Patrick James Q&A
Having just released his new single Wait, Sydney-based troubadour Patrick James took some time out to chat with Sydney Unleashed.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
The first real break I got was to tour with Tim Hart from Boy & Bear. It was really good to be introduced to him and that style of tour. I just did it solo and duo for some shows and was really the first time that I met his booking agent who is now my booking agent. They have been really great in getting me out on the road and promoting the live show.
Best part of what you do?
I absolutely love touring and am so grateful to be able to constantly be playing shows whether it be solo, duo or with the full band. There is that side of things but then to work on songs within the studio is a great experience and enjoy every part of that. To be able to record recently with Wayne Connolly was incredible, so really looking forward to recording more of my songs. Busking is another integral part of my music at the moment too.
And the worst part?
The worst part is when you’re not doing those things that you enjoy so much, but I guess there are certain things you have to go through like finding the funds as an independent artist to progress and make sure you can move forward. As an artist in the early stages of a career these are just things that will hopefully even out as the project becomes bigger and as you grow as an artist.
Any interesting experiences you can share?
When the band and I were recently supporting Josh Pyke on his album tour, the tour manager and band decided to play a bit of a prank on me. It included a picture of my face with the Tony Abbott campaign slogan ‘If he wins, you lose’ printed on my set list. I walked out in front of all these people at the Astor Theatre in Perth and it was the first thing I saw. I then couldn’t continue with the set until I showed everyone in the room, it was pretty distracting…
Favourite album of all time and why?
I would say ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac, its an album that just keeps growing on me and never get sick of it.
Best live performance that you’ve ever seen?
Bon Iver at the Opera House was pretty special and Coldplay at Allianz Stadium was an out of this world experience. The light show and fireworks at that show with 45,000 people was mental!
Favourite bars/clubs/pubs to hang out in?
One of my favourite bars is in Melbourne at the Northcote Social Club which happens to be where we are playing when we go down for this tour. Hanging out there when we are on tour is great. I live in Tempe and there is a local pub there that’s really quiet and hidden; it’s good to have a few quiet beers there. Really digging Newtown Social too! The Enmore would have to be my favourite music venue in Sydney hands down.
Take us through a typical day in the life of Patrick James.
A typical day includes me trying to find a good busking spot and then trying to make some new fans! It’s been pretty busy of late with preparation of the tour and especially the Sydney show on the 9th of November at Oxford Art Factory, so I’ve been trying to fit in some pretty awesome little coffee spots whilst gearing up for the tour!
Patrick James plays Oxford Art Factory on Saturday, November 9 (2013) with special guests The Starry Field and Maples.
© Danny Canak
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