North East musician to feature on Craig Charles album

Alex Opal's track "Telling You Lies" is being included on the soul icon's compilation album

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 30th Oct 2020

Renowned funk and soul icon Craig Charles has selected the latest single from North East funk and soul artist Alex Opal to feature on his upcoming compilation album.

Alex's 2020 single, ‘Telling You Lies’ will be included on the radio host, actor and DJ’s ‘Trunk of Funk’ album.

Alex says he didn’t know what to expect when he self-released his first two singles earlier this year, but after releasing Telling You Lies to the world, Craig Charles “connected with it straight away”.

“It’s a massive honour to have my single, 'Telling You Lies' on Craig’s new compilation,” says Opal. “There are so many amazing musicians from the North East playing on the record; it’s a real showcase of musical talent in the region.

“It has been a tough time for people over the last year. Unemployment rates are at an all-time high and many of my mates have lost their jobs or have been affected financially.

“Soul obsessives like Craig and myself are drawn to soul music because a song which may be heart-breaking lyrically, can still inspire you to get up and dance. I think this is what makes my music relevant today, especially in these difficult times.”

Since then - the pair have struck up an unexpected friendship;

“We have hung out together a few times now. Backstage at his last Newcastle show at the Virgin Money Unity Arena he was playing the grand piano magnificently.

“He has a real love for my music and he’s actually become a good mate now, which is pretty mad to think about! He does so much to promote the genre and it’s so refreshing to meet a major radio DJ still taking a personal interest in the development of artists.”

The album is set to be released on the 6th of November.