“I want the music to affect people in the most positive way possible. Music is Universal and should be a positive attribute.”

Charles Tiner: Good Soul of N'Treble

Charles Tiner, aka N’Treble, is a soulful blues artist, who comes from a strong foundation in gospel music. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Tiner’s father who was a Baptist Pastor moved his entire family from Chi-town to Springfield, Illinois where he and an older brother served as the church musicians at his father’s church. Tiner, educated himself through the public school system In Springfield. Tiner also involved himself in musicals, plays and other community activities, creating a love for the arts. Tiner further educated himself In St. Louis, MO earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice and bachelor’s in theology. Tiner began singing and developing a love for music at the age of 5 years old. That love for singing and playing the piano catapulted him into singing in several bands as the lead singer and front man while playing the keys. Tiner’s experience in gospel music created an easy transition into his love for the blues. He has written multiple songs and have sung them abroad.

(Charles Tiner / Photo by Scott Anderson)

Tiner has recorded with Gospel Music Icon, Walter Hawkins, and has sung backup with R&B superstar R Kelly at a pre-super bowl game for the St. Louis Rams. Charles Tiner says he's “just a regular guy with a whole lot of soul.” He's also a regular guy who just happens to play passionate piano and organ, write spellbinding lyrics, arrange vibrant music, and sing with the soul of a bluesman and the fire of a preacher – his musical roots having been nourished in the Baptist church where his father was a pastor, opening the door to this blues life. The Chicago native has wrapped all those talents into a joyous session of soulful blues for his second album, Good Soul (2025).

Interview by Michael Limnios           Special Thanks: Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon)

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

I have always been conscientious of world views through music because of my background in the Church world. My father, now a retired Baptist Pastor, made sure we were indoctrinated with biblical concepts. As an adult now, my music and these concepts often merge. Personal experiences with relationships are some of the topics I write about. My dad was secretly molding me into being his successor, but it was not my passion to take over Dad’s church. “SON OF A PREACHER” was written for that. My passion was writing my experiences through music which equates to being a soulful Blues entertainer. I believe the birth of my children, starting with my oldest daughter, Jasmine, Chassity, and Jada changed my life.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? How does your hometown that affect your music?

I describe my sound, music philosophy, and songbook strictly by a foundation of Gospel music. I have a degree in Theology. I am still an ordained and Licensed Minister, although I don’t preach in a pulpit anymore. I do, however, still have a love for playing the Hammond Organ and piano in Church. The hometown I live in is a good writing town. It gives me room to write. It’s slow and manageable.

“Blues come from real life experiences. That’s the important aspect. We can all relate. Experience is important for your technique. The soul will develop, I believe, through experience.” (Charles Tiner / Photo by Scott Anderson)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

Specific highlights are reading the charts on Good Soul. Being #1 was exciting!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I believe the Blues is being diluted a little. I respect all genres, but I believe the blues is being diluted. My plan for the future is to keep the blues alive!

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I want the music to affect people in the most positive way possible. Music is Universal and should be a positive attribute.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lesson is picking the right team!

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Blues come from real life experiences. That’s the important aspect. We can all relate. Experience is important for your technique. The soul will develop, I believe, through experience.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I play everyday. Social media is important. Education of the origins of the Blues is incredibly important.

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(Charles Tiner / Photo by Scott Anderson)