Charles James & The Rise is the folk project of husband-and-wife duo Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell. Drawing from the rugged beauty of Donegal and the timeless darkness of folk tradition, their music weaves cinematic depth with choral harmonies.

A Ship’s Pilot by trade, Charles writes from a life shaped by adventure, loss, and the wild Irish coastline.

The duo has gained widespread acclaim for their emotive storytelling and electrifying live performances, which have graced stages from Ireland’s Electric Picnic to Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Centre. Their deeply personal approach to songwriting has won fans across the globe and has placed them firmly on the radar of folk and indie music lovers alike.

Rolling Stone Magazine tipped them in their “20 Artists You Should Know for 2024.”

They were right.