James Morrison FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

It’s been over fifteen years since James Morrison released his debut album Undiscovered. The album birthed multiple hits such as You Give Me Something, Wonderful World and Undiscovered but more importantly, it shone a light on James Morrison’s killer songwriting skills. In the years since, James Morrison has released five more albums and gained even more hits and acclaim along the way. 

With today’s release of James Morrison’s new greatest hits album, we caught tup with the musician to discuss his journey, process and of course, his FAULTs. 

The new track “‘Don’t Mess With Love’ was written in Lockdown, did you see a large change in your writing process during that time?

Yeah, I did, I tried lots of different things musically and it was really fun, I got songs out of it that I love and it taught me not to be scared to try stuff.

During the rerecording process, did you find that the songs had taken on new meaning – and if so, which tracks do you feel changed the most?

lots of the songs, most of them take on a new meaning. Some of the lyrics can be very poignant after they are written. “Up” and “Too late for lullabies” are like that and I was surprised how nice some of the songs still sound. I felt proud of them.

Which of your songs most surprised you with its success?

All of them !!! How successful Broken String was a surprise. Same with “I won’t let you go”. Sometimes you just write a song and it comes together quickly. The ones I’ve had hits with are a bit like that.

It’s been 15 years since the release of your debut album, as someone who has seen many different phases of the music industry, do you think you’d reach the same level of success if you debuted in today’s musical climate?

I don’t think so. There is not enough room for development these days. You’re expected to be a fully ready artist with your own songs and a strong idea of everything. I think the pressure these days with content on social platforms makes it even harder. I’d hate to be a new artist releasing new music or your debut album through lockdown…that’s tough. You’ve got to be strong in who you are. Say no when it counts.

Looking back in all your albums, which would you say was the most challenging to compile?

For me the 4th album. I didn’t know which direction I wanted to go in so I tried a lot of different things. I am still proud of it and it turned out how I wanted but it was definitely the most challenging for me.

If you could go back to the start of your career and leave yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would say trust your instincts more, exercise, be confident and most importantly enjoy the ride!

What’s something no journalist has ever asked you but is something you’d like to say/ discuss?

I would like to say … I’m a messenger … I’m here to remind you of your vulnerability and your strength…. without one you can’t have the other! I believe in god. But to me, god isn’t a man with a beard. God is the energy of life. The natural law…everything you do .. counts!

What is the hardest hurdle you’ve had to overcome as an artist?

The hardest hurdle is trusting yourself in the unknown.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

I can’t wait to tour and get back in the studio and make some new music. And can’t wait to have a beach holiday. It’s been a while.

What is your FAULT?

It’s my fault that my hair was terrible.