Newcomer Simon D James prepares to captivate listeners with the release of his debut single Dearest Lovely World, out now via YellowBrick Music.
The single was written whilst Simon was volunteering in the refugee camps of the Calais Jungle and recognised that “regardless of colour or creed we are all bound together by the common threads of love, loss and the need to find community in an ever more fractured world”. Dearest Lovely World is a beautifully honest song, which tackles an emotional subject, balancing it with uplifting musicality and warm, rich vocals akin to the likes of Vance Joy and The Paper Kites.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Simon D James about the new release, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Ive been shaped by the soundscapes of cults and cultures from across the globe, music has always been his overriding passion and passport to a life less ordinary for me. I like to preform my songs in many different styles, but in the studio it is possible to focus the arrangement to where you feel the song best fits. I love many different styles of music, and I’m not sure I am in control of the creativity that helps to to write these songs.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I have always expressed myself through singing and writing music. Playing in punk bands when I was younger and angst-driven as I have grown, so has my music. I have always wanted to record music that I am proud of and when I met Jamie Lockhart and Lee Smith (who produced “Dearest Lovely World”) I realised that I could create a sound that I was happy with. What drives me to push it? When I ask myself what I really what I want to do with my life, what are you dreams, the answer is to sing and write music. There is no real other choice.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I feel influenced by everything I come in contact with, every glance, every interaction, sunst, friendship and experience, everything gets soaked up and that can be expressed in music. There are so many bands and artists that I have loved in my life, it could read like an A-Z of music if I was to list then all. I’ve fed myself a diet of classic bands from The Beatles, Radiohead, Bowie. I’ve been unavoidably influenced by the airwaves and its love for all things pop. I also love many forms of electronic music, and often listen to world and classical music.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
To make the best possible record with the songs that I had written. And to capture captivating vocal performances.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m listening to “Bulletproof” by This is the Kit as I write this.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I love them all, the song is what I love, MP3 are great as they are so accessible.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
All of them are great platforms for music, I listen to Spotify most.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I’m only just starting to get my music out to the public, so I’m learning everyday how to do this most effectively, I guess I still believe that if I focus on my craft as a songwriter, then hopefully the songs will speak for themselves.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
You can visit my website www.simondjames.com or listen to me on Spotify and YouTube, or come and say hi on Facebook.
