After establishing himself with a wealth of riveting releases these last few years, US singer-songwriter James Bruner is back on the grind once again to deliver his wondrous new single 'When I'm Down'.
Channelling a beautifully rich and tender direction for his latest outing, 'When I'm Down' makes for a vibrant return to form for him. With its soaring textures, shimmering atmosphere, and his own compelling vocals at the helm, he is certainly looking to pull on our heartstrings with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was guitar. I loved watching live performances of people like Ozzy Osbourne, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. It was clear that when the guy holding the guitar stepped up he demanded attention. I had thought about playing piano but when I started I only got myself to learn one song. It was “Imagine” by John Lennon. Someday I’ll pick up the keys again.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Early on I loved listening to show tunes and bands like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. My parents took me and my sister to see Jersey Boys when I was 9 years old. I was the youngest person in attendance, and it definitely left a mark on me musically. I still love that music to this day.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I bought was “Are You Experienced” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. My mom took me to recycled records in downtown Springfield when I was 15 and I vividly remember buying that record. The bright yellow and purple on the cover was calling my name.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s the coolest song ever. A ballad with guitar solos, an amazing operatic section not to mention it never gets boring after the 6 minutes of play time. A literal masterpiece.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It can definitely depend on what I want to write about. For the most part I think the thing that is most important when I write songs is taping into a place where I feel vulnerable. If I get myself there, I feel like I'm doing my job.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There's so many but lately I've been listening to a lot of Lenny Kravitz, The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, and Maneskin. All of them are definitely in my heavy rotation.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I'd have some shoes to fill but if I could ever play a show with The Rolling Stones I would die a happy man.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
My fans and my friends. Having people reach out and say that my music got them through something or that they relate to my songs is still mind-blowing to me. In terms of my friends, I’ll be writing songs for the rest of my life but to have people who I've met on this journey stand by me and be on my team is amazing. I cherish them so much.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I’d say the most frustrating part is when I have to separate what I love (music), and what my job is. But then again I can't complain. I am living my dream and I couldn't be happier and more fortunate.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice that I have received would be “find out what you like, why you like it, and study where it came from”.
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James Bruner's new single 'When I'm Down' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.