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Charlie Cello is a Toronto-born musician now based in London, serving up his first dose of delightfully coy indie rock with ‘CAN I GET UR NUMBER‘ (out now). The track continues a songwriting theme that began in childhood, writing his first love song at ten years of age. I asked Charlie Cello ten questions to divine his transatlantic take on devilishly catchy songwriting.

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THE ARGUS FAR FIVE

How would you describe the sound of Charlie Cello?

A wish upon a star.

What are your biggest non-music influences?

Dreams, films, girls, and hats.

If you had to cover any song and put your spin on it, which would you choose?

I’d prolly punk up ‘Runaway Love’ by Justin Bieber.

What is your earliest memory of music?

Singing ‘And It Stoned Me’ by Van Morrison in my dad’s truck.

What does the rest of 2026 have in store for you?

Making plans and then changing them, and many lists.

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THE CHARLIE CELLO FIVE

You were born in Toronto, but you’re based in London. How was it settling into the music scene in London?

Honestly, I’m still settling in. It’s really different from Toronto. Nothing is the same twice here.

The video for ‘CAN I GET UR NUMBER’ is mired in real-life heartbreak and betrayal. How does it feel to have your first release suddenly become so emotionally complicated?

It feels good. That video’s a bookmark in a chapter of my life called ‘It Can’t Be A Good Time All The Time’. Isn’t that every artist’s dream? When meaning finds you?

What’s your most outrageous music opinion?

Marvin Gaye might be one of the most famous artists whose music people don’t actually explore.

Looking back at some of your past performances, you’ve sometimes delved into a more sinister, noisier sound. Will we be hearing some of that in your solo output?

Yes. That side’s here to stay.

How important is family and community for your music?

Very important. I’ve been shaped by the scene I grew up in, friends making music, and my dad being a musician. I’ve always had people to collaborate with and bounce ideas off. It’s something I didn’t fully appreciate until I moved away from it. A recording is never done unless my sister approves of it.

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