Archive interview · Originally published 18 July 2017
Interview by Andrew Bottomley
Before a change in musical direction, James Vickery was making mellow acoustic music. “Lately” emerged from his decision to step into electronic music—and, despite how it might sound, the song is about adapting to that unfamiliar territory rather than a relationship.
In this 2017 conversation with BUSK MUSIC, the South London singer-songwriter reflects on the response to “Epiphany”, writing “All Night” with SRNO, and working with producer Maths Time Joy. He also discusses his influences, the role of streaming and social media, and his advice for emerging artists.
Editor’s note: This interview is presented as an archive feature. References to forthcoming releases, platforms and events reflect the time of the original conversation.
Introducing James Vickery
BUSK MUSIC: Can you tell us and the readers a little more about yourself?
James Vickery: Hi! My name is James Vickery, and I’m a Singer/Songwriter from South London.
BUSK MUSIC: What was it like to have such a big reaction from your release “Epiphany” last year?
James Vickery: It was amazing, it surpassed any expectations I had of the track. I always loved the track and the vibe but considering it was my first release, I had no idea how it would go down and how people would react to it.
Collaborating with SRNO and finding a new direction
BUSK MUSIC: You recently featured on SRNO’s track “All Night”, how did that come about and what did you enjoy most about the collaboration process?
James Vickery: It was quite a random one, I was blown away by his track ‘Stay Sane’ which I discovered on Majestic Casual and was looking to work with as many producers as possible at the time.
I enquired to a scout I know at Virgin about working together and to my luck he had flown over from Amsterdam for a couple weeks for some writing, we wrote the track together in a studio in Letchworth Garden City over 2 days and the rest was history!
BUSK MUSIC: We love the chilled out and soulful vibe to your latest release “Lately”, what was the motivation or story behind the track?
James Vickery: Lately was one of the first songs I wrote when I made the transition over to ‘Electronic’ music. I used to make mellow Acoustic vibes but it wasn’t quite working out.
January 2016 I had a change of heart and decided to throw myself into a world of music I knew nothing about.
Most people think it’s a love song, but it’s actually about struggling to adapt to the new genre- hence the chorus ‘Lately I’ve been wondering on my own, but slowly I can try to make some sense of it all’.
Musical influences and working with Maths Time Joy
BUSK MUSIC: Who are your favourite Artists in the industry at the moment?
James Vickery: Where do I start! I’m absolutely obsessed with anything that Tom Misch touches. I’m also listening to a lot of NAO, Loyle Carner and Anderson Paak, but I’m also really into the older soul stuff as well, such as D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Stevie Wonder.
BUSK MUSIC: What can we expect from your new EP which is on the way? Can we expect any collaborations?
James Vickery: I can’t say too much just yet, but there will definitely be a collaboration in there, I’ve developed a close relationship with producer Maths Time Joy (who produced Lately) – he’s producing the first track off the EP. I can however say that there will be 4 songs and each one of them is going out as a single.
Streaming, social media and reaching listeners
BUSK MUSIC: How important do you think the use of social media and online music platforms such as Twitter, SoundCloud, Spotify, Instagram, are in the current market in getting noticed?
James Vickery: Social media is such a key factor in this day and age. I haven’t had too much experience of it yet but from what I gather, having a good online campaign is sometimes as important as the song itself.
Spotify gets a lot of stick in the media, but people need to realise that Artists don’t sell records anymore, money is mainly made from Merchandise and Touring, plus a lot of people don’t know that Artists get paid for Spotify streams.
I’m gutted about the potential shutting down of Soundcloud, it feels like the end of an era- I’ve seen the move to Spotify happening for a while now. I feel extremely sorry for the people who have built their following from Soundcloud are so dependent on its’ activity.
Away from the studio
BUSK MUSIC: What did you think of Eurovision this year when you lost your Eurovision virginity? Who was your favourite country?
James Vickery: Haha I knew I shouldn’t have tweeted that! People were shocked when I said I haven’t watched it before! I’ll be honest I didn’t get through all of it, I had no idea there were so many countries were involved… It had everything though, I can’t remember which country was performing but I remember seeing someone run onstage and moon the camera dressed in an Australian flag- jokes.
BUSK MUSIC: Masterchef or the Great British Bake Off?
James Vickery: Loads of people would disagree, but Masterchef is the ****. I religiously watched the latest series and it was just everything. (CLAIM TO FAME) I got tweeted by one of the finalists and I was buzzing for like a week afterwards.
Advice for emerging artists
BUSK MUSIC: In a few words what advice would you give to someone trying to get into the industry in 2017?
James Vickery: Remain humble. No matter how big you are, always perfect your craft. The music industry can be cruel but if you don’t believe in yourself, then no one else will.
Listen and explore
Listen to James Vickery on Spotify.
BBC Introducing session snippet shared by James Vickery in 2017.
Follow James Vickery and share your thoughts with BUSK MUSIC.
Related reading: The rise of NAO — from the BUSK MUSIC archive.
Original release note — July 2017
The following announcement appeared with the original interview and is retained for historical context.
James will be releasing his debut EP via Lemon Records very soon, his first track from the EP "Alone" (Produced with Maths Time Joy) will be out summer 2017; not long to wait!
Interview by Andrew Bottomley
