James Morrison
He doesn’t listen to his old recordings
James Morrison is one of the most successful British singers – his “Greatest Hits” album is now being released.
© Parry Thomas
James Morrison releases his Greatest Hits album. In an interview, the Brit reveals what he regrets in retrospect.
British singer James Morrison (37) has been in the music business for over 15 years – and has been extremely successful. Hits like “I Won’t Let You Go” (2011) and “Broken Strings” (2008), a duet with Nelly Furtado (43), stormed the international charts. Now the father of two has apparently collected enough old songs and is releasing his “Greatest Hits” album this Friday (February 11).
Not only can you hear new versions of his 13 greatest hits, two new songs have also made it onto the record. “For me, the first chapter of my life is over and I can start chapter two,” Morrison said in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
James Morrison doesn’t like old recordings
He himself never thought of releasing a “Greatest Hits” album. It’s a strange feeling, but also fantastic. “It allows the fans and I to travel back together over the last 15 years and remember all the songs,” enthuses the British singer. Even if Morrison owes a lot to his old hits: “I don’t listen to the old recordings anymore. Only my newest stuff when I produce them or show them to people.”
Standing in the studio and singing the old songs again was scary for the 37-year-old at first. “But after a while it felt good.” There’s one thing Morrison loved about the work in particular: “It was nice to know that even though some of them are 15 years old, these songs still sound like there’s emotion in them.” He is proud of his younger self. “But I’ve also noticed how much I’ve changed.” This is not surprising, after all the singer, who was born in Rugby in 1984, took his first steps in the music business at a young age. At the age of 13 he picked up the guitar for the first time. In 2006 the then 21-year-old’s debut album “Undiscovered” was released. But even in the life of James Morrison there are ups and downs.
James Morrison: His Highest and Darkest Moments
One of his favorite moments is “singing with Jools Holland and the Stax band”. Meeting “absolute legends like Stevie Wonder, singing with Paul Weller and Yusuf Islam” are also among his highlights. Also, “Meeting people that my songs have helped – I love that,” Morrison continues. “The darkest moments are when people come up to you and try to make you feel bad. But I’ve turned that negative energy into something positive now,” the musician says optimistically.
Looking back, the native Brit would have done some things differently: “I would have built a studio earlier and I would have written more rock pieces. Instead of acoustic I would have used the electric guitar and I would have started practicing earlier – much earlier.” But Morrison doesn’t only regret earlier decisions when it comes to music. “I would have cut my hair better and wore nicer clothes,” he laughs. “But I always smelled good,” admits the likeable singer.
What advice can he give to young artists who want to get started? “You have to really want it and sacrifice a lot for it. So you should only do it because you love it. You should be grounded, stay true to your values - but also be open-minded.” Hard work is also part of it. You have to take chances when they knock on the door. “And only hang out with people you really want to be around.”
That’s what makes his German fans
Away from the stage, Morrison is a family man – he has two daughters with his wife Gill. The foursome survived the corona pandemic well. “We took note of everything and then just ignored it by staying at home. We played games, talked and learned recipes. I’m done,” explains the musician with a laugh.
James Morrison will be touring again from March. The musician is also on stage twice in Germany. What makes the German fans special? “The Germans are special because they are quiet, calm and respectful. But if you reach out to them and open up to them, they go crazy and party wildly,” reveals Morrison. “I love playing live in Germany.” At his concerts, however, fans will have to do without a song: “I don’t think I’ll ever play ‘Get To You’.”