The Folk Singer Par Excellence
In this, ALL RISE interview, the Hackney-based singer-songwriter talks about choosing a music career, perfecting his craft, and his hopes for the future.
Words and images by Audrey Damier
A unique kind of James
James Arthur, James Blake, James Morrison, James Bay, so many James but only one Crowley. With his pale skin, long brown hair, plain blue shirt, and dark shades on, James Crowley seems to be the typical folk singer. Maybe because he is one. Some say you are what you eat, I say you are what you listen to.
Despite having over 9000 listens on his lead single ‘Float’, his name might sound unfamiliar. With a hotly anticipated second project on the way, you’ll likely hear a lot more about him soon. Crowley has a bright future ahead of him.
Passionate, humble, and down-to-earth, this Londoner is a real music lover. For as long as he can remember, music has always been a part of his identity and he has always been drawn back to it. He learned piano for six years but gravitated towards teaching himself the guitar when writing songs felt like something he wanted to pursue. Yet it took him some time and one monotonous day job to be confident enough and put himself out there. Indulging in the cruel yet so sweet world of music.
When asked about his influences, James mentions artists like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Phoebe Bridgers. ‘They have the intelligence of distilling universal feelings’ he says. A universal feeling that he probably thought through when he released his first-ever E.P. Titled ‘What I thought I felt’, this 5-track record is a volume of poetry against a backdrop of nostalgic melodies.
All in the details
As a Literature graduate, James puts a lot of thought into his lyrics. Conveying poignant feelings in a very light way. ‘I never really know why I want to write a song’ he confesses. And, when you listen to his E.P some of his inner feelings reveal themselves.
On ‘New Ground’, the second track of his E.P, James sings ‘Together we are lost, alone I am found’. A sentence that could be related to his new life choice, leaving an unfulfilling copywriting job and finding himself in music.
Produced with the help of his friend Mike Wyatt, the E.P is ornated with sounds of electric organ, ad-libs, harmonies, and acoustic guitar. All the acoustic guitar is played by the singer himself, a self-taught skill that James is still unsure of. But he admits that it helps him to write songs. ‘I’d be screwing around with my guitar, hum some sound, and then create a song’ he reveals.
While the success of this E.P can be explained by more heavily produced tracks and the marketing around it. Deep down it is the simplicity and honesty of James’ songs that lured listeners. ‘Float’, the most popular song on the E.P sits on a simple electric guitar with James’ harmony at the back. Guess it’s true what they say, ‘less is more’.
No glitter, no gold, only music
James Crowley is not all about power, money, and fame. Authentic, the young man is far from the superstar stereotype. As much as he wants a successful career, he is not willing to let go of his true self. Looking at numbers is not his cup of tea and neither is busking. He does not long for the attention. No talent show, no label, and no juicy contract could derail him from the sound that he wants to create.
James would define himself as a strong-willed person, although like he says he sometimes needs a little push from others. A push that he owes to his brother and his friend Mike. Both of them have been keeping him on track and engaged with his dream. Even the 3-month-long lockdown couldn’t stop him from grinding. With a new project planned to be out by the end of the year, Crowley hopes to be soon back on tour and engage with the audience.
His talent is undeniable. ‘Those who met him have been blown away by his work and mesmerized by his guitar skills’ declares Mahla Axon, co-founder of RISE. Yet when he talks about his music career, he constantly repeats that ‘he kind of took music seriously’ or ‘kind of plays guitar’ as if he’s still unsure about everything.
Well, life works in mysterious ways and while James never expected to be playing gigs on tour, he did. While he never expected to have a sold-out headline show, it happened; and while he was just singing in his bedroom, Helen Wadge, RISE’s second co-founder took an interest in him. A series of fortunate events that only destiny could have predicted. Who knows what’s next?
