Oliver James

PREMIERE | OLIVER JAMES RELEASES HAUNTING ‘THE HARDEST PART’

San Diego-based pop-rock artist Oliver James premieres “The Hardest Part,” on Rawckus. The song is the title track from James’ imminent EP, releasing November 29 on Wire and Wood Recordings.

The Hardest Part
Oliver James
The EP encompasses four-tracks revealing the delicate complexity and subtle hesitant side of falling in love. James explains, “As human beings, we’ve all experienced the immense highs and tremendous lows of falling in and out of love. I think these songs speak to all of us.”

Wonderfully wrought, the songs exhibit vast sonic depth enhanced by layers of pedal steel, brass, and a string orchestra, reflecting James’ concept of music: “Good music should give the listener a feeling of belonging and should underscore the good times and sooth the bad times,” James says. “And both times are important....Like Brian Eno says, ‘There can be no flowers without fertilizer.’”

The band’s genesis occurred when James and Brett Levine hit it off, connecting over a mutual love for ‘70’s television, cutting tongue-in-cheek humor, and red wine. Merging their distinctive songwriting talents, they released their debut album, recorded at NYC’s Magic Shop, while their following releases were recorded at San Diego’s Pacific Beat studio.

Similar to a musical prayer, both intimate and heartfelt, the delicious velvety movement of the harmonics exudes a gracious field of gorgeous suppressed energy.
By 2017, the band comprised six members and was playing full-time, simultaneously racking up beau coup streams of their music and views on YouTube.

“The Hardest Part” opens on elegant melancholic strings flowing into luminous gently gleaming textures topped by James’ creamy haunting voice. Low-slung yet rife with lush fragile textures, the melody blends pop and symphonic surfaces into softly radiant music trembling with elusive opulent-lite colors.

Emerging vocal harmonies infuse the nostalgic lyrics with suffusing echoes and tender coloration, akin to tantalizing wisps of recollection. Similar to a musical prayer, both intimate and heartfelt, the delicious velvety movement of the harmonics exudes a gracious field of gorgeous suppressed energy.

Beautifully haunting, “The Hardest Part” is a confection of pure elegance tumescent with alluring textures and wistful vocals. This is certainly one of the most exquisite songs of the year. - http://www.rawckus.com

http://www.slickstermagazine.com/the-hardest-part-by-oliver-james-album-review/ - http://www.slickstermagazine.com

https://lemonwire.com/2019/12/13/the-more-you-love-the-more-you-live-oliver-james/ - https://lemonwire.com

Oliver James’s EP The Hardest Part is a beautiful synergy of folk, country, and indie pop/rock, a constant and fluid interplay between the genres and the musician’s emotions rather than singular expressions of each. More importantly, while the songs feature some of these genres’ signature traits, they use them as tools to create a unique sound and bring out an honest emotion rather than as boxes that just need to be ticked in order to rehash old themes that have proven to be safe bets.

The four songs in The Hardest Part have beautiful swelling sections of brass and string orchestras, layers of jangling guitars, pedal steel guitar melodies that carry the whiff of nostalgia the way only this gorgeous sound effect can; and of course, James’s haunting and otherworldly voice that’s slightly reminiscent of Vile Vallo’s from HIM and conjures up a lonesome and perhaps eerie creature whose pain pours out in the most beautiful forms.

The Hardest Part is definitely an album, brimming with subtle emotions, that would probably appeal to the folk and indie lovers in particular, but also to people with a taste for beautiful guitar melodies that come in all kinds of styles and forms and in the company of authentic and unique singing. - https://livinglifefearless.co

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/oliver.james.online/

“Still Holding My Breath” is almost seven minutes long, but thanks to its consistently gripping groove and thoroughly evocative harmonies, it doesn’t feel like a bloated jam session at all. Truth be told, this track is actually one of the more fluid on the record; in three movements, it evolves into a cinematic string opus that is even more imaginistic than the six minutes that preceded it are. It’s difficult to make a song as stacked as this one interesting after only one or two listens, but I feel like I discovered more within the composition’s own picture with each sit-down I spent with it. Enigmatic might not be the right word to describe this track; it’s definitely as multidimensional as a riddle, but James isn’t indulging in a lot of metaphorical nonsense here, either.

