LaReeca Rucker
From the archives
In his latest album “Blackberry Light,” Mississippi native Charlie Mars captures the feeling of being torn between adventure and home. In the title track, he sings about wanting to move on one minute — and move back the next.
For Mars, “home” is Oxford, where he’s lived (aside from a few years in NYC) since 2000. “I’ve got my go-to coffee shop, the Square, and it just feels like where I belong,” he said while on tour. “Oxford’s been a kind of sanctuary — a good place to land after being on the road.”
The Laurel-born artist, the oldest of three boys, remembers an idyllic childhood — riding bikes and exploring the woods. He picked up piano at 15, discovered guitar, and eventually turned to songwriting in college. “I didn’t get here by accident,” he said. “It took 17 years of work — not luck.”
Now six albums in, “Blackberry Light” explores themes of uncertainty, love, and human flaws. One track, “Let the Meter Run,” is a plea for connection in hard times. Another, “How I Roll,” channels rebellious energy. Mars says his lyrics reflect his own inner struggles, trying to make sense of personal shortcomings and the messiness of relationships. But sometimes, he just writes about “a summer day or two people holding hands.”
He admits he hasn’t played in Mississippi much over the years. “I get more support out of state,” he said. “Maybe if I played more here, that’d change.”
Proud Larry’s owner Scott Carradine is excited for Mars’ homecoming, noting he’s watched his growth as an artist over the last decade. Duling Hall’s team feels the same. “He’s come a long way,” said longtime promoter Arden Barnett. “I’ve known Charlie since the beginning, and it’s great to see where he’s headed.”
Catch Mars live and decide for yourself—he might not have it all figured out, but that’s exactly what makes his music resonate.
