Charlie Straight
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Třinec , Czech Republic |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Charlie Straight was an indie rock ensemble originating from Třinec, Czech Republic, established in 2006. Their sound merged indie rock with melodic and electronic influences, featuring exclusively English lyrics. Over their career, they produced two studio albums, earned multiple accolades, and dissolved in 2013. Following the split, frontman Albert Černý went on to create the indie pop band Lake Malawi, which represented the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.
History
The band came together in 2006 with members Albert Černý (lead vocals), Jan Cienciala (bass), Michal Šupák (guitar and programming), and Pavel Pilch (drums). Pilch, who had been Černý's drum instructor, also performed jazz alongside Šupák, an alumnus of the AMU. Černý and Cienciala were former schoolmates who had previously collaborated musically.
Their first album, She's a Good Swimmer (2009), was met with favorable critiques, received a nomination for a Český slavík award, and secured three Anděl Awards including Discovery of the Year, Best Music Video for "Platonic Johny," and Best Album. The group cultivated a following both domestically and internationally through live performances at concerts and festivals.
In 2010, Charlie Straight earned the inaugural MTV Europe Music Award for Best Czech & Slovak Act, an honor presented by Karel Gott, which they successfully defended in 2011.
Their sophomore release, Someone with a Slow Heartbeat (2012), was succeeded by a tour across the UK in 2013. That year also saw the release of the single "I Sleep Alone" featuring Markéta Irglová, along with winning an Anděl Award for Song of the Year with "Coco." The band officially announced their disbandment later in 2013. Subsequently, Černý founded Lake Malawi, Šupák initiated Noisy Pots, and Cienciala started Big Destiny.
Band members
- Albert Černý – vocals, guitar
- Jan Cienciala – bass
- Michal Šupák – guitar, programming
- Pavel Pilch – drums
Discography
Albums
- She's a Good Swimmer (2009)
- Someone with a Slow Heartbeat (2012)
Singles
- "I Sleep Alone (feat. Markéta Irglová)" (2013)
Awards
- Nominated – 2009 Český slavík – Discovery of the Year for She's a Good Swimmer
- 2009 Anděl Awards – Discovery of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Album for She's a Good Swimmer
- MTV Europe Music Award for Best Czech & Slovak Act 2010, 2011
- 2011 Český slavík – Music Video of the Year
- 2012 Český slavík – Internet Star
- 2013 Anděl Award – Song of the Year for "Coco"