Early Passion for Music

Chuck developed a love for music from an early age, growing up in the Rocky Mountains of northern Utah. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, he cherished evenings spent around the campfire with friends, strumming guitars and singing together. Though Chuck participated in various school bands, he found his greatest joy in informal jam sessions. When the chance arose to form a band, he eagerly accepted. In the early nineties, Chuck played drums in a punk band. Later, he transitioned to bass guitar, performing with both a metal band and a rock band.

New Adventures and Musical Growth

After completing high school, Chuck relocated to West Yellowstone, Montana with several friends. While working in hospitality, he immersed himself in the unique experiences Yellowstone Park had to offer. During his time in Montana, Chuck joined a classic rock band that performed at bars throughout Montana and Idaho. In the early 2000s, he and his friends decided to move to northern California. Chuck was captivated by the region’s giant redwoods, the Pacific Ocean, and the relaxed atmosphere. This period marked a turning point, as he began refining his guitar skills and composing original material. It was a highly creative chapter in his life. 

Settling in Northern California

While living in northern California, Chuck met Annie D'Amore, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. He also began working in the screen-printing industry. Despite the natural beauty of Arcata, California, the local economy was challenging at the time. To stay connected with the vibrant music scene, Chuck accepted a job as a door attendant at a local club, now known as "The Basement." The venue, located in the Jacoby Storehouse basement, was previously called Bret Harte's. Throughout this period, Chuck continued to write music and record at home with his friends, nurturing his creative spirit and maintaining close ties to the musical community.

A Return to Utah and New Musical Ventures 

Although Chuck had grown fond of northern California, economic factors ultimately influenced his decision to move back to Utah. Annie secured a position at the Canyons Resort in Park City, while Chuck accepted a job in the screen-printing industry in Centerville, Utah. Returning to his home state, Chuck reconnected with local musicians and formed a band called Candy River House (CRH). The group's original lineup featured Jordan Matthew Young on guitar and vocals, Gabe Slatten on drums, and Chuck on bass and backup vocals. Candy River House performed regularly at clubs throughout northern Utah, and from time to time, Tony Holiday would join the band to play harp.

During his time in northern Utah, Chuck continued to write music, including songs like “Checks in the Mail,” and became increasingly involved in recording. This period also marked an important milestone in his personal life, as Chuck and Annie welcomed their daughter, Etta Marie.

Relocating to Roseville and Embracing New Opportunities

Following the birth of their daughter, Etta, Chuck and Annie decided to relocate to the Sacramento Valley, settling in Annie’s hometown of Roseville, California. This move opened the door to an exciting and vibrant music scene that Chuck was eager to explore. He quickly connected with local musicians and found new opportunities to showcase his talents. His first performances in the area were as a bass player for his friend Matt Gage, and shortly after, he played with the Cash Prophets led by Bobby Dickson. Energized by these experiences, Chuck began putting together his own band, which would eventually evolve into The Damn Liars.

Musical Collaborations and Continued Growth

As Chuck settled into the Roseville community, he began collaborating with Leroy Virgil, playing lap steel guitar with the band Hellbound Glory. Always eager to broaden his musical horizons, Chuck found great inspiration through working with Hellbound Glory and other talented musicians in the region. In addition to these projects, Chuck contributed guitar, bass guitar, and vocals with Harry Fryed in the Fryed Brothers Band, further expanding his skills and continuing his journey as a passionate and versatile musician. During this time, Chuck and Annie celebrated a significant event in their personal lives with the birth of their son, Enzo.

Venturing into Professional Recording

Chuck’s journey with recording began during his school years, when he started capturing his musical ideas and songs using whatever equipment was available. This early experimentation laid a foundation for his future in music production and recording. His first experience in a professional studio came when Matt Gage invited him to play on a record, which introduced Chuck to Michael Rosen, a Grammy Award-winning producer and owner of the East Bay Recording Studio in Berkeley, California.

Chuck’s collaboration with Michael Rosen deepened when he recorded The Damn Liars’ EP, “American Ghost Town,” in 2018 at Tiny Telephone Studio in Berkeley. Michael Rosen served as both engineer and producer for the project, and continued to produce several singles for The Damn Liars, including “The Hard Way.”

In 2018, Chuck’s parents purchased a building on D Street in historic Marysville, California. Together with his father, Chuck began assembling the equipment needed to create a professional recording studio, which they named Peach City Sound. This new studio became a hub for Chuck’s creative work, allowing him to record not only his own music, but also help other musicians bring their projects to life.

Chuck also participated in several recording sessions with Hellbound Glory, produced by Shooter Jennings in Los Angeles and they traveled to England to record with legendary record producers George Schilling (The Clash) & Paul Gorry (David Bowie). These experiences helped Chuck further develop his skills in recording, mixing, and mastering music in a professional studio environment. His efforts culminated in the production of The Damn Liars’ album “War Pony,” which received positive reviews for its production quality.