Q&A: Kris James talks new music, social media & weight loss
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
Embark on a thrilling journey as Kris James ascends to new heights in his musical career. Recently, he had the incredible opportunity to support acclaimed artists Will Young and Anastacia during their UK and European tours. Now, the talented singer-songwriter from Liverpool is ready to captivate audiences once again with his first release of 2023 - the soul-stirring summer single 'Caught Feelings'. With this latest track, Kris invites fans to delve into the depths of his true essence, providing an intimate glimpse into his raw emotions and genuine self. Fearlessly embracing his authenticity, he unleashes a symphony of unfiltered thoughts and heartfelt sentiments. As his latest song takes flight, we sat down with Kris to learn more about his journey as an artist and discover what inspires his craft.
1. The sun is out and we’ve been listening to your new single ‘Caught Feelings’ which has some good summer soulful vibes - what inspired you to write this song?
This song was inspired by my ex boyfriend. It was a while ago now, but it kind of came out of nowhere and some really bad things happened at the beginning, but it was too late because I'd already fallen in love. That's why the lyric rings true "the sun shines, but it rains inside". We tried to make it work, and I do forgive him, but I think our hearts are very precious and very delicate and want to be broken. It's kinda like breaking a perfect China cup. It will never be perfect again however, you can take the best parts away with you. Did you know in japan if they drop a cup, pick it up and they repair it with gold it's called "kintsugi" I think that's kind of beautiful. Maybe I should have done that with my relationship! ;-I
2. Tell us about the music video for Caught Feelings...
We went to my favourite place, Los Angeles to shoot the music video with a super cool production company called New Frontera Pictures. We wanted to go for the 1950's old Hollywood style and that’s exactly what we did! I don’t wanna give too much away about the video, but all I can say is that we capture the beautiful love story in a 1950's style. It’s out this Friday and I'm really nervous yet super happy and excited about it all all at the same time. I think I’m the most excited about any music video I’ve ever done!!!!!
3. You grew up singing songs by some of the legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Prince and Otis Redding - what do you think are the key elements that make a timeless classic pop song?
I think for sure a catchy and memorable melody is the cornerstone of any timeless song plus strong lyrics. The lyrics should be meaningful, authentic, and capable of resonating with people of different generations, cultures, and backgrounds. As I said before, we all have similar experiences in life, so it’s important to make sure that the song is relatable. That’s why most songs are relatable because they’re usually about the highs and lows of love and life. Adele and her songwriters are masters at these timeless songs that evoke strong emotions, and people tend to remember the songs that make them feel something, whether it's happiness, sadness or love. I also think simple timeless songs both melodically and lyrically can be easily remembered and sung along with.
4. If you could have someone play you in a movie of your life, who would that be?
Harry styles. I just love Harry. I think he’s an amazing musician and also an absolutely awesome actor. I think he would play me perfectly, Harry if you're reading this, let’s write a song together!!
5. What do you think are the hardest obstacles for artists nowadays to overcome?
I think breaking through is probably the hardest, especially if you’re not signed to a major label. But as I tell everybody, just keep pushing, keep pushing songs out until something gives, whihc is eventually will. Even if it’s not in the UK it can be anywhere. The world is a big place and there is space for everybody that wants to do it. I also think patience, you can work for 10 years plus to get great success but after that time it generally comes. Long gone are the days of overnight success, unless you wanna do reality TV. Don’t give up and have patience and keep pushing.
6. What’s your relationship like with social media - do you love it or loathe it?
I absolutely love social media. I think it allows us to get a message of music and love and inspiration. If you wrote a song it would just be for the people you know and maybe a couple of your listeners but now the whole world can listen to it so I absolutely love social media. However, I only love the real side of it, not the fake over filtered look how fabulous my life is fake stuff that’s what’s making the kids worry that they will never do that or they are not good enough, so I do think we need some sort of a regulation so that people are not aiming for things that are actually not even real in the first place based on the fakery of social media.
7. If you had to pick one album to listen to on a desert island for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Wow that’s a hard one but I would pick Prince's album “Purple Rain” - it's so amazing, I just love that record.
8. Where do you get your inspiration from when writing songs - and what do you think is the best lyric you’ve ever written?
Most of the inspiration from my songs comes from actual real life situations when I’m happy in love, when I’m sad in love. I think as human beings we all go through similar situations so I generally write about my situations, but then when I’m writing, we make it relatable so that it could be for you, for me or anybody. I suppose I’ve always wanted my albums to be a little bit of self-help so that when a listener find themselves a bit sad, they can put on my record and by the end of it they feel good again!!
The best lyric I’ve ever written I think has to be the chorus from the new track “Caught Feelings”
I caught Feelings
Strange kind of weather
It shines but it rains inside
was I dreaming
Better hold it all together
Buckle up and go for the ride
9. What do you think your biggest achievement is - either personally or professionally?
I think my biggest achievement personally is something that not many people know, but I used to weigh 20 stone. I lost eight stone and kept it off. I did it for overall health but I also really wanted to look a certain way for the business so that I could travel and be able to be healthy enough to tour. I knew that being that size at the time when I entered the music business wasn’t going to work as I would get lots of comments when I was auditioning about my size, so I decided to do something about it and I’ve never looked back since!
10. Have you got any gigs coming up?
Not at the moment but there will potentially be a tour towards the end of the year. At the moment I’m releasing great music and finishing the album. But for sure there will be some shows. I hope you guys are going to be there! Xx.