“Wait for Me” is a little plain and simple in comparison to “Still Holding My Breath,” but to be fair, what wouldn’t be? James straddles a very gentle rhythm in this track with ease, stealing away some attention from his instrumentation for a shot at breaking off the most seductive vocal of the EP, and his valiant effort winds up producing some beautiful results. We come to the conclusion of The Hardest Part with another trip down the rabbit hole in “A Different Kind of Pain,” but even as this track’s vortex of piano, guitar and trench-like bass grooves smother us in their twisted melodicism, the effect of the past three songs isn’t minimized in the least.

BANDCAMP: https://oliverjames1.bandcamp.com/releases

From start to finish, it is very difficult to put down Oliver James’ The Hardest Part once it has been picked up for the first time, partially because of the fantastic musicianship of its eponymous star, but mostly because of the fabulous chemistry he shares with his band, and more prominently, the material that they’ve constructed out of this highly experimental groundwork. James himself is definitely the main attraction in The Hardest Part, but if it’s boundless psychedelic folk-rock that refuses to fit inside any category other than a broad “alternative” you’ve been after this year, I would rank this as among the top picks to go with. It would be really interesting to hear how a lot of this music translates live, but until I have the chance to find out on my own, the surrealism of this latest recording will have to suffice.

Gwen Waggoner - https://skopemag.com/2019/12/30/

PensEyeView.com

http://www.penseyeviewnew.com/pev/2020/01/16/oliver-james/

Oliver James
Posted on January 16, 2020 in Featured Artist by Richie Frieman

It’s a fun mix – an experienced singer/songwriter with a love for classic and progressive rock who also really, really appreciates what goes into a fun, quick pop song. Hearing this, it should come as no surprise that Oliver James pulls from a multitude of influences to craft his sound, with a focus on authenticity and eclectic instrumentation. Through it, James explores “darker themes, ironic themes, and shines a light on hypocrisy.” The San Diego native pushed his musical passion to a new

level when he met collaborator and band mate Brett Levine, the two-headed leadership of the Oliver James band, a 6-piece outfit that has produced several records, including the collection we’re here to discuss today: The Hardest Part.

We asked Oliver to tell us all about the latest work – he said, “I’m really proud of The Hardest Part.  We were in the middle of recording our third album, when it became clear that the songs that became The Hardest Part were part of their own ‘song cycle.’ So, we put the album aside, and decided to do a four-song EP.  While not a ‘concept album’ per se, the songs are all connected.  They refer to the different emotions surrounding relationships. The good, the bad, the painful, the joyful.  When I think about presenting The Hardest Part, I envision the listener turning down the lights, pouring themselves a bourbon or glass of wine, and completely immersing themselves in the songs.  This isn’t driving music, nor party music, nor music to listen to with a big group of friends. The Hardest Part is private, intimate, and special.”

Click to https://oliverjamesmusic.com/ to check out The Hardest Part, James’ upcoming show schedule, and to prepare for the next batch of new music. But first, do keep reading. There’s still so much more to dive into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Oliver James

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Oliver James (OJ): My music is a rich tapestry of sound, sound that draws on “real” instrumentation and the best possible production.  I strive to create music that is new, yet comfortable. Music that draws the listener in, holds interest, and makes the listener come back for more.  I like to explore darker themes, ironic themes, and to shine a light on hypocrisy. But I also love pure pop music that delivers joy in three minutes.  There is so much great music in the world, but I simply create music that I’m proud of, and hope that it resonates with others.

PEV: Calling San Diego home, what kind of music were you into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

OJ: Like millions of others, I was drawn to music by The Beatles and the Stones.  In fact, I started playing guitar because of The Beatles. In time, I turned to all kinds of music, as I strive to explore and experience as much musical variety as possible.  I devoured the music press, and spent countless hours in the record stores. I simply loved the process of discovery. My first concert as a little guy, was Black Sabbath with The Ramones as the opener.  That bill, as diverse as it was, is a microcosm of my musical taste.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene in your hometown, when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?
OJ: To be frank, playing original music as a “new” band is a difficult and daunting process.  San Diego, like most major cities, has a vibrant scene, but there is a lot of great competition for the best gigs.  My band’s attitude is to play anywhere and everywhere. We work really hard to convert new fans, and are honored when we’re asked to play shows.  Our first show was at a movie theater. Amazingly, it sold out, and we had a blast. It was a good way to start our live shows.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Oliver James show? 

OJ: Our records consist of really complex arrangements supported by much instrumentation.  We work really hard to replicate our recorded sound live as best we can. It’s a challenge, but we want to present our songs in the best way possible without cutting any “sonic corners.”

