On ‘Charlie’, KATHMANDU talk about the feeling of falling in love in summer, it’s light, a little dreamy, and kind of messy in the best possible way. “It’s not thought about too much nor overly deep, just that vibe of being with someone who makes everything feel a little brighter. The song started out as a bit of a joke; just a sappy little summer song inspired by ‘Don’t Wanna Be Okay Without You’ by Charlie Burg (hence the name). I didn’t expect much from it, but whenever we played it live people really connected with it. So now it kind of means more to me, like a reminder that even simple, happy songs can hit home.”

The musical arrangements on ‘Charlie’ are pretty stripped back, which gives the song a natural and nostalgic feeling, like something you’d hear on a road trip playlist. KATHMANDU’s latest is perfect to listen to during a golden hour drive, with the windows down, on the way to the beach, or late at night when you’re thinking about someone and smiling for no real reason. “It’s a feel-good song, so anytime you want to feel a little better!”

KATHMANDU is an alternative four-piece band led by songwriter and lyricist Donna Marie. Their catchy dreamy songs thrive on the tension between light and dark, exploring the spaces where the two meet. Drawing from the vast realms of alternative music, the band blends introspective reflection with the playfulness of indie pop. Yet, at their most ambitious, their songs will draw you in, leading the way to climaxes of a cinematic grandeur. KATHMANDU is perhaps best compared to incense smoke. Hazy, but uplifting with an intense melancholy air that lingers.

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