James Wright an Interview by Westfall December, 2004

---

Tell me a little about yourself and how music in general has been a part of your life?

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have music in my life. There are photographs of me under the Christmas tree playing my first guitar at age 3 -- the need to create and perform has consumed me since then. I was born in England, but grew up in Australia. Since then i have lived in Melbourne, London and New York City - all for love and music.

How long have you been making music and when/how did you start professionally?

I first started writing songs when I was about 11 yrs old -- my Dad had some old drum machines and synths, and my best friend (Paul Peacock) , my younger brother (Andrew) and I began messing around with the equipment. I had always written short stories and poetry, so lyrics were a natural progression and the best way to get out my feelings.

How did you fall in with Stretch Princess?

They tricked me... No, seriously, I was living in London, writing songs for other people when they (Jo Lloyd and Dave Magee) placed an ad in Melody Maker saying, "Signed Band Needs Guitarist." I went to the audition, and it turned out they weren’t signed, but the chemistry between us was amazing -- 6 years and 2 albums later, we are still family.

What do you remember most fondly about your days with Stretch Princess? Any funny stories of being on the road?

All my days with Stretch were crazy, passionate, funny and unbelievable -- we have traveled the world together, were privileged to record in the best studios, met incredible people (fans and the famous alike) and all while making music we love. The funny stories that really tickle me would seem like nonsense to anyone else - unless you have been driving for 16 hours straight, coming off 3 days without sleep and a new hit of truck stop coffee and sugar has just kicked in!!

How would you compare your music to that of your previous band Stretch Princess? Can we expect any new material from Stretch Princess?

It still applies the same emotional principles in the lyrics, because Jo and I wrote together and shared a similar view of the world -- I think I talk about "life" a little more, you know, the human condition and all that jazz - the music is still guitar-driven. On my new album, Dave actually played a lot of the drums and Jo chipped in some vocals, so at times, it’s quite Stretch-sounding. I used acoustic guitar more because I am very comfortable performing on my own, especially if i want the lyrics to carry their full weight. Earlier this year, Jo and I wrote some country songs together in Nashville, but it is quiet on the Stretch Princess front at the moment...I am always ready though!!

Do you miss being part of a band or do you prefer having your own identity?

I loved the band and found friends for life from it, but I think nature takes its course when you least realize , and expressing myself as a singer, with the chance to take full responsibility for the words I deliver, is the way it is meant to be.

Why, after a lengthy absence, are you now writing and performing? What got the creative juices flowing?

To be honest, they never stopped. But, I went through a difficult time with my family and I got lost making the record, sort of in slow motion. I didn’t quite have the energy for performing, but writing and singing kept me sane! Once that was resolved, the energy returned and I began to play live. Also, I have an amazing muse, live in New York City and the world is crazy...so inspiration is never far away.

What type of album is “The Music Made Me Do It” - Describe it musically.

A series of realistic, lyric-driven close-ups, with a hint of “sway.”

What inspired you to create “The Music Made Me Do It”?

The extremes of life, love and loss.

Tell us a little about the creation of “The Music Made Me Do It”?

It started out in my head, came out of my mouth, bumped into producer Skoti-Alain Elliott and developed on the G train between studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Some of the songs were tested at live performances, some were incubated at home - all tracks passed a rigorous screening process set by Skoti and the artist Harland - "nothing gets out if it doesn't rock your world!"

How did you prepare yourself for jumping into the spotlight and becoming a singer?

I had always had a feeling that it was my destiny (cheese factor 10, I know) but I lacked the confidence, which is strange because I was happy to get on stage and jump around in front of thousands of people. However, the honesty and vulnerability of opening my mouth took a lot of preparation. I got up at 6:30 am everyday for almost a year, and went to a rehearsal room with no one around and sang for hours at a time.

What was it like working on your own? Describe the process you went through in creating your first solo album, and what you thought of the experience?

It was lonely at times, but creatively satisfying for a control freak. The process was all about discovery - while writing the songs I would have the initial burst of lyrics first, but then I played less familiar instruments like drums and bass, and explored ways to sing over the music.

What was it like producing your first album, and what surprised you most about the process?

To be honest, it was so easy and naturally part of the process that I never thought about it. I co-produced with Skoti, so the responsibility was shared and the fun was doubled (laughing on your own looks kind of mental, anyway!!! Hahahha!)

Is there a particular meaning or inspiration for the album’s title, “The Music Made Me Do It”?

I feel that so much of what I have done and the people I have met in life are because of music, and the luck it has brought, but I also know that the mistakes I make, and the regrets I have, are also linked to that same driving force.

Do you have a personal favorite song on the new album? Why?

Right now, “The Story so Far," is my favorite because I am getting ready to shoot a video for it, and it’s buzzing ideas in my head.

What is the meaning behind “Six Foot Neon Sign”?

That sometimes, people you love can be going through so much pain, and you just don't see it.

What did you get out of the creative process?

Identity

Are you playing live? What do you enjoy most about the experience of performing live?

Yes! I most enjoy the challenge of trying to amaze and connect to the audience, and the physical reaction to the air being moved by a guitar amp cranked!

What was your biggest accomplishment?

My first show -- it was a long time coming.

Why did you include more than the typical 10-12 songs for the CD? Can we expect the so-called “b-sides” to appear on any future single releases, or will they be made available from your Web site?

I included 18 tracks on the album — it’s more of a "warts 'n' all" style. Having said that, there were early demos and a few that didn’t make it that are bound to surface eventually.

How can people interested in hearing your music learn more about you and buy your CD?

www.jameswrightmusic.com !!

What music has inspired you and what music influenced the sound and creation of “The Music Made Me Do It?”

Silverchair, Travis, Bjork, Powderfinger and Jude.

What are you currently listening to?

Fatboy Slim, Damien Rice, Harland (as always).

What are you currently working on, and what can we look forward to in the future?

Hmmm...... I have a lot of co-writes with artists like Josh Abraham, Harland, Hook the Captain, Sleepthief, and Delerium that are out or coming out next year -- and I am already working on some new tracks for myself.

What would you hope to accomplish musically with your next release?

I would like to write and record faster, in one place and with a small band, to try and increase the intensity. Also, I am getting into piano again -- so perhaps that will be featured more.

I see on your Web site that you recently auditioned for the part of Elvis in an upcoming CBC mini-series. What inspired this? Can you tell us a little about your experience?

People have always stopped me in the street to point out that I look so much like Elvis, and I guess because I am a singer too, it seemed that I had to try out for the CBS mini-series about him. Unfortunately, I lack TV or film acting experience, which thwarted me when it came down to the last phase of the auditions. However, since then, I have had a lot of endorsements to add acting to my career plans -- so we shall see.

What other interests do you have?

Food, basketball, movies, friends and family.

Is there anything you want to say to your current and future fans?

Buenos Dias!!! Hola !!! (I am learning Spanish -- I need the practice!)