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

OJ: My very first thought when the curtain goes up is how fortunate I am to be in the position to front an excellent band, and to be performing the songs that I’ve worked so hard to create.  My second thought is to pause and take all that joy in, to live in that moment. My third thought is, DON’T SCREW IT UP!

PEV: How has playing as Oliver James been different from working with other artists or projects in the past? 

OJ: I’m a guitarist first, and a singer/frontman second.  That may sound weird, but it’s true. This is the first project where I’ve been the frontman performing my songs, and not the “guitarist.”  It’s both exciting and scary as both praise and criticism are on my shoulders.  

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music? Where do you get your best ideas for songs? 

OJ: I reached the point in my life where I wanted to explore my ideas without compromise.  I’m extremely fortunate to have a writing partner in Brett Levine who is both amazing and supportive, and we work great together.  We both love pop music. That is, presenting an idea, package that lyrical idea with a catchy melody, and to do it within 3-4 minutes.  It’s a lot harder than it sounds! I’m an “observational” writer, in that I like to comment on the things I witness as a human being on this planet.  I like to explore the darker side of relationships, people, events, and ideas. I also love exposing hypocrisy in the world. That said, there’s nothing like a creative love song too.  That, in itself, is much harder to do than most ideas as most ideas have been explored already. So, to be inventive and original is difficult to do.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today? 

OJ: My musical life is much like my “regular” life; it’s evolutionary.  Most of my early work is crap, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s part of who I am.  I’ve written nearly 100 songs, and have recorded 45 of them. I can still play the first song I wrote, and while it sucks, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without having written it.  So, yes, I do think about where I started relative to where I am now. It’s all part of the same journey.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about Oliver James?

OJ: The six members of my band are about a diverse a group of human beings as you’d ever meet.  Different socio-economic backgrounds, political views, etc, but when we are playing and performing together, it’s all for the music.  I’m fortunate that my band is so supportive, so generous, and so eager to perform the music as recorded. They love the material as much as I do, sometimes I think they love it more than I do!
PEV: What can fans expect from your latest release, The Hardest Part EP?  Tell us about the writing process behind this work.

OJ: I’m really proud of The Hardest Part.  We were in the middle of recording our third album, when it became clear that the songs that became The Hardest Part were part of their own “song cycle.”  So, we put the album aside, and decided to do a four-song EP.  While not a “concept album” per se, the songs are all connected.  They refer to the different emotions surrounding relationships. The good, the bad, the painful, the joyful.  When I think about presenting The Hardest Part, I envision the listener turning down the lights, pouring themselves a bourbon or glass of wine, and completely immersing themselves in the songs.  This isn’t driving music, nor party music, nor music to listen to with a big group of friends. The Hardest Part is private, intimate, and special. 

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song or album is complete and you can sit back and listen to it in full?

OJ: While I’m not a woman, I’d imagine it’s a lot like giving birth!  We work so hard on every single sound and word, stressing over the most minuscule detail with the understanding that once it’s pressed and out in the world, there’s no going back.  So once it’s finished and in our hands, it’s a huge sigh of relief, a moment to cherish, and an indescribable feeling of joy. There’s so much that goes into an album, whether it’s the music, the publishing, the artwork, the videos, the PR process, etc.  it really is special to hear it as a complete work when finished. That said, I’ve listened to each song more than 1,000 times before it’s released in its various states. It can get crazy!

PEV: What would you say is the biggest challenge for musicians trying to make a name for themselves these days?

OJ: I guess it depends on what the artist’s goals are.  For me and the band, we think we can stand up with anything that’s on the radio at the moment.  So the challenge for us is to be distinct and separate from the pack. We want the music to speak for itself too, which is tough in this day and age.  We don’t have whipped cream streaming out of our bras, we don’t have any crazy antics either. For us, it’s the music. Today, anyone can make and distribute an album.  Digital has completely removed the barriers to entry which is great. So the challenge becomes how to distinguish ourselves without resorting to parlor games or crazy antics.  That’s tough with society’s incredibly short attention spans.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

OJ: We’d love to do a European tour.  Even for 10-14 days, that would be too cool to share OJ with European audiences.
PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play in your hometown?

OJ: It’s a lot of fun to play for friends and family, certainly in our hometown.  It’s an easier task to impress as friends and family inherently love you regardless, so that takes some of the pressure off.  There’s also a warm and welcoming vibe of “being home” which is both soothing and healing. It’s like giving a present, “this is what I’ve been up to, I hope you like it!”

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

OJ: We all live in coastal California.  So, there’s surf and sand, plus the ability to be outside all year long.   So, biking, running, golf, surfing, and of course, hanging with friends and family.  

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

OJ: When David Bowie died it was one of the saddest days of my life.  Bowie exemplified what the word “artist” means. He never rode the same path twice, constantly challenged himself to attain greater heights, and was involved in so many different artistic areas.  I just love the way he conducted himself, the way he pushed himself beyond the status quo, and never settled. He was a true genius. For current artists, we are big fans of a lot of people, but I’ll say Manchester Orchestra and David Sylvian.  In both cases, I’m in awe of their artistic sense, and their ability to make music that speaks to me. 

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

OJ: I’m not sure how up and coming he is, but your readers should check out Jack Savoretti.  His song, “Broken Glass” gets a lot of play with me, and I’m a big fan. I don’t see his name a lot, so I’ve considered him to be my own private discovery.  I’m letting you in on my little secret!
PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what do you think each of you would be doing for a career?
OJ: Gosh, I don’t really know.  Life is like a river, it seems to take you where it thinks you need to go.  But if I had my druthers, maybe I’d be a winemaker. I could be outside with nature, and create in a way that others would still enjoy.  And I’d be able to obsess over grapes the way I obsess over guitar tones and orchestra parts!

PEV: So, what is next for Oliver James?

OJ: Well soon, we will reconvene back in the studio and finish work on our third album.  I’m really excited to bring the next group of songs to life. Of course, we will be playing as many shows as we can too!

For more information, click to https://oliverjamesmusic.com/.  - PensEyeView.com

There is a current of old world tension and modern angst captured in the music of Oliver James and that energy, as embodied in his debut radio single ‘The More You Love The More You Live’ has got listeners enthralled. It's time the world learned more about this intriguing pop rock artist.
Some artists try to scale their way to the top of the music industry by personal flamboyance (or inscrutability). Others work the business like hardened politicians and hope that money and fame will redeem whatever compromises are made along the way. But a very few can do it by a golden amalgamation of originality, musicianship and talent. Oliver James is such an artist. Hailing from La Jolla, California, Oliver James has been fast attracting recognition and honors, and one recent critic's account of his award-winning work probably explains why: ‘Oliver James has created an anthemic pop classic that effortlessly alternates between saturated instrumentality and brilliant lyrical insights.’ You can hear the authenticity in every verse and chord of his new pop rock single, which undoubtedly explains its rapid ascent up the charts. Independent reporter Lily Clark recently caught up with Oliver James to talk about his history, musical influences and exciting plans for the future.


LILY: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
OLIVER JAMES: Early in my career, I was in a band that asked to open a number of shows for the band Gwar. At the outset, we were all apprehensive, but the experience turned out to be an amazing one. Not only were the guys in Gwar extremely nice, but they were supportive of us, and were generous with their time. It was also a very educational experience. Gwar has an amazing production, and it is all executed by them. We learned a lot about what it takes to put on an amazing stage show, and how to treat your fans.

LILY: Your song ’The More You Love The More You Live’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
OLIVER JAMES: There is nothing like hearing yourself on the radio. In many ways, it's the culmination of what I do as a musician. Getting the positive feedback is justification and confirmation of my belief in myself. Hearing myself on radio is like the world shouting out, "keep going son, this is hat it is about!" And that gives me the motivation to keep going. I'm so grateful that there are those out there that feel strongly about my music and take the time to listen. Music is made to be shared!

LILY: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
OLIVER JAMES: The more you love the more you live finds inspiration from striving to be a positive contributor to the world. We are all here on this planet for a reason, and it's my belief that the reason is to help one another. By helping each other, by loving each other, is how we improve our own lives.

LILY: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
OLIVER JAMES: I've been fortunate in that I haven't experienced hard times in my life like many have. I have a loving family, and I have my health. But I have seen much pain. My art strives to offer hope and strength, but not in a preaching way. It's serious music, and I hope there is a positive message should the listener seek it out.

LILY: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
OLIVER JAMES: I think music is a very powerful thing, and we all need it in our lives. In that regard, I consider myself a serious musician. I could give up much in my life, but not music. I'm serious because I take my role as a musician and creative producer seriously. Having said that, I love the creative process. I also appreciate the history of the art form and those who have paved the way for people like me. - http://www.marquix.tv