San Diego based trio, The Chartreuse release their debut single, “Nothing Serves” b/w “Up In The Sky,” on October 31, via Pacific Records. Built around the songwriting of singer / guitarist / multi-instrumentalist Tim Ellison (also in legendary combo, The Nephews) and singer / bassist Donna Daly (formerly of SDMA nominated Cat 22), the trio also includes singer / keyboardist Matt Mielczarek (also in Hector Penalosa Gang), with Mike Kamoo (production / drums / cello), Chloe Lou (vocals) and Ted Stern (pedal steel) also taking part in the new single. The single will be available both digitally and on vinyl, with cover art by Michael Buchmiller.
“We aren’t beholden to a particular genre,” noted Daly. “I hear VU, psychedelia, folk rock, and, at times, a heavy “no wave” vibe. It’s an eclectic mix. I write the lyrics, and Tim works his musical magic on them.”
How did the band come together? “Tim and I met about a year or so ago while walking at Lake Murray,” Daly said. “We developed a friendship over time and realized that we have a lot of common ground, musically and in life. During a walk a few months ago, I asked Tim if he would consider collaborating musically, and the rest is history.” Ellison notes that the first recording was a version of “Up In The Sky,” which Daly brought to the project. “I helped arrange it, and then the next step was the co-written song “Nothing Serves.”
“This is a very collaborative process,” Daly remarked. “I write words and Tim writes music. There is no distinct band leader per se, and we brainstorm and discuss things to reach consensus. We also became good friends before deciding we wanted to work together musically, and that was key.”
“Up In The Sky” definitely has a folk rock / VU feel, while the A-side has a distinctly vintage country vibe. What was the inspiration for “Nothing Serves? “I wrote the lyrics for “Nothing Serves” to respond to the last nine months of domestic and world affairs, particularly the future of American democracy. We don’t need any more kings, and the song was a catharsis of sorts. Tim created the music, which is a perfect fit. I also love that the track features Chloe Lou Liddell’s evocative vocals, Ted Stern’s masterful pedal steel, and Mike Kamoo’s percussion and sound-engineering gifts.”
Following the release of “Nothing Serves” the band is heading back in the studio to lay down tracks for a full length EP due in early 2026. “We have some work to do right now on the new material and then hopefully be ready to play out live in the near future,” Ellison said.