Patrick James is currently supporting Bears Den on their ongoing tour throughout the UK which gives me a perfect excuse to introduce this amazing singer-/songwriter to you (who might just think “who’s this guy?”)Patrick James is an artist currently living in Sydney, Australia. He started playing music on the streets as a busker just like Mike Rosenberg (perhaps better known as Passenger) or Ed Sheeran.
I first discovered him and his music some years ago in 2014, during my year of Work&Travel in New Zealand and Australia. My friend and I were just strolling around a weekly Arts and Crafts market in Sydney quite close to the Harbour Bridge, when we heard a beautiful voice accompanied by the chords of an acoustic guitar. We were eager to find out who that singer with the lovely voice was and followed its sound. At a small square under a white pavilion stood a man in his twenties with a guitar in his hands, singing and playing harmonious melodies. In front of him lay his guitar case, so people could acknowledge his music by giving money, as well as a few EPs. We found a place to sit down, listened to his music and stayed there for probably an hour, while other people just walked on by. When we had to leave, I absolutely NEEDED to buy one of his EPs called “All About To Change”.
Some time passed until the Australian band Boy&Bear heard his music and invited him to support their tour through Australia. He supported other bands like The Paper Kites and Josh Pyke and also had his own Headline shows within Australia and New Zealand.
In October 2015 it was time to finally release his first album “Outlier” (there was a second EP called “Broken Lines” in 2014). This is a great album full of emotional and touching songs as well as some more upbeat, feel-good songs. James’ lyrics are mostly accompanied by acoustic guitar or piano. Since its release, I’ve listened to it countless times as it always reminds me of my travels, back then already two years ago…
By following Patrick James on various social media platforms, I was overjoyed to notice one day that he will be coming to England this autumn. He has announced he will play some more intimate solo gigs and will also support another great British band – Bears Den! Tickets for the shows for Bears Den are largely sold out by now, but anyone who could manage to get one, can count themselves lucky.
However… Patrick James will be playing a small show with his band on the 7th of November in London, which you can attend. And the best of it?! It´s free! 🙂
Upcoming tour dates:
Oct 31 London So Far Sounds Nov 01 Brighton The Dome * Nov 02 Birmingham O2 Institute * Nov 03 Glasgow O2 ABC * Nov 04 Manchester Albert Hall * Nov 06 Norwich UEA * Nov 07 London The Islington Nov 08 London O2 Brixton Academy * Nov 09 Bristol O2 Academy *
* supporting Bears Den
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