will be at the Tiki Bar OC in Costa Mesa

How can people support the album release?

People can support the release by reading updates, listening to new music, sharing posts, coming to shows, and telling others about the project.

In addition if streaming isn't your preference and you want to put money in our pocket You can download the album on Band Camp and get the original files