The latest release from Katy Guillen & The Drive has a compelling, slow groove and a sweetly absorbing melody that hooks you into the heartache and loss of ‘Goodbye Charlie’. The found-footage style of the video helps to create a sense of warm nostalgia; laced with resignation and the bittersweet passage of time, it’s a fitting accompaniment to Guillen’s smart lyricism: “Crooked edges swirling by me. Seasons pass, I found some traction at last.”
Guillen told AUK about ‘Goodbye Charlie’: “This song is about moving through grief after the loss of a beloved pet. It’s a love letter and a cry out to let them know that they’ll always be with me. Pets become family, and losing Charlie was a major blow that left a heaviness in my heart. I was genuinely surprised at how hard it was to process his passing, but writing this song helped me find some peace.” Pet owners out there will be able to understand the truth of this and will appreciate Charlie’s appearances in the video.
This Kansas City-based duo is comprised of musical and life partners Katy Guillen, who delivers vocals and guitar, and Stephanie Williams on drums. Just before the pandemic, the pair released their EP “Dream Girl”, which they were unable to properly tour or promote. The enforced isolation prompted them to learn recording techniques and another EP and a full-length collection, “Another One Gained”, a blend of soulful country and garage rock, followed in 2021.
‘Goodbye Charlie‘ is taken from Guillen’s sophomore album, “Make That Sound”, which is due on 17th October 2025. Produced by Megan McCormick (Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah), the album promises to be a tuneful exploration of sorrow and loss. Absorbing stuff.
