James WLDE is an experimental Irish singer-songwriter and artist. Drawing on the personal more than most, he delves into his own mind and likes to think of his music as an undetermined blend of alternative pop that is meaningful and appealing to the younger generation. Largely influenced by artists such as Frank Ocean, Bjork, Kate Bush and Radiohead, James aims to amalgamate all of these stems of sonics into his own, individual sound.
Indie Midlands: Can you tell our readers a bit about the release?
James WLDE: ISSUES was the culmination of a very intense time creatively for myself and Kev (Brennan, frequent collaborator). It’s the closest thing to a conventional single I’ve put out so far.
Indie Midlands: Who are your favourite artists?
James WLDE: Frank for being constantly himself. Bowie for the path he forged. I think I’ll always wear Bowie on my sleeve. Fiona Apple. Talking Heads for being weird. Some of the more out-there U2. I’d put Radiohead in there. Bjork. Probably Kate Bush. You can’t get away from Bob Dylan as a songwriter, the ultimate ‘thing,’ to aspire to. We bow at the throne of Dylan. Velvet Underground. The XX for the space in those early records. That was like enlightenment for me. D’Angelo. Lauryn Hill. Jeff Buckley for never settling. Brian Wilson for being a genius.
Indie Midlands: Where are you based? Has this shaped your music?
James WLDE: Living in North London has had an enormous effect on my music. It’s cold. It can be harsh at times. You have to be quite dynamic in your approach to life.
Indie Midlands: Can you tell us a bit about ‘ISSUES’ and what it means to you?
James WLDE: I think it’s the first time that I sat back and reflected on the process of the song, from inspiration, to release, and thought, yeah, this is me. This is where I’M at right now. Which is liberating. I owe a lot to influence, but I would hope that the composite of those unlikely influences make something original. As original as those influences allow me to be.
Indie Midlands: Have you got any hope and expectations for this release?
James WLDE: I try to refrain from casting any grand expectations for these things. I don’t like the trap of thinking that way. I like to let it go how it’ll go, and focus on the next thing. Well, I guess I lie actually. To me now, it’s about finding who can help get me where I’m going. That’s my hope. Maybe this song helps me do that.
Indie Midlands: Has anything surprised you?
James WLDE: I am constantly surprised if and when people respond to the music. It is one of life’s beautiful things. I always feel like a vessel for the thing anyway. It’s like ‘Oh, you like it too! That’s great.’
Indie Midlands: Who are your listeners – who does your music speak to?
James WLDE: Well, they tell me that my percentage is about 75% female at the moment, which is really rather surprising. I’m happy about it though. Happy that people are responding. I would have guessed that because I tend to include stuff about, among other things, masculinity, and a lot of stuff like isolation, or desolation, from a male perspective, that it might swing in that direction. But apparently not. Not at the moment anyway. Which is totally fine. When I look back, women tend to be the ones who really always saw the potential in me.
Indie Midlands: What would you say to them if given the opportunity?
James WLDE: I’m not sure. Just, thank you, probably. I don’t think I’d be any better at articulating myself than through the music. It’s far more interesting than I am anyway.
Indie Midlands: Do you have any upcoming plans to play the track live?
James WLDE: Yes, Camden Assembly, February 23rd. Then we might be looking at a small UK and Ireland tour.
Indie Midlands: Are there any future releases planned in 2023?
James WLDE: There certainly is. We’re finalising my first EP (CLRS) this month, then another video next month.