Written By: Paul Amyot
The UK’s James TW is set to have a big year, fresh off the release of his hugely successfully new single titled “Say Love” and having recently performed with Andy Grammer at New York’s Irving Plaza. “Say Love” will be the first from his highly anticipated new album which is due later this year!
upfrontNY: How did growing up in the UK influence the direction that you would take as an artist?
James TW: It meant I looked up to UK bands like Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, Keane & U2. I also aspired to perform at the venues they played when I was growing up like the LG Arena & NEC Arena in Birmingham.
upfrontNY: Your breakout single “When you love someone” launched you onto the scene. Is this song about personal experiences in your life?
James TW: No this song is about a boy I was teaching drums to after school when I was 15. I heard his parents were going to get divorced and I wondered how they were going to explain this to him so I wrote a song about it.
upfrontNY: How exciting has it been for you to already be touring with huge acts such as Shawn Mendes so early on in your musical career?
James TW: Touring with bigger acts is always fun because it gives you an insight of what it could be like for you if you keep grinding and persevering. Getting to play arenas before your debut album comes out is a rare thing which I’m incredibly grateful for.
upfrontNY: Who would you say has been the biggest reason for your success as a musician?
James TW: There are a lot of people involved in the process of making music. It starts with the people I write the songs with, then choosing the write producer is crucial. Finally my management & label work hard to promote the music and spread it. So I wouldn’t say there is one person who makes the music successful.
upfrontNY: Was there a teacher or someone in your family that really encouraged you to pursue your musical aspirations from a young age?
James TW: My dad was the musician in the family. He played electric guitar in a wedding band with his mates and bought a drum kit when I was 10. He encouraged me to play it and through drums was how I found my passion for performing. Subsequently I picked up guitar & singing because I wanted to jam with him.
upfrontNY: Growing up who would you say were your biggest musical inspirations?
James TW: There were two types for me. First the singer songwriters like Damien Rice, James Taylor & Ray LaMontagne. Then there were the bands like Stereophonics, Maroon 5 & The Counting Crows.
upfrontNY: What is your dream venue / city that you want to perform at one day?
James TW: I’ve heard so much about Red Rocks and it looks stunning so that would be my dream show to play right now.
upfrontNY: You are getting ready to launch your newest album later this year featuring your infectious single, “Say Love.” Could you talk a little bit about what we can expect from the album?
James TW: The album will be mainly made up of stories. Some of which I have lived & some I’ve seen others live. It will showcase the different styles of music I’m influenced by too.
upfrontNY: Looking back even just 5 years ago did you ever imagine that you would be sharing the stage with Andy Grammer in NYC one day?
James TW: The idea of being in New York for anything music related would have surprised me at 15. It’s incredible what has happened in the last 5 years but I’m not the type of person to dwell on any given moment. All I’m thinking about is what is next.
upfrontNY: What are you most excited to see/do when you are in NYC?
James TW: Well New York has become one of the places I have visited most in the last few years as my label are based here so I feel like I know it fairly well. Part of me is interested in the idea of living there at some point so I’ll be keeping a look out for any neighbourhoods I could see myself living in.
Learn more about James TW!
Facebook: @JamesTWmusic
Twitter: @JamesTWmusic
Instagram: @JamesTWmusic
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