Punctual to his appointment with us every decade or so, James Christian is here and his new album is a reality at last. Being a gifted musician, he proved once again that talent and inspiration go hand in hand. James opened his heart to Grande Rock and gave a wonderful & very truthful interview. Read below for more…
Hi James… it’s been a pleasure listening to “Lay It All on Me”… the album is splendid. Congrats! We’ve named it the Best Album of July!
J: Thank you Thanos, I really do love this CD as well. It is always nice when you can do a solo record because you can take a few liberties with the music.
Hence, what’s the thing here? You release a solo album every decade or so… how’s that?
J: I don’t really know, everyone have been bringing up that fact so there must be something to it. But I did not plan it that way.
Which were the things that made you decide it was time for another solo album?
J: I have to be in the right frame of mind whenever I start ANY project. But it seemed like the time was right for another go at a solo CD. Maybe the 10 year itch you were talking about before. (i.n.: Hehe… why not?!)
How do you choose the songs that will end up being in your solo album or on House of Lords one?
J: Well I really have a specific sound in mind for HOL, so I pretty much know which songs will go on an HOL CD. As for the solo CD, I have no real boundaries as long as it stays within the genre. I try and stretch a bit away from the HOL sound. Like in the song “Day in the Sun” it is a more modern approach, which still fits. If bands and artist alike do not try and expand on their songwriting and particular style then there will not be much of future for Melodic Rock. There is so much more we can do, and I have high hopes for the Melodic Community to grow even larger.
What does the album title declare? Why should we “Lay It All on You”?
J: Lay It All on Me is a statement I made to myself when I was diagnosed with cancer. I spent quite a long time with my inner self, I did a lot of talking to the heavens not really expecting a reply, but just to get out my frustration. Then I remember just saying out lout, WOW this really sucks, but what ever happens I am gonna move forward. So go ahead, “Lay It All on Me”…
After a few days I realized I could take that statement and write a very positive message, which is what I did, the song in its current form is about HOPE AND LOVE and knowing that you have someone you can always lean on to shelter you from the bad things that happen. It became a very universal message. (i.n.: Wish you the best dude and hope you get over it soon…)
Does the photo on the cover artwork stand up for any kind of inner liberation? Something like that crossed my mind as soon as I saw it.
J: It reminds me that someone is watching us and we should always reach out when we feel frightened. That there is power in faith. Looking up to the sky sends a positive message.
Do give us a hint about each song…
J: “Lay It All on Me”: No matter what obstacles come in your way I will be there to help you along the way, if you can’t handle it, you can “Lay It All on Me”…
“Sacred Heart”: Heartbreak is something we all go through at one time or another. “Sacred Heart” is about a woman with a pure heart, who faces a breakup and never saw it coming, all she has left is her SACRED HEART to restore a love in vain.
“Day in the Sun”: This is about someone looking for his moment, a person who wanders without guidance, without a plan.
“Believe in Me”: Just as the title states, “Believe in Me”, a man who wants to reassure his woman that he is there for her, that there is trust and honor.
“You’re So Bad”: Ahh, The girl who uses you to get all she can, there is really no love, just material things that she is interest it.
“Don't Come Near Me”: This a one of my favorite rockers, about a woman who is always on the edge, the man really does love her but because she is so TOXIC, he needs to stay away far from her.
“Let It Shine”: Sometimes it’s hard to find our way and we need someone to give us advice, this song gives the advice to let it shine, let you light come burning through.
“She’s All the Rage”: A song about a gold-digger, someone addicted to fame.
“Sincerely Yours”: Is a song about a soldier who is on the battlefield and the only thing that keeps him going are the letters from the one he loves, In an era when email is the dominant way to communicate, the thought of a letter is way more romantic.
“Shot in the Dark”: A song about a person with a terminal illness, who is fighting for just one more way to stay alive. When you are told there is no hope for survival, then you instinctively look for other ways to stay alive.
“Welcome to Your Future”: Don’t fear the unknown move forward and step into the light, Welcome all things that are possible.
The production is magnificent in a word. Did you have in mind the sound you wanted to achieve from the very first moment? Are there any little issues you would change if you had the chance?
J: As far as production goes, each song is treated differently. Drum sounds change for each track depending on the type of song it is. Some productions usually stay with the exact drum sound throughout as well a guitar sound. Because I don’t write always in the same vein, I need to keep changing the sounds to compliment the song. I would always like to do something differently after I live with an album. But at that point it would be too late. In any case, I don’t think the changes would make the listening experience much different. The song is the first and foremost important factor.
A bunch of musicians are participating in the album such as: Robin Beck on background vocals, Jeff Kent on keyboards, BJ Zampa & David Sherman on drums and Jorge Salas, Jimi Bell & Shelby Stewart on guitars. How did you end up with the musicians you cooperated with and how important was their help in order to achieve such results?
J: I always love working with new people, but I do have my go-to guys that I work with mostly. Jeff Kent is a great co-writer to work with. We compliment each other very well. I love Jimi’s ideas as a guitarist as well, BJ is always my go to drummer, But I could not use him that much on the solo CD or people would start claiming that this is just a HOL CD.
Are you planning to release any videos soon? If yes, for which one of the songs?
J: I probably will not do any videos, but there is a good chance that one of these songs is going to be in a big budget major motion picture, in which case the studio will provide a video for that track. I will keep you posted. (i.n.: Wish you make it, that’s great news!)
What do you say to those who claim that all the great melodic rock/AOR had already been released in the 80s and nothing good is coming out nowadays?
J: I say, listen to HOL’s last 4 albums. Look the one thing this band will never do is just tour on the songs of the past. We continually write and record songs. Our catalog of material is quite large and the quality of the music is still there. I think it is important for any band to open your ears to new ideas and different ways of writing a song. I think there are a lot of good bands releasing top quality records.
By the way what shall we expect from House of Lords for the future? Any specific plans?
J: I am currently doing the vocals for the new HOL CD right now. I will say that it progressing wonderfully. (i.n.: Great! Can’t wait to listen to it!)
J: Thank you Thanos, I really do love this CD as well. It is always nice when you can do a solo record because you can take a few liberties with the music.
Hence, what’s the thing here? You release a solo album every decade or so… how’s that?
J: I don’t really know, everyone have been bringing up that fact so there must be something to it. But I did not plan it that way.
Which were the things that made you decide it was time for another solo album?
J: I have to be in the right frame of mind whenever I start ANY project. But it seemed like the time was right for another go at a solo CD. Maybe the 10 year itch you were talking about before. (i.n.: Hehe… why not?!)
How do you choose the songs that will end up being in your solo album or on House of Lords one?
J: Well I really have a specific sound in mind for HOL, so I pretty much know which songs will go on an HOL CD. As for the solo CD, I have no real boundaries as long as it stays within the genre. I try and stretch a bit away from the HOL sound. Like in the song “Day in the Sun” it is a more modern approach, which still fits. If bands