Charlie Kogen Delivers “Yacht Rock for Gen Z” With New Single “Not Wastin’ Time”

Los Angeles singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Kogen has released his new single, “Not Wastin’ Time." The track follows his buzzworthy releases Comfort in the Pain and Life of the Party (of one), once again spotlighting Kogen’s knack for heartfelt storytelling, genre-blending production, and retro-inspired grooves.

A National YoungArts winner and Kennedy Center performer, Kogen has been building momentum with a sound that bridges eras. Influenced by the smooth textures of Michael McDonald, Todd Rundgren, and TOTO, the Stanford grad-turned-full-time musician calls the new single “yacht rock for Gen Z.”

“This song is about needing instant gratification, even if we know it’s not good for us in the long run,” Kogen explains. “Musically, I tried to capture the spirit of some of my favorite artists of the 1970s and 1980s… In other words, with this single, I took a stab at yacht rock for Gen Z.”

Raised in Los Angeles and trained in classical piano before diving into rock, jazz, and salsa ensembles, Kogen has never been afraid to experiment. Beyond his solo work, he composes for film and collaborates with other artists, marrying cinematic textures with narrative-driven songwriting.

With “Not Wastin’ Time,” Kogen cements his reputation as a versatile, forward-thinking artist whose music resonates across generations. The single is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.