On this episode of Analog Smile, Sherry speaks with Charles Rocha, the songwriter/producer who fronts That Summer and the founder of Ring Records. That Summer is a genre defining band, mixing elements of singer/songwriter and pop/rock musings with alternative and punk rock ethos. The band is fronted by songwriter/producer Charles Rocha. Charles Rocha presents an autobiographical collection of songs about loss, time, travel, and struggles with addiction and alcoholism. The band hopes to reach anyone who feels misunderstood, or like they just don't fit in. Rocha began touring at the age of 17 with some of his favorite bands including Bad Religion, NOFX, Lagwagon and Craig’s Brother. Born in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Charles Rocha has lived and created music all over the world. After a brief spell in Nashville, Rocha moved to Florida to work for his grandfather and finish his Bachelor’s degree in English. At this time Rocha began recording his own songs from his bedroom. This evolved into That Summer. The Hearth EP Vol. 1 was finished with Roger Lima (Less Than Jake, Rehasher) at The Moathouse Recording Studio in Gainesville, Florida in 2013. 2022 finds Rocha feeling “right at home”; living in Los Angeles and working with Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks, Bad Religion) at Hetson Sound. Most recently, That Summer celebrated its first major radio airplay, when Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, George Harrison) added their lush, lap-steel laden cover of “Wildflowers” to his playlist on Tom Petty Radio. Currently, Rocha is working with Ian Cross (Janet Jackson, Anthrax, Gwen Stefani, Dishwalla), Ryan Greene (Fat Wreck Chords) and Matt Pinfield to combine their patchwork of styles for what will be a highly anticipated full length album on LA indie-label, Ring Records. Rocha credits the Musicares organization for helping him get settled in Los Angeles, and for saving his life in 2019. Ring Records is an independent rock ‘n’ roll record label based in Los Angeles, CA. Established in 2020, Ring Records hopes to provide artists and musicians with a place to call home for their bands, songs and records. We chat about That Summer, Ring Records, the enjoyment of live music, and much more! Visit thatsummersong.com or ringrecords.org for more details.