Mitch James finds his silver lining
ITCH James is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand known for his brutally honest and relatable music. In 2018, he released a self-titled album with acoustic-pop songs such as “Bright Blue Sky,” “No Fixed Abode,” and “21” that performed steadily on pop radio programming in New Zealand.
Following this success, he toured with Ed Sheeran, Six60, and is currently on a world tour with Calum Scott for the Bridges Tour.
Ahead of the concert, Music Geek had the chance to interview him to discuss his music.
James was passionate and genuine when he shared the type of songs he produced. He has always prided himself as a songwriter who writes about real-life experiences. He revealed that he once tried writing a different style, but it did not work out, so he went back to the drawing board and tried to understand what his fans love about his music — his authenticity and honesty.
Moving forward, the Philippines was their second stop in Asia, and the fans were ecstatic to witness James performing live for the first time as an opening act at the New Frontier Theater.
“My impression of Filipinos so far is top-notch, passionate, genuine, and caring people. I know I had Filipino fans for a while. It will be exciting playing in front of them for the first time. Fans have always been very vocal and passionate. It is an honor and privilege to be here,” James shared.
When asked about his pre-release singles “motions” and “Japan” for his upcoming album “patience,” he revealed that he had an extremely challenging phase in life.
Naturally, as a songwriter who writes about his personal experience, he said, “I took all of those challenging experiences and the good ones over the last years and put them into a body of work which is how life is like a roller coaster.”
James is thrilled to perform at the upcoming shows since this is his first time playing live since the pandemic.
“Just being on stage every night, performing in front of people, fills my soul with so much joy!”
He also added that it is the people who make each stage special. “Every night, there is so much energy, and Calum’s crowd is so beautiful. It’s the people that make it very special. I am so excited tonight because I heard the Filipino fans are loud and love to sing along!”
His enthusiasm radiated while discussing his growth as a musician and finally being able to play shows again.
“As an artist and a human, I have grown a lot. It has been years of challenges. I feel like as an artist, you either tone down the route of ego or you can self-reflect.”
Explaining that he is one to always self-reflect, he added, “I am a believer that there are always things we can improve. I am sure I will fill that in the next album. I have grown and learned about balance, boundaries, and patience. Ironically.”
Here’s more of the interview with Mitch James. Thanks to Chen Cornelio of Sony Music Philippines for making the interview possible.
WHO INflUENCED YOUR MUSIC? CAN YOU SHARE YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?
Ed Sheeran, Jon Bellion, I listen to every kind of music. Country, pop, I even listen to worship sometimes. What appeals to me is truth and honesty when an artist is vulnerable and genuine. I resonate especially with Ed, Jon, Morgan Wallen, Bazzi, Bruce Springsteen, and Oasis.
How would you handle touring and BEING AWAY FROM HOME?
Being on tour for three months, I think there are 41 flights; it has been insane. The way I look at it, the worst part of traveling is the traveling. Once you get that out of the way, I am here in Manila doing what I love. I cannot complain one little bit about it. Yes, traveling is hard and grueling, but I am doing what I love. That is why I cannot complain about that. I am just very grateful.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SINGLE “MOTIONS”?
The song “Motions” is about searching for the silver lining when life gets hard. My parents have been sick with cancer, I lost friends, I was unwell, covid, and the music industry. I have heard that Filipinos are the same. They always look for the silver lining, the bright side.
DO YOU PLAN TO DO A SOLO CONCERT?
Yes, most definitely in 2023. If tonight goes well, I think 2023 should be good. If not, I will be working toward the Filipino show for sure.
“Patience” is now out via Sony Music.