PREMIERE: Charles James & The Rise release music video for ‘Greatest Prize’

Donegal folk duo Charles James & The Rise have released their anthemic new track ‘Greatest Prize’, accompanied by a music video directed by Amble’s Donnagh Fitzpatrick and starring Fiachra Corkery and Cian Malin.

Described as a surreal, black-and-white descent into madness, the video follows the character of Drunkard as he sinks deeper into intoxication, desperately trying to escape his inner demons.

Through striking visuals, his unraveling state shifts between fleeting camaraderie, absurdity, and raw violence. With frantic drinking scenes, as well as shots showing the character being dragged across the forest floor, the video makes for a mesmerising and unsettling portrayal of self-destruction.

After being selected as the overall winner for Highland Radio in Irish Music Month's A New Local Hero talent search back in 2023, Charles James & The Rise have released a number of transporting folk tunes, such as the 2024 ‘Sailor and the Saint’.

‘Greatest Prize’ and its intricate fiddle melodies, evocative lyrics and rousing percussions, marks the group’s first release of 2025.

Check out Charles James & The Rise’s gripping music video below: