** Embargoed until Thursday, March 23rd **

JAMES OR releases new single, ‘Wild’: a tribute to the lockdown moments that kept us going.

For fans of: Bear’s Den, Elbow, Frightened Rabbit, Blur & Counting Crows


Written during that time, JAMES OR’s latest single is one of endearing optimism: a celebration of the quietly beautiful moments that live on amidst headline-consuming chaos. 

Recalling the songwriting process, James says “We were a bit shell-shocked coming out of the first lockdown - but then our niece was born and things started to make sense again. It felt like taking in a big gulp of fresh air for the first time in months. She became a lifeline for us all”.

Opening with an uplifting guitar hook and Elbow-esque strings, Wild is a song of real heart that succinctly captures the mood of an unprecedented time (evident in lyrics like 'a crowd of strangers making up the rules as they go; odd jobs and favours', written about the frontline staff working tirelessly against unthinkable odds.) 

Wild’s infectious and instantly hummable chorus melody stays with the listener; as does its underlying message: that good things can still happen in shit times.

As the song builds, so does the reassurance and imagery of James’ lyrics (“gave us something to be hopeful for; a summer on the coast, somewhere on the coast”). 

“I wrote Wild for everyone that wasn’t there with us; for the people who had to witness special moments from afar. I know everyone was craving connection at that time, and I think our niece’s arrival gave us that.”

James plays Sofar Sounds, Bristol on Thursday, April 6th and a headline show at The Harrison, London on Wednesday, April 19th. For a full list of upcoming tour dates, see https://jamesormusic.com/epk

Wild

Written by James Or
Produced by James Or and Jack Ahern
Recorded and Mixed by Jack Ahern
Cover Image by Rebecca Royal of Graphically Shot.

Recorded for release at Indiependence Music and Arts Festival 2015, "Cartoon" is the latest track from Cork based artist James Or. Thanks for listening :)

Cartoon (acoustic)

This is Cartoon, and it's one of the tracks off of my EP "Cold Open", which is out on July 1st.

Produced by Jack Ahern
Recorded by Christian Best
Mixed & Mastered by Brad Fisher
Written by James OR

Cover image by Brian Dunlea of Brian Dunlea Photography