What is the story behind your single ‘Soldier’?
I wanted to integrate vocal harmonies with electronic atmospheres over this marching, militant groove. I was also experimenting at the time with cassette looping and other fun stuff, which all kind of bled its way into the track. I felt like I wanted to write something about navigating lingering memories and feelings from past relationships. The recording and writing process were fluid between myself and co-writer/co-producer Oli Rockberger. Listening back now, Soldier speaks to me as an anthem for what my debut album is about. So it felt pretty natural to my manager Kwame Kwaten and myself to make it the first single.
How long have you been singing and songwriting? I played a lot of piano when I was younger, which naturally led me to singing and then to songwriting. Listening to Randy Newman first opened up the songwriting dimension for me.
You said “‘Soldier’ speaks to me as an anthem for what my debut album is about,” Could you tell everyone more of what your album is about? The story behind some of the songs? Soldier is pretty emblematic of what the upcoming album, ‘Be Brave’ is about; creating stories within an atmospheric sound world. I’d say human connection and disconnect are at the heart of things for this record. There’s a poignant place of acceptance that things will change, and a window just before they do. I think a lot of the tracks on the album exist in this space. I feel so ready to share this music and to keep creating and releasing from here.
When do you hope to release your album by?
The album will be dropping December 17th, with singles released every month in the lead-up. It’s a very exciting time getting ready to share this music with people…
You were born in Australia and live in London, what was it like growing up in Australia and did you find it easy settling into London life? I hope to spend more time in Australia, and with my family over there – but from a very young age, London has always been home to me. The BT Tower in particular has been an unexpected source of musical inspiration; my studio space is right beneath it and I’ve lived there for over ten years.
Who were your music influences growing up? Who influences you now musically? I grew up around a lot of vocal harmony – groups like Take 6 and The Beach Boys were on regular rotation. I also discovered electronic music through artists such as Brian Eno, and later Jon Hopkins. Artists on regular rotation now include: Laura Mvula, Louis Cole, James Blake, Bon Iver and Oli Rockberger – Oli and I have some exciting cowrites/coproductions on the upcoming record that I can’t wait to share.
Do you have any touring plans?
Now that live music is returning, I’m currently working on the live set. Stay tuned for more info soon…
What are your bucket list venues to perform at? A friend told me about the acoustic wizardry going on at the Steve Jobs Theatre, so I would be curious to perform there!
What are your plans for this year? Alongside the live set and releasing the full album later this year, I’m also already working on a follow-up album… Very excited for the journey ahead.
Anything you’d like to add that I haven’t asked within this interview? Thank you for having me! Stay connected at @imbravejames – I can’t wait to share my full record with you, which drops December 17th.
