Charlie:Simpson - Young Pilgrim (2011)

Young Pilgrim is the debut studio album by British singer-songwriter Charlie Simpson. The album was produced by Danton Supple (Doves, Coldplay) and was released on 15 August 2011 through independent label PIAS Recordings.

Following the extended hiatus announced by Fightstar in 2010, Simpson began writing solo material in conjunction with fan funding website Pledge Music. The platform was launched in 2009, as an innovative new way of involving fans in the record making process. Fans "pledge" to receive a copy of the completed project (an album or EP), while also having the chance to purchase exclusive extras such as private gigs, music video appearances, or even providing backing vocals during recording.

Simpson first issued new material on Christmas day 2010, releasing a "pledgers only" EP entitled When We Were Lions. The EP and subsequent singles, garnered praise from music critics, seeing "Down Down Down" selected as "Record of the Week" by BBC Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton. Simpson has described his solo work as "something completely different", while it has been noted the album contains elements of melancholy, similar to the works of The National, Bon Iver, and Jackson Browne.

Young Pilgrim's physical release was put under strain after all 30,000 copies of the album were destroyed in an arson fire at the warehouse and distribution center for PIAS Entertainment Group during the 2011 London Riots on 8 August 2011. However, it was confirmed the following day that despite the damages, the album would still be released as planned on 15 August. The release proved a success for Simpson and the independent label, entering the UK Albums Chart at number six.