One of the most honest interviews I have ever seen about the juxtaposition of being an artist. Thank you. Your questions and listening skills create the most natural interview. The only minus in your videos are your adds, they seem so unnecessary. Do you really need more money ? It takes us out of the beautiful safe space you've created. Reminding us, that we as humans are only seen as valuable if we are consumers. Your whole show seems to be about the exact opposite, your true curiosity about what it means to be human. Maybe you can challenge the concept of needing adds within your show. Just a thought.....
Man alive, what an inciteful, thoughtful, engaging guest. Impossible to fail to be impressed by his engaging manner, lucidity and humbleness. Much food for thought, essentially pondering what it means to be human. We all share this life experience, with highs, lows, and many misgivings along the way. And that's all OK. And completely normal.
So nice to see a proper interview of James! One of his biggest fans of his music. So nice to see he is so "human" and shared his vulnerabilities so openly- incredibly brave! Can't wait to see him in November
Just discovered this video. James Bay is the person that affected and inspired me the most when it comes to music and art. Saw him live about two months ago and it was a breathtaking experience for me. Hearing him speak about mental health and all this personal stuff opens my eyes a little bit more for the details in his songs. Truly an inspiring humble person to listen to🙏🏻
This man, beyond having the voice of an angel and being insanely talented, is beyond beautiful, inside and out. All of that self doubt, a symptom of being human unfortunately, I hope is eased somewhat by his knowing how many people he has inspired and comforted with his music.
My daughter (24) and I adore James Bay. There are not many current artists who we love. We waited years for James to come back to Australia. We travelled to the Gold Coast to see him. We were somewhat disappointed that it was as only a 40 minute show. What we did see and hear, was as we expected amazing. Can’t speak highly enough of him, both as an artist and a person. Career wise I think he tried to change too quickly….thank goodness he morphed back to the James we fell in love with because we (as an audience majority), just were not ready for the change. Hopefully there will be many more visits to Australia for James, and longer concerts please James. One hour just is not enough.
Bloody hell! Hearing someone talk about the inner voice beating themselves up and explaining their issues and process for improvement has resonated with me, brilliantly. A wonderfully candid interview and wonderfully reassuring that wading through the river is something we all suffer and process.
Kako divan čovek! Veliki umetnik sa divnom dušom koju nesebično deli sa nama svojom muzikom, rečima...Želim njemu i njegovoj divnoj porodici svu sreću🍀 Poštovanje i veliki pozdrav iz Beograd-Srbija❤️🇷🇸❣️
This is such a fantastic channel. Each time I watch a conversation it’s nourishing in so many ways. It’s so helpful to listen to humans being honest and vulnerable and sharing their experience openly. James is clearly a genuine person.
I've heard some of James's music before and seen videos of him playing live. As an aspiring musician I just looked at this accomplished person and thought - "How can I be like that, someone so well-put together and confident, owning the stage?" Thank you James for being real with us and showing us that we're all human, we all have our trials and demons. Thanks for this podcast!
I agree, i feel like hes saying hes had his success in 2014 which wasn't planned, but cant seem to replicate it, which is always difficult to replicate something which was naturally viral
James, your stories, words, and music are healing for whoever is going through those phases of their lives. The impact might not be measured or ranked BUT it is VERY VERY valuable for humanity. Thank you and appreciate this channel that brings up those topics and discussions. #GRATITUDE
I absolutely love James Bay. I fell in love with his music in 2015 and saw him live in 2016. He’s as real and as talented as it gets. I can’t wait to see him again in November. The new album is beautiful. James, thanks for your raw vulnerability and truth. Thank you for your music- it’s touched my life. I wish you could see yourself through the eyes of all of us who adore you. Massive congratulations to you, your wife and baby girl!
After decades of living with the voices and knowing how unpopular speaking about these issues is, it is refreshing to see a “human” within an artist speaking his truth
I agree idle time is essential and allow my 16 yr old quiet shy boy. I'm just knowing James Bay, but wow does he remind me of my son. I'm sharing. Thank you for being so open.
I love all the interviews you do and everyone you have on, always has alot to offer. You ask insightful questions and just let them talk. A rare quality and it has amazing results. Thank you both.
It's typical neurosis symptoms (I'm not a psychiatrist), but I do suffer from it. So I know how hard it is to live with oneself, poor James. It is like you CONSTANTLY think in a bad way about yourself, what can happen, what you should've done better, how you screw up, how you can't do it, how they are better than you, it is like you stand in your own way all the time, and it is very exhausting, but it's invisible to anyone. What HELPED me (through therapy) was: positively talking to myself, like I was my best friend (I wouldn't do nor say this bad stuff to a friend), focusing on my strength and cheering myself up instead of dragging myself down (not allowing the bad voices to come truth, forcing myself to do that at first), accepting that I'm not perfect, expressing my emotions to people very honestly, allowing myself to rest, meditation, exercising (endorphins), journaling, rationalizing the thoughts (are they true?), and practising gratitude. Good luck, James, you are such a good soul it hurts watching you suffer like that as well. Thank you, Steven and your Team.
Incredible conversation, now I understand why James' music transmit so much. He is a person extremely attuned with his feelings. Looking forward to enjoying more amazing art from him.
great interview, the soul-searching James is doing is a gift to every one of his fans. I am unsure perfection exists, and its meaning is different to every one of us, but I know these voices inside that takeover and control your life are awful. I was diagnosed with ADHD recently at 46 and its only when I received support from medication that those extreme erratic thoughts stopped. I thought everyone had them, I was losing my mind, a constant internal battle that was draining. Only now do I know what it is to feel inner peace without excessive negative thoughts on replay. I'm not saying James has ADHD, but consideration for anyone who is struggling internally.
Imposter syndrome is actually not a syndrome in this situation. Its a natural reaction to the fact that success in music is mostly due to luck/factors outside of your control. So you don't actually 'deserve' it more than many other struggling people. The solution is to just be grateful for your good fortune- and don't let others make you feel bad that you were luckier than them because you took nothing from them
Great interview! Just wanted to put it on the record that Electric Light is my favorite James Bay album so far! I was disappointed many other Chaos fanatics couldn't get on board with the style shift, but Electric Light will stand the test of time very well. Keep making music for us, James!
I love James Bay ❤️. I recently discovered his music from a Fender video 🎸. Music has this magic in it that as soon as you listen to someone , from the way they play , to the sound & message they are singing You can feel how it resonates with you✨. Thanks for interviewed him & open this window to his history not only as a musician, but as a human being as well. Sometimes creative people develop an imposter syndrome due to the pressure that society puts into them. The constant insecurity & uncertainty that not feeling good enough, among the competitive society we live in really push them to work even harder that others. So When the success comes after years of hard work it feels like an ilussion, like “ I can’t believe this is happening to me “ because society set that self image of not being good enough. We love you and your music James ❤Please come to Mexico!🇲🇽
Being the biggest James Bay fan for many years, I’m not sure how I’m just finding this interview until now!! What a great conversation, he’s so genuine, humble, authentic and the most talented. Love hearing his honesty, I have so much more appreciation and respect for him
Great episode, got a chance to see James open for Ed Sheeran in Rome at a soccer stadium... Probably 50 thousand people there.. summer of 2019, never really listened to his music before then and I remember him being so captivating, he threw his guitar pick into the crowd and gave a wink, at that moment I realized this dude is really cool. I play music myself for resorts in Southern California, and whenever I play let it go, I think of that moment where James just felt so sincere. He's a great artist and I'm happy he's as open as he is hear. You have an amazing channel here, been here the last month or so watching different episodes and it has really become one of my favorite channels to tune into. Thanks!
Fantastic episode!! Imposter syndrome, a symptom I've been all too familiar with at some point in my life. I thank God that right now I understand that it's okay for success and good things to happen for me and not feel I'm not worthy of them.
I absolutely loved this interview, James Bay you are so genuine and an amazing artist, I feel honoured to have your music in my life, always know "you've got this" 🤗🎸🎩 x
Such an important conversation. Sure this has left many people feeling hopeful for the future knowing the thoughts they are having are normal wherever you are on the ladder. Another great podcast Steven. Thanks to James for speaking so honestly.
James, we all have mental problems. It's OK. It is our journey this time around. You are lucky you are blessed with a talent and are well enough to express it.
Thank you for sharing your story so freely and vulnerably. It's profoundly comforting to not feel alone in the endless reel of these thoughts and feelings. I am grateful to you both for everything you do, truly. Keep on keeping it real -- you're going to change the world.
My husband and I were 40+ year old parents of young children. I wonder what you mean "we have a lot to answer for". It seems like a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. We encouraged creative time, unscheduled time, alone time as well as trying new, unexpected things. My late 20's sons complain we zigged when we should have zagged. Actually think we should have uprooted family and incredible jobs and community involvement to allow attendance at prestigious east coast basketball academies and Nike teams. Never insisted they work as teens but required volunteer and experiential opportunities. I've been told we set the bar too high! One son believes each generation should do better than the previous and we left them no where to go. Often resisted mentorship from interested friends and collegues. Insists on doing most things on his own biut looks to parents for financing. Sons are from an ethnic minority and resented ostracism regarding their social status and academic abilities.from classmates and friends. We ate dinner together almost every night and relished teachable moments. Presently, sons view their childhood as directionless but over bearing. I have tried to see things from their POV but I call BS. Acceptance of ack of achievement is hard and need to 'create' a reason. Grieves me. I take solace in the fact that they are young and have time to right the ship!
I have to say this episode was incredible in everyway... honestly. I was a fan of James years ago and his music helped me get through a really really rough period in my life. I have NEVER seen an interview of him and I am blown away by his vulnerability, his willingness to be honest about every aspect in his life, he is willing to challenge his thoughts and self reflect. I have never witnessed a man with such vulnerability and emotional intelligence. I have fallen in love with him and I am so excited for his new album! I deal with intrusive and unwanted thoughts as well, not exactly imposter syndrome but I can sort of relate. I honestly appreciated everything he said. thank you for this video
Only halfway through, but loving this conversation. Couple of things… I think James would really benefit from Morning Pages, especially on the road when it’s harder to find the idle time. Might be a good creative “grounding” tool that is consistent no matter where he is. The other thing is my heart breaks a wee bit when he felt like he had to reiterate that he was so grateful after talking, for example, about being exhausted. The higher ups in every industry forget that their people aren’t machines, they aren’t unbreakable. The higher ups need to be grateful for James and what he and other artists offer of themselves and their personal sacrifices of mind & body! This conversation is going to take his music to another level! 💛
My take on that was that he was emphasising that gratitude to the fans, not to those above him. I guess he feels (understandably) that if he just spoke negatively of the situation, he would sound ungrateful in a world where he has opportunities beyond what most could imagine.
What a lovely great thoughtful young fellow who will still have an abundance of life and material to come for the rest of his life and " should stop giving him self of a hard time ", this is how he gets to stay so humble which is great. Wonderful down to earth smart pure heart 💜 oh and love your music.
I am grateful for this interview, as a creative person so much of what James is saying ressonates so much. What a wonderful interview to get so much insight from such an interesting person. Great job!
James you are so freaking beautiful. Such a pure heart, and that is exactly where you sing from which is why you are so moving to listen to. Loved your honesty..& I can relate to those voices.. so thankyou for speaking to those patterns that live within many of us (perfectionists 😅).. your voice & your music is such a gift..thankyouuuuu 🙏❤️
the part about james saying the parents instilled a sense of guilt that when he was playing or chilling he'd think "shouldn't i be helping the parents, what about home work, house chores etc" is soooo relatable because its very much old school toxicity because you could be idle on the sofa and the second a parent walks in you think about something you should be doing . and when they yell " DO SOMETHING !!! "
James bay was such a pleasure to listen to. Both him and example mentioned reasearch and analysis as a pressure point. I wonder what the influence of R&A is on creativity or or how does an artist engage with the data in a “customer service” kind of way.
Love Steven’s work and loved every one of his interviews so far, I’m not sure if this conversation was balanced. Kind of felt like a therapy session. There is so much to the music industry that could have been explored in equal measure.
Wow! What a wonderful and thought provokinh interview. Thank you! The conversation was natural and you are respectful to your guest to let him speak his mind and ask a thought provoking questions. I love and appreciate it! I subcribed to your channel after whatching the long interview, which is worth it. I just discover James Bay's song just earlier. The title is 'Let It Go'. It's been almost 5months to have broken up with the long relationship I had with one of the best relationship I had. One thing is, we have to let it go because of the distance. And until now. It still pains me. The song was somewhat like an advice I need to hear. Thank you! From The Philippines!
This interview was so much more than I expected. I mean, I came here expecting am interesting one because it's almost 2h with James Bay. But the host is amazing and the interview is really done incredibly.
Why would I agree to not share. Hearing truth and dialogue is so rare. This is a documentation for truth and shyness and honesty, mentioning half generations. I'm going to connect and send to my son ( who leaned heavilly away emotionally) who is a creative and a musician and a truth talker.
James, this conversation was brilliantly honest & open. Exactly what I needed to hear today. I am a song writer as well, my name is also James, and funnily enough I am also from the Hitchin area. My desire is to be a "Bernie Taupin". I want to write songs in the back ground, have zero fame and not have to work every day so I can be idle and create haha how do I do it!? No idea... any suggestions greatly appreciated :)
I'd love to listen to an interview with Florence Welch from Florence and the machine. She's a special, humble being with lots of stories to tell about fame, being a woman and touring etc
I am biased towards James because I like his music and creativity. I liked all his albums so far. It is unbelievable that we as audiences ask artists to put themselves into a box and just do one type of music. Some artists do it themselves. Because they can't get out of the box. But to never evolve, never do something different, just the same recyled tunes... I can't believe anyone as creative as James could do that, stay in one place. That is why I loved his second album. He was so different and I listen to it on weekly basis. You are bigger than you think James.
James this interview suprised me, I am much more your fan tham Ed or others, it is sad to me thinking about your Bad voices when I see You like a BIG artist, Your music is honest, elegant, magnetic, Your voice and lyrics matches with My sould, I am mexican and English is not my native language eventhougth Your music catched me since they first time!!! You are AMAZING. @jamesbaymusic I Iove Your talent and the way you bring me happyness!
