Below, you can read our interview with artist Charles Luck of Black Astronaut Records, and listen to his album 39 Charles Street (The Renovation). Check out our full music review of 39 Charles Street (The Renovation) here.
Q: Great to be speaking with you, Charles! This triple album feels deeply personal — you even describe it as “the story of how I became Charles Luck.” Can you tell us what that means and what inspired this project?
A: I made some pretty big mistakes at this address when I was young and my parents were divorcing. It was an awful time. I have a strong desire to atone through music.
Q: The album opens with the title track, “39 Charles Street.” What’s the story behind that address — and how does it tie into the idea of renovation, both literal and metaphorical?
A: 39 Charles Street is a penthouse in the West Village of Manhattan, where I lived in 2008. I released the original album 2 months ago to a few reviews calling it a masterpiece and a few calling it an uneven masterpiece. Jer from Sleeping Bag Studios laid into me, lol. I decided to remix the album and extend it, and add more of my trademark samples.
Q: This is a massive musical undertaking at 30+ tracks long. What made you want to release a triple album?
A: The significance of this address in my life. I can only explain my Life On Earth once.
I’ve already explained “Life On Mars”
Q: Black Astronaut Records has built a reputation for introspective, genre-bending hip-hop. How would you say The Renovation fits within that legacy — or breaks from it?
A: It definitely continues the legacy.
Q: Sonically, the record feels cinematic — a mix of reflection, storytelling, and experimentation. What were you drawing from musically this time around?
A: All these feelings I have stuffed up wanted to come out.
Q: You’ve been making music for a while now. How do you think your sound or process has evolved over the years?
A: Oh wow, it’s been 10 years since “Life On Mars”! The process is exactly the same, it’s like looking through a kaleidoscope at life, and it always has been.
Q: What does your creative process typically look like — do you start with lyrics, a beat, or a concept?
A: Beat, then concept, then lyrics usually. But lately I’ve been sending Tino over just lyrics, and he makes the beat from scratch.
Q: Can you tell us about the first time you realized music was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
A: Around 5 years old.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: Eminem or Paul McCartney. I just love Em’s intensity and Paul McCartney’s beautiful melodies.
Q: What’s one album or song that’s had a lasting impact on you as an artist?
A: Total Eclipse Of The Heart was #1 the day I was born 10/10/83. It was my favorite epic song way before I found that out.
Q: What’s something fans might be surprised to learn about you?
A: That I’m not on drugs anymore.
Q: Any shout-outs or special thanks you’d like to include?
A: The next album’s gonna be dedicated to my mom, who turns 70 in 2 days. I absolutely love her.
Q: Anything else you’d like listeners to know before they hit play on The Renovation?
A: That it’s a masterpiece.
(Want to be interviewed by The Ark of Music? Click HERE.)