Brian Eno favourite, James Holt announces new single and video
DEAF MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER, JAMES HOLT ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO
BRIAN ENO FAVOURITE, JAMES HOLT ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO
BRIAN ENO PRAISES, JAMES HOLT
“Brisk, funny, exciting… this track feels fresh and exciting to listen to.” – Brian Eno
Manchester-born singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, James Holt has just released the impressive video for his new single ‘Whatever Happened to John?’ [https://vimeo.com/216154362].
The 24-year-old – who was diagnosed with a bilateral hearing loss at the age of four – has overcome his disability to release a pulsating and raucous rock’n’roll track, which is due to impact on Friday 7 July. Speaking candidly about the record’s inception, James explained:
“The inspiration came from a Sky Arts TV programme set in an alternate reality in which John Lennon walked out of the Beatles before their fame in the mid-60s. It’s a fusion of thoughts and ideas and also bears references to George Orwell‘s 1984. Some people say that it sounds very Dylan-esque in the verses (especially with the harmonica), but I think the Indian-fused Beatles’ Revolver creeps in the bridge.”
Music legend, Brian Eno – who has long championed James – invited the young luminary to meet him at his John Peel Lecture for BBC Radio 6 Music. The former Roxy Music keyboard player, record producer and revered ambient pioneer also chose James’s song to use as part of an arts festival last year.
James – who graduated with a BA Music 1st class honours and MA in Music Composition (distinction), despite doubt in his early years from his teachers – provides lead vocals, backing vocals and plays all instruments on the track, highlighting his immense talent as a musician and his resilience in the face of adversity.
‘Whatever Happened to John?’ follows several well-received releases from James, including his critically acclaimed second EP ‘Sanguine On the Rocks’, and ‘Butterfly’- a charity single for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, which has raised over £1100 since its release in July of last year. James performed the single at the Royal Albert Hall for the Music for Youth Proms. Link below.
James continues to gain exposure, with a number of industry insiders tipping the young troubadour for great things. Watch this space.
LINKS
SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/jamesholtmusic/sets/single-whatever-happened-to
Website: www.jamesholtmusic.com
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jamesholtmusic
Facebook artist page: www.facebook.com/jamesholtmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jamesholtmusic
Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2ri6Fwd
Youtube: www.youtube.com/jamesholtartist
Royal Albert Hall video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IvvGQeyxag.
HEARING LINKS
Elton John (via Starkey hearing foundation)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvYDRtPh46Q
Sting: https://www.hearinglikeme.com/sting-hearing-aid-hearing-loss/
Lauren Laverne talks to Jo Milne: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02l6937
Brian Johnson (ACDC): http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dcs-brian-johnson-gives-positive-update-on-hearing-loss-20160603
Johnnie Walker, DJ, has hearing loss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fidcJDltBQ0