Rising UK pop artist Charlie Aky returns with his new single Perfume Regret, a gentle yet emotionally resonant track inspired by a fleeting moment of memory and scent. Built around delicate melodies and intimate vocals, the song reflects on how small triggers can unexpectedly bring the past rushing back.

We caught up with Charlie to talk about the inspiration behind the track, his journey from busking to building a fanbase online, and the small life lessons that keep him grounded.

Your new single, Perfume, Regret came from a very specific moment. What happened?

Perfume Regret came from such a small, quiet moment. I was in a lift, and someone walked in wearing a perfume that reminded me of an ex. For a second everything else just disappeared, and I was back in those memories. It’s strange how certain scents can stop you in your tracks like that in a bittersweet way. The song is really about how even the smallest moments can carry way more emotion than you expect.

You’re known for being quite laid-back about things. What’s the most dramatic thing you’ve done recently?

I’m not a hugely dramatic person. The most dramatic thing I’ve done recently would probably be something like dropping my pizza out of the oven and proceeding to just lie next to it in despair. Reading that back, maybe that is dramatic.

You started out busking. What’s the weirdest or most wonderful thing someone’s ever left in your guitar case?

There’s been loads of weird and wonderful stuff dropped in there. Batteries, gingerbread men, a half-eaten sandwich, lots of little messages. I’ve also seen some very questionable dancing — especially when I used to do night busks.

You built a following during lockdown by teaching yourself guitar and posting online. What was the first song you ever covered?

I remember it really clearly actually. The first song I ever sang and played on guitar was I Took a Pill in Ibiza by Mike Posner. Not sure it was great at the time, but everyone’s got to start somewhere.

How would you sum up your TikTok era in three emojis?

🎤🕺💥 Busking and singing, dancing around, and just loads of crazy energy.

Your music often deals with emotional moments, but you seem to have a pretty relaxed outlook on life. What’s your life philosophy?

In Yorkshire we’ve got a saying: “be reet.” It basically means, 'Don't worry, everything will be fine.' When stuff gets tough, that’s kind of the mindset I try to keep — just remember it’ll be right in the end.

If you could steal a song from another artist and make it yours, what would it be?

I’d probably go with There’s Nothing Holding Me Back by Shawn Mendes. It’s just such a great pop song and so infectious. Amazing vibes.


Quickfire round:
Tea or coffee? Neither — I hate both.

Early bird or night owl? Night owl.

Acoustic or full band? Tough one, but playing with a full band is so much fun.

Cry to a sad song or dance to a happy one? Dance to a happy one.

Finally — what would you say to your future self right now?

What can I say really? Just… be reet.

Perfume Regret is out 13 March 2026 via SEAR Music.