Gavin James Exclusive Covershoot and Interview

Tuesday 15th December 2020

Everybody gets lonely, but few can convert the full spectrum of emotional turmoil that comes with loneliness into music. However, this is precisely what Gavin James does on his latest track, Man On The Moon. The highly emotive track uses creative metaphors, and expert storytelling to both reflect the loneliness felt by many, but also remind the listener that through it all, they might be lonely but they are not alone.

We caught up with Gavin to discuss his new music, his songwriting process and his FAULTs.

We know you’ve spent a lot of time working in your home studio – how has the isolation of your recent writing affected your song making process?

At the start of the lockdown, I was convinced I would be writing 100’s of songs, but like everyone else, I got locked into watching Tiger King etc. But I soon got back on track and set up my home studio, and it’s been a really productive year of writing for the new album. I did try some sessions over Zoom, but it just not the same as being in the room with someone.

Before this year, you’d been back to back touring and working for years – are there any days you miss the busking life?

Gavin James: I don’t miss the cold and the rain :) but Ireland is just a great place for music and talent and people really listen and support especially when busking. I will miss this year’s annual busking on Grafton Street on Christmas Eve that’s always really special, and so many amazing acts come along to support the charity.

What would you say has been your hardest hurdle to climb on your musical journey?

Gavin James: I think all the travelling, when you are away from your family and friends for long periods, staying in hotel after hotel. That can be difficult to get used to at the start. But I have now done so much travelling I’m really used to it, the upside of this year for me is actually being at home. However, I can’t wait to get back out there as soon as possible!

When you look back on your career, what do you want your music to say about you?

Gavin James: To continued to release music that I’m proud of and that hopefully, people will like it and that anyone who supported me and my music, or comes to my shows etc. really enjoys what I do. As long as I can keep doing what I love, which is writing and performing, then I’ll be very happy.

Emotionally, what would you say has been the hardest song for you to write?

Gavin James: This year my uncle Paddy O’Leary, who died from Covid-19, “He was the best man ever, you know. He was a sweet man, so I wrote a song called “I Miss You” for him, it’s very personal, which I was not going to release but I thought maybe people needed to hear it. He will be so missed this Christmas by us all.

What is your FAULT?

Gavin James: I’m not the best at being on time :)