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James Wollcott, aged 18 and already signed by Downtown artists is said to be the next big thing of 2013. His mash up of acoustic melodies and hard hitting rap lyrics have caused quite a stir in the music industry with him being frequently compared to major artists such as Ed Sheeran and Newton Faulkner. With his upcoming number one single "Chances" he has already managed to climb his way up Radio 1’s ‘In New Music We Trust’ list to just under the number one spot. So we here at ‘Record’ decided it was about time to get up close and personal with this rising star. We met up with the rising star at a local Costa in Hyde Park to discuss his upcoming success.
So you’re already at number two on the new music chart and it’s only your second week! How would you feel if you reached the number one spot?
To even be in the new music chart is a huge triumph for me, since I was a kid I have wanted to be a successful artist and now I’m here it is the biggest thrill. I wake up every morning and can hardly believe that I get to do another day of what I love doing and the fact that my songs are now being played across the nation just excites me even more. I even get stopped in the street for autographs. It’s completely alien to me but so exciting!
Are you planning to release and album any time soon?
Definitely, I have already been working on my first debut album ‘Dream on Dreamers’ which should be out by February 16th.
You are compared a lot of Ed Sheeran. Does that ever bother you?
No way, that man is my absolute idol and I was lucky enough to perform for him as one of his opening acts at his concert last summer. He has done so well and just goes to show where hard work can get you and to be honest, if he hadn’t spotted me I wouldn’t have been given the chance to perform and wouldn’t be where I am right now. If anything I like to think Ed Sheeran got some competition (laughs).
What do you think causes this comparison so frequently?
I think the problem now a days is that the moment you sound remotely like any kind of genre you get lumped under a ‘like’ category to whoever is big at that time. I personally don’t think anyone sounds like anyone else, we all have our own unique styles but that’s what people tend to forget in the mainstream music scene. I guess my comparison is because Ed and I both work with acoustic instruments and tend to play around with technology rather than having 10 guys behind us helping out. I personally would rather have my guitar and loop box any day than have to teach a bunch of fellas my songs each time.
Any plans to go on tour soon?
Definitely, I already have some dates lined up for this summer going around all the big festivals. I have got a slot at Lounge, Redding & Leeds and I’m currently working on getting into one of the Glastonbury tents. It’s looking very promising. I think once I have got my face out there a little more a UK tour will certainly be in order but just to get my feet on a festival stage would be awesome. This summer is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication, up until crazy hours at night and running around all over the UK but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
With such a busy schedule how will you make time for your social life?
That’s never been an issue for me, currently I am single so don’t have to worry too much about leaving a girlfriend at home but it does get lonely some times. I can keep in touch with my mates over Skype, luckily with all this free Wi-Fi now a days it’s never been easier to keep in touch. The person I will definitely make time for though is my mum, I will always put an hour aside no matter what I’m doing to give my mum a call. She has been the one who supported me through everything, even when I quit school in my final year to take up music.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years I would love to be still doing what I’m doing now. Playing live music to my fans, travelling and experiencing the world. I don’t ever want to become one of these mainstream song machines that just do it for the profit. Half the time the music sounds pretty bad and when there’s no passion there is no point. But you can’t predict the future so who knows.
So you’re already at number two on the new music chart and it’s only your second week! How would you feel if you reached the number one spot?
To even be in the new music chart is a huge triumph for me, since I was a kid I have wanted to be a successful artist and now I’m here it is the biggest thrill. I wake up every morning and can hardly believe that I get to do another day of what I love doing and the fact that my songs are now being played across the nation just excites me even more. I even get stopped in the street for autographs. It’s completely alien to me but so exciting!
Are you planning to release and album any time soon?
Definitely, I have already been working on my first debut album ‘Dream on Dreamers’ which should be out by February 16th.
You are compared a lot of Ed Sheeran. Does that ever bother you?
No way, that man is my absolute idol and I was lucky enough to perform for him as one of his opening acts at his concert last summer. He has done so well and just goes to show where hard work can get you and to be honest, if he hadn’t spotted me I wouldn’t have been given the chance to perform and wouldn’t be where I am right now. If anything I like to think Ed Sheeran got some competition (laughs).
What do you think causes this comparison so frequently?
I think the problem now a days is that the moment you sound remotely like any kind of genre you get lumped under a ‘like’ category to whoever is big at that time. I personally don’t think anyone sounds like anyone else, we all have our own unique styles but that’s what people tend to forget in the mainstream music scene. I guess my comparison is because Ed and I both work with acoustic instruments and tend to play around with technology rather than having 10 guys behind us helping out. I personally would rather have my guitar and loop box any day than have to teach a bunch of fellas my songs each time.
Any plans to go on tour soon?
Definitely, I already have some dates lined up for this summer going around all the big festivals. I have got a slot at Lounge, Redding & Leeds and I’m currently working on getting into one of the Glastonbury tents. It’s looking very promising. I think once I have got my face out there a little more a UK tour will certainly be in order but just to get my feet on a festival stage would be awesome. This summer is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication, up until crazy hours at night and running around all over the UK but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
With such a busy schedule how will you make time for your social life?
That’s never been an issue for me, currently I am single so don’t have to worry too much about leaving a girlfriend at home but it does get lonely some times. I can keep in touch with my mates over Skype, luckily with all this free Wi-Fi now a days it’s never been easier to keep in touch. The person I will definitely make time for though is my mum, I will always put an hour aside no matter what I’m doing to give my mum a call. She has been the one who supported me through everything, even when I quit school in my final year to take up music.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years I would love to be still doing what I’m doing now. Playing live music to my fans, travelling and experiencing the world. I don’t ever want to become one of these mainstream song machines that just do it for the profit. Half the time the music sounds pretty bad and when there’s no passion there is no point. But you can’t predict the future so who knows.