This week has passed in a bit of a blur…
I have just recovered from a cold, which rendered me temporarily unable to sing, so I have been concentrating on instrumental tracks. I cut one of these together earlier in the week. It is called ‘Ocean’. When I heard it thru for the first time, I thought: ‘no-one else in the world could have written that‘. It is totally truthful, totally unusual and completely mine. For better or worse, you will have heard nothing like it.
Now I am all the way better, I am jonesing to lay down some vocals on these tracks; which is really the most fun you can have with your clothes on…
That said, I have on occasion recorded naked. ;-)
When I sing I don’t like to use headphones. I feel they create a barrier between me and the music. I like to live inside the little worlds I have created for myself. So I set everything up beforehand; the space, the studio, and my little cage of microphones. Then I sit and centre myself. When I am ready, I play the pieces thru my studio speakers and capture whatever voice naturally happens. It is a very simple setup.
A local filmmaker came over to the studio to interview me. I had no idea how it was going to go.

It turned out to be an absolute joy. I didn’t for one minute feel like I was being filmed or interviewed. It was more like: a really good and deep long form conversation. The footage is going to be cut together with some of my music, and will be posted here, sometime…
I definitely have more of an idea than most of what this album will sound like, but do not disbelieve me when I tell you that: I still don’t know for certain. And that’s a good thing. ;-)
Part of what keeps the process alive for me is: constantly remaining open to the music and following wherever it wants to go. As soon as I try and direct it, the process becomes inert and lifeless. What this means is: even in these last 3 weeks, a lot can change.
All that said, when this music is released, it wont belong to me anymore. I really feel that. It will belong to whoever is listening to it. It will belong to whoever has love for it in the moment.
It will belong to you.
[19 Days Till Release] ;-)
My name is James Radcliffe and I am a 100% audience supported independent artist. If you like what I do (and can afford it) then please consider buying some of my music. Each purchase really makes a big difference to me and 10% of every sale goes to a charity which: houses, feeds, clothes, and educates orphaned children in Nepal.
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Good luck with your new album. :)
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Why, thankyou very much. ;-)
That is really nice of you.
I really enjoyed your post on coming out spiritually, and am impressed that it is bilingual ;-)
Good luck with the writing,
– J
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Gracias, James. :)
Blessings,
Liz
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You are most welcome, and thankyou again,
– J x
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Good luck with the release!
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Thanks very much. Everything is going well.
It is crazy intense…but in a good way ;-)
Hope you are good,
– J
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