On his musical ambitions

soFem: You must listen to a lot of music. Are there any up-and-coming or established artists you particularly admire? What sort of music are you listening to at the moment? 
James: You know, I've been stuck in a studio for four months and I've really just been listening to my music all the time! But even on tour I didn't really listen to that much. There's a really good singer-songwriter called Micah P. Hinson who I think is a very special singer-songwriter, but other than that I need to start listening to more music now!
 
soFem: Is there anyone you'd particularly like to work with or record a duet with at the moment? 
James: Actually I don't really think about collaborations that much because my songs are quite personal, and to then include someone else in that would mean they had an understanding of where the songs come from but at this stage I kind of enjoy just doing the songs with the people I've toured and travelled with, my band. Although they're not famous musicians they're really great musicians and they also know where the songs come from and they've lived the life with these songs and the journey along the way so they're the collaborations I enjoy at the moment and for me, I'm in a band-  I don't need anyone else to help me.

soFem: What about writing songs for other people - is that something you think you'll do in the future rather than just recording music that you've written yourself?
James: Maybe...I've written a couple of songs that other people have taken away and sung. Yet I write songs about personal experience and if other people take those away...but at the moment I focus on my own albums and putting them out. 

soFem: James, thanks very much and all the best with the new album.