It all started with a shopping trip to Billy Reid, the Southern-bred luxury shop on Charleston’s King Street, where Shannon and I (of James + Dunne Styling) had done some serious shopping for our client, Marty. I joined their email list and one day, in lieu of a sale on their handmade leather shoes, they featured a video. There, among the antique decanters, faded portraits and herringbone trousers in Billy Reid’s New York store, stood Charlie Mars with his guitar. Performing acoustic at a Relix Magazine party, his presence pulled me in – the raw intimacy in his voice, the intensity of his gaze, his quiet sway and the yearning in his voice as he pleaded, “If you wanna come ovvverrrr… Come over and get highhhh. We can listen to the Darkside of the Moon.”
I’ve been hooked ever since. And judging by the slew of swooning ladies who circled the stage for Charlie’s “dance break” at his last Wilmington show in January, I take it I’m not alone.
Lucky for us, his soulful swagger is coming back through the Southeast. It just so happens, he’s playing a gig at The Soapbox May 22nd (my birthday!) and packing the house at the Pour House May 28th in Charleston.
I figured now couldn’t be a better time to get to know Mr. Mars a little better. I caught up with him on the road during his drive to Baltimore for a show. In between tolls, we discussed matters of style – from the red leather pants he can’t seem to get rid of, what he wore to the Emmys on the arm of WEEDS star Mary-Louise Parker (his reported girlfriend) and what it means when he’s watching The Big Blue.
How often are you on the road?
“Kind of goes in cycles. I make a record, have some time off… In 2009, I did about 100 shows. I’m on the road most of the year. I hardly spent any time at home. In 2011, I plan to take some time off. It’s all the time right now.”
Where do you consider home now?
“Definitely Mississippi. I live in Oxford. Been there since 2000. It’s a pretty small town, laid-back. When I am home, I mostly sit on the porch with friends, watch movies, hang out, socialize with friends. I live on the town square where most of the nightlife and restaurants are. It’s a small town, but with a really happening nightlife. There’s about 15,000 people going out every Thursday, Friday and Saturday to art openings, that sort of thing. It’s a college town. Kind of like Wilmington…”
What do you wear when you’re traveling?
“Thong and crocs.” (laughs – Disclosure: Anyone who is friends with Charlie on Facebook knows he is not particularly fond of crocs.) I usually wear whatever I had on the night before. Not a lot of difference between what I travel in and what I wear on stage. Not really a sweatpants kind of guy. I don’t feel right unless I’m styled out, ya know? No time to be slacking.”
What are three items of clothing you never travel without?
“I have a leather day bag that I pretty much live out of, Acqua Di Parma cologne and a pair of sunglasses.”
What kind of shades do you wear?
Right now, I’ve got a Jil Sander pair I got for free in some gift bag probably over a year ago. They’re probably my favorite shades I’ve had.”
How would you describe your personal style?
“GAP or Bohemian.”
How has your style evolved?
“It definitely changed with the times. I used to be into, like, bootcut jeans with rips in the knees, Harley boots, old t-shirts. Now, I like nice sportscoats and vests. I really enjoy clothes. It’s what I spend my money on outside of the basics. It’s hard to look at myself from the outside. I don’t put a lot of thought into it. I buy nice things and travel with a small bag so I bring a few things that I really like, that are well made, and look good all the time. Sportscoats are always good.”
When you first started performing, were you nervous on stage? How did you gain your confidence?
“I was nervous at first but in time, it becomes second nature. Kind of like riding a bike. Now, I don’t consider getting nervous or not. Ever.”
Describe an outfit you feel most confident performing in.
“I like wearing a sportscoat with a really comfy tee, a good pair of jeans and my boots by John Varvatos. It’s an outfit I could go to a restaurant and look okay, beat around the house in… it’s functional and looks good with everything.”
Style Icon?
“Steve McQueen was cool.”
Style Tips:
1) “Spend the extra money for the quality because a) not many people will have it and b) you’ll be wearing it long after everyone else’s shit has fallen apart.
2) “Black leather jackets can be worn just about anywhere. Zip up your black leather jacket and you’re good to go.”
3) I don’t like baggy clothes. It kind of bothers me.”
What are you liking that you see women wearing right now?
“White blue jeans. They look good!”
Bootcut or Skinny?
“Skinny is better.”
Is there anything you don’t wear, but can’t seem to get rid of?
“Expensive items. I can’t bear to throw them away. Red leather pants 10 years ago – can’t believe I ever wore them in the first place.”
Do you have any tattoos or body piercings?
“I’ve got a tattoo on my shoulder of a Phoenix.”
Favorite color?
Ocean Blue.
That reminds me. What is it about the movie Big Blue that you always seem to be watching (frequent Facebook update).
“Watching Big Blue is code for ‘I’m not doing shit.’ Just relaxing. Love the movie. It’s one of my favorites. If you haven’t seen it, you should. You’d like it.”
(“Got to pay a toll…” ‘Hi there.’”)
Do you have any clothing or accessories that embody your signature style?
How about your leather tooled belt that you’re frequently wearing in your photographs?
“Yeah, that would be it. I took the belt from my grandfather’s house. Charlie was his name, too. I’ve had it about 5 years.”
When you walk out the door in the morning, what would be your accompanying theme song?
“Oh Baby Youuuu (sings). YOu got what I neeeeed. What’s that guy’s name? Oh yeah, Biz Markie. That’s the one.”
Favorite places to shop?
“John Varvatos in New York and Hinton & Hinton in Oxford, MS.
What about Billy Reid?
“Definitely Billy Reid.”
Which cities have you performed in that you found to be surprisingly stylish?
“Nashville is pretty hip and also New Orleans. Heading to Nashville the day after Wilmington (May 23).”
How did you connect with Lance Armstrong?
“Through Twitter. He just sent me a message one day and said he liked my music. Shortly after, we had lunch in Austin and later that afternoon, I played for his Cancer Foundation – LiveStrong.”
Which show, photo shoot or appearance were you most nervous about? How did you decide what to wear?
“I went to the Emmy’s last year. That was pretty nerve racking. I went to John Varvatos to get a tux and had it tailored.”
What was your favorite part of the Esquire photo shoot? Did you pick out your own clothes?
“Getting to spend time with all these musicians I really like and admire. They brought a bunch of options and we got to choose whatever we were comfortable in mixed with our own clothing.”
Did you meet Mary Louise Parker (Charlie’s reported girlfriend) for the first time when she arrived to shoot your video for “Darkside of the Moon?”
“No, we had met once before. Since my first single was about getting high and she is the star of WEEDS, a show all about getting high, it just made sense. I asked her shortly after we met if she’d do it.”
What would Abigail wear when she’s listening to the “Darkside of the Moon?”
“Pajamas. Or, a thong and a tank top, preferably.”
To watch the VIDEO for “Darkside of the Moon,” click below…
Photos: Danny Clinch, Holly Bronko, Esquire
