What’s My Scene: Charles Jenkins is still writing songs
In our regular Q&A column What’s My Scene, InReview speaks to emerging and established local artists to get their take on the South Australian creative scene and their place within it. This week, singer songwriter Charles Jenkins recalls his teenage Fringe debut, and cutting his teeth during Adelaide’s ‘thriving’ Greasy Pop era.
Where was your first gig, and how did it go?
First gig may well have been at a venue which touted itself as being on the Fringe of the Fringe. I remember I auditioned out the back of Thebarton Theatre. I would have been 16 maybe 17? I played every night at the venue, which I can’t recall the name of – it was somewhere in the city. In my defence it was a long time ago. First gig with a band was at Lark and Tina’s on Hindley Street – now that was a great, crazy, all-hell-is-gonna-break-loose-at-any-minute, venue.
What is your artist origin story?
I was born in Mildura. When 18 months old we moved to Adelaide where I finished school and went to Adelaide Uni briefly before hopping in a Tarago with a touring band The Mad Turks. The band then moved to Melbourne, broke up, and I then formed the Icecream Hands who still live and breathe. At school I wanted to play for the Norwood Football Club, alongside their champion no 28, John Wynne.
What was your impression of the Adelaide creative scene when you first started, and how has that changed?
It was fantastic – Greasy Pop was thriving – at our second gig The Mad Turks were asked to record a song for a compilation. Our first recorded song topped the Three D Adelaide charts.
How has your own work evolved since you first started?
I’m not sure it has. I still write songs. I still look for the best combinations of melody and chord and lyric and rhythm possible. Maybe I know a little bit more about how to do that. Maybe I don’t. I think nowadays I write songs that are very well suited to be performed live, in a solo setting – that’s the biggest evolution I reckon.
What is it about your next release/project that you’re most excited/nervous to share with the world?
Next release is an album that Douglas Lee (Icecream Hands) and myself have done with a regenerative farmer Cathy Briant. Her thoughts on regenerative farming, the environment, climate, and farming diversity; subjects that matter, her thoughts became her lyrics that we turned into songs.
Who are the artists around you that inspire or challenge you?
Suzannah Espie. Folk Bitch Trio. Karate Boogaloo.
Favourite venue to play?
I do like The Jade – it’s a great stage, and a great viewing area. And I’ve heard HATs Courthouse [in Auburn] is spectacular.
Dream act to perform alongside?
Art Starr – Port Willunga’s finest surfer, psychologist and guitarist. I’m gonna try and get him on stage at The Jade – he makes great dolphin noises with his guitar, besides other things.
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Favourite act to collaborate with?
Frollen Music Library – one of my son’s bands – who have just won a Grammy and are on fire… or should I say, are fire.
Where is your next gig/exhibition/performance, and how do you hope it will go?
Next gig is at the Jade Friday February 20 and Saturday February 21 at HATs Courthouse in the Clare Valley. I hope they are sellouts and they win all the major awards at the Fringe Festival, just like last time!
Charles Jenkins performs at The Jade on Friday February 20 and HATs Courthouse in Auburn on Saturday February 21.
Read more 2026 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview.
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