Author: Emma Loggins
Date: 2008-04-07


Interview:
With his warm, rich tenor and emotionally powerful songs, Brendan James announces himself as an artist-to-watch on his dazzling debut album The Day is Brave. Rooted in the classic singer/songwriter tradition, with its introspective lyrics and unforgettable melodies, the album is 11 tracks of stunning songcraft: elegant, earthy, and displaying a total lack of artifice that is rare in the pop world these days. Influenced by the understated simplicity of the Carly Simon, James Taylor, and Carole King records he grew up with, James knew he wanted his debut to sound natural and unaffected. "The phrase 'stripped-down' is so overused, and 'bare-bones' doesn't really describe it," he says, "but I wanted the simplicity of the art to come through. I wanted it to have tasteful blend of folk and pop influences." We had the honor of sitting down with Brendan to discuss his new album, how he got started in the industry, and his musical inspirations. Here's what he had to say:

Can you talk a little bit about your new album? How would you describe it?

My new album is called "The Day is Brave", and it's coming out June 3rd. It's pretty simply produced. When I write songs I try to think about my own life, or the lifes of my friends or people I have met and write relatively specific songs about those occurrences. It ranges from some slower songs to some upbeat songs. It's got 11 songs in all, and there will be some bonus material on iTunes as well.

Were there any specific artists or bands that had an influence on the music you wrote for this album?

It's my first album so pretty much every band that I've ever listen to has influenced me somehow. I was especially influenced by the singer/songwriters of the 70's like James Taylor and Cat Stevens. When I think about lyrics, melodies, and chord structures, I think Elton John and Billy Joel played a large part in that. But yea, just basically a lot of 70's music.

What is the song writing process like for you?

For the most part it's me sitting at the piano until chords and melodies come. I don't really think about the lyrics for a few days, or sometimes a few weeks. Then the lyrics come to me, and I try to place them into the melody. But the melody and the chord structure come first for me, and then I make sure to take a little time with the lyrics.