As I Am, the fifth studio album by Charlie Winstonwas conceived at a very peculiar time: behind closed doors due to the lockdown, and obeying obligations on social distancing and measures to prevent Covid-19 infection. A paradox, as the British singer in this album reveals himself without any mask and has never exposed himself so much. "The title of the album, As I AmIt has become a mantra. It is a way of reminding myself who I am, and that letting something go does not mean giving up,' says the artist who became famous in 2009 thanks to the hit Like A Hobowhich revealed a very strong musical identity situated between folk and rock, as well as a character drawn to wandering and entirely devoted to the search for the self and the need for confrontation with others. At the time, Charlie had the road to success ahead of him, but in 2015, some serious health problems made him consider retiring from the scene. Three years later, however, he publishes Square 1 as a sign of recovery and a new beginning. "If Square 1 is to be considered as a conception phase, As I Am is the actual birth. There is a continuity between the two. This work continues the path: the exploration of who I am, the questioning of certain certainties. I needed this to feel free'.

The recordings of Square 1 had distinguished themselves through the presence of prestigious guests including Toumani Diabaté e Aresh Durvashkora and tabla players respectively. As I Am sees instead in its tracklist Shifting Paradigms together with French singer-songwriter Vianneywhich sums up the whole spirit of the album. "The common thread is about letting go and accepting your limits. As a multi-instrumentalist who has recorded seven albums and had success, in the long run you have an idea of yourself that needs to be corrected. Hence the need to let go. Despite being ten years younger than me, Vianney understands this kind of problem."