On Friday, October 2nd, global music superstar Charlie Puth participated in a Grammy Museum event at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, New York. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
Music journalist and songwriter Charlie Harding served as an exceptional host of this intimate event. They spoke about his career, family life (being a husband and father) and even took questions from the audience (that were submitted in advance).
From the moment he walked onstage, Puth had the room completely in the palm of his hand. There’s something uniquely compelling about watching an artist who can move effortlessly between pop-star charisma, extraordinary musicianship, and genuine intimacy. In a setting as beautiful and acoustically rich as National Sawdust, every note felt immediate and alive.
Puth is, of course, an exceptional songwriter, but seeing him perform up close makes it abundantly clear just how much of a musician he is. His command of melody, harmony, rhythm, and production is remarkable—and watching him build songs and sounds in real time was every bit as thrilling as hearing the finished recordings. He has that rare ability to make sophisticated musicianship feel completely effortless.
What made the evening particularly special was the intimacy. This wasn’t simply a mini-concert; it felt like being invited inside Puth’s creative world. He was funny, relaxed, generous, and clearly delighted to be sharing the music with the audience. The combination of conversation, performance, and behind-the-scenes insight made the night feel personal in a way that larger venues simply can’t replicate.
Then, there were the songs. He kicked off his mini-set with “How Long” from his sophomore studio album, and it was followed by the poignant “Cry” (where he collaborates with Kenny G on his new CD).
It was fun to hear neat and distinct arrangements of such Charlie Puth classic songs as “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and the closing number “Attention.”
Prior to closing with “Attention,” he treated the crowd with “Changes,” which is the opening tune from his “Whatever’s Clever!” album.
Hearing those familiar melodies in such an intimate room gave them a new dimension. The audience was completely engaged, hanging on every note, and the energy in the room was extraordinary.
One of the highlights of the night was when he poked fun at an audience member’s ringtone, and replicated it to the tee on the piano (and subsequently went on to share his favorite ringtones).
National Sawdust proved to be the perfect setting: intimate enough to feel personal, but sonically impressive enough to let Puth’s musicianship shine. By the end of the evening, it was impossible not to feel that you’d witnessed something genuinely special.
His latest album “Whatever’s Clever!” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
The Verdict
Overall, Charlie Puth proved to be a force of musical nature. He didn’t just perform at National Sawdust… he made the room feel like his living room studio, his playground, and our shared musical secret for one unforgettable night. He is a brilliant musician, a terrific storyteller with a witty sense of humor, and a performer at the absolute top of his game. What a night.
To learn more about global music mega-star Charlie Puth, follow him on Instagram.
