IE Interview: Charlie Burg

Leah Thomas (LT): To kick things off, can you give us an introduction on who you are?

Charlie Burg (CB): Honored to be speaking with you! I am a songwriter and producer from Detroit Michigan, currently based in Brooklyn, New York. I’m 25, and I’ve been writing and releasing music since I was 18, and performing since I was singing in synagogue around age 6. I graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 before moving to New York. Music as art and expression is the one thing in my life that I’ve always known to be true, and I derive a great deal of fulfillment from the community that music has the power to create.

(LT): What was the decision making process behind using your platform to advocate for the protection of both people + planet? Are there other topics you’re also passionate about?

(CB): In July 2020, I drove in a rental car from Detroit to Los Angeles with a friend. We stayed in tents at campsites the whole week, and it served as a striking reminder of the vast diversity and utter beauty of the land. In the context of the Black Lives Matter movement happening at the time, I reflected on the lens through which I was drawn to act on and engage with the movement.


As a former camper, camp counselor, and a person active in the outdoors, I’ve had a love for the earth and nature my whole life. I knew I wanted to use my new music to serve a greater cause, and when I came across Leah and her organization, I was compelled by her message and presentation and I wanted to help spread her teachings any way I could! In terms of other topics that I’m passionate about, I’d say I really care about artistic integrity, geography, learning new things about the world and other cultures/subcultures, and the idea that music, community and identity are symbiotic and inseparable.

(LT): At IE (the org) we often say that artists are unsung heroes of many movements. Designers + painters can create protest art that drives people to act and musicians through their lyrics + songs, can propel movements forward. What role(s) do you think creatives play in creating change?

(CB): On a base level, I think people connect with the honest display of human passion. It doesn’t matter what someone’s skill or hobby is - if they convey genuine passion while doing it, others will be compelled and want to support it. This, I think, is the basis of real change; it starts internally and moves to external.

Artists and creatives have a unique trait where their gift (music, visual art, etc.) by nature appeals to people’s pathos, as music and art are so ingrained in culture and identity. In fact, in many ways, art requires the participation and willingness of others in order to grow wings and make change. And when “consumers” are able to connect a “product” with their identity, they are moved to engage with it***.

That’s why it’s so important that the artists and songwriters of today understand how much power they have to effect change with their art, and really place their whole heart into their craft. What do you believe in? Make sure of it and then put all your weight into it, because now more than ever, people are listening.

(LT): The past few years have been a global rollercoaster, how do you stay optimistic and practice self care during negative global happenings?

(CB): I won’t bluff and say I’ve cracked the code. But I suppose the best way I know how to process things is to create - writing songs, journal entries, poems, painting, etc. The other way is to learn. I’ve been researching hip hop, motorcycles, the blues, Zamrock, the city of Detroit, Japanese New Wave, etc. and it makes me feel excited to be alive!

(LT): What piece of advice would you give to your younger self + other budding musicians?

(CB): To my younger self: the wrong decision is better than no decision. To budding musicians: Make use of what you already have and already know. You don’t need new gear, new friends, or more money to tell a story. If you wish you were better at something, practice it. Look inside, even if it’s painful or unclear, and I promise that the answers are usually not far from you.

Favorite song? Little Red Corvette by Prince!
Tea or coffee? Tea (with cinnamon)!

What’s your sign? Virgo!

Who is someone who inspires you? Betty Davis (funk legend and fashion icon)!

Favorite color? Forest green!

Favorite place in nature? The Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

Sunshine or Moonlight? Moonlight!
How can people find your music? Search Charlie Burg on streaming services, or @burgchar on Instagram! Or come to a show!!