By Geoffrey Rowlands

The English market town of Hitchen in Hertfordshire is not known for very much. Perhaps its most unusual claim to fame was being subjected to what is thought to have been the most severe hailstorm recorded in British history.

But the town should become far better known in future thanks to the success of Hitchen-born singer/songwriter James Bay. He is currently enjoying his biggest hit to date with his second single, Hold Back the River. Yet this pales in comparison to performing on the same bill as his favourite band.

“I was one of the support acts for The Rolling Stones when they played in Hyde Park,” smiled 23-year-old James. “I performed on a smaller stage but just having my name on the same gig poster as one of the most enormous rock bands ever was the greatest moment of my life.”

There should certainly be many more occasions that will surpass this as James continues his career. Rave reviews follow every performance with critics comparing him favourably with Scottish crooner Paolo Nutini and American singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne.

“It’s an honour for me to even be mentioned in the same breath as people like these. They are incredible artists and big influences on my work.”

James began playing guitar at the age of 12.

“It belonged to my dad. He wasn’t musical at all so had never learned to play. He and my mum really enjoyed music though and they had a fantastic record collection. I guess I soaked up the great songs when I was a kid and just felt the desire to see if I could play an instrument.

“After feeling like I’d mastered the guitar, I then wanted to see if I could write songs. I started when I was 15 and quickly got immersed in songwriting. I enjoyed all kinds of music. The first record I bought was Eminem’s The Real Slim Shady.

“But I knew the kind of singer/songwriter stuff I wanted to perform. This meant it was people like Bob Dylan and Carole King, rather than Eminem, who were the influences on my songwriting.”

After leaving school, James decided to study guitar at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. He also played in small venues and at open mic nights gradually building a loyal following. One fan put a video of his performance online. This was seen by a Republic Records A&R executive who was so impressed that the label flew James to New York where he signed his record deal.

“This was my dream come true. I had played in some bands when I was a teenager but always intended to be a solo artist. Everyone at Republic was so supportive. I got to choose my producer, Jacquire King, who people will know from his work with Tom Waits and Kings of Leon, and we recorded at the amazing Blackbird Studios in Nashville.”

His first five-song EP, “The Dark of the Morning,” was released last year. It didn’t sell in great numbers but established James as an emerging force on the music scene. Earlier this year, his position was solidified with the five songs on his “Let It Go” EP. The title-track also became his first hit single.

“I’d played a lot of music festivals so more people knew me. My fanbase kept increasing so people were ready for Hold Back the River. Happily, the response has been positive and I have a big hit.”

His single is the title-track from a third EP. When can fans expect a full album?

“I suppose they have one now if you compile my three EPs. My actual album will be out early next year to coincide with a major tour which I just heard has sold out. I always loved watching live shows and I love playing live. It always drives me to produce my best possible performance.”

 

IN BRIEF

Earlly Mac

 

Detroit rapper Earlly Mac is one of those rising stars of hip hop primarily known for appearances on songs by more established artists. In Earlly’s case, Big Sean is the star name with whom he is most closely associated.

“We’ve been friends for years,” Earlly stated. “The whole Finally Famous crew, Sean, SayItAintTone, myself and the others, started out promoting parties around Detroit before we got into music.”

Earlly’s own output was good enough to see him nominated for a spot on the prestigious XXL magazine’s Freshmen list. He has released three new songs in recent weeks which are now posted on YouTube.

Next Room is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=n46Yvo53Lwo

A link to the free download of this track is posted after the publishing date.

Like Pac can be heard at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipVtJk_X9Qo, while the video for Like Kanye is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG451GxfOes

Older songs can be found on YouTube by typing Earlly’s name in the website’s search box.

 

Martin Tungevaag

 

Norwegian DJ, producer and songwriter Martin Tungevaag enjoyed a massive hit single in his homeland and other parts of Europe earlier this year with Wicked Wonderland. The uptempo dance number features vocals written and performed by Los Angeles-based artist Serena West.

For some reason, Serena is not listed on the song credits. Let’s hope she is getting her share of the royalties because Wicked Wonderland has now been given a much wider international release.

The song video is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtI2xqg75E

More of Martin’s tracks can be found at www.youtube.com/user/martintungevaagmusic/videos

 

Eminem

 

“Shady XV” is a recently released 2-CD album featuring artists signed to Eminem’s Shady Records label. One disc contains greatest hits by 50 Cent, D12, Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf, Obie Trice, Eminem and others, while the second CD houses new songs by the current roster of label artists.

Most of “Shady XV” is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OJhKJDxyaw

The missing songs from disc two, which include a version of Eminem’s Lose Yourself with different lyrics, can be heard at www.youtube.com/watch?v=eokpDcIaQCw

Although the album has been generally well received, Odd Future rapper Tyler the Creator was less than impressed. Despite Odd Future supporting Eminem on his last world tour and openly admitting to being a big fan, Tyler was scathing in his remarks about “Shady XV.” Perhaps significantly, the disparaging tweet on Tyler’s Twitter account has since been deleted.

 

Atomic Kitten

 

Atomic Kitten released their debut single, Right Now, on November 29, 1999. Just days after the 15-year anniversary, their classic line-up of Liz McClarnon, Natasha Hamilton and Kerry Katona announced they were reuniting for a world tour next year and an album of new material.

Much has happened to the girls since 2005 when Cradle was their last top ten single. By then, Jenny Frost had long since replaced Kerry who became a regular on various British reality television programmes. Apart from one hit song for Liz, she and Natasha both failed to find chart success as solo artists but appeared in an assortment of stage and TV shows.

The group recorded 13 UK top ten singles many of which were also international smash hits. Whole Again was their most successful song. The video for this is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V0xQkk9kbc

Type their name in the website’s search box for access to many more Atomic Kitten tracks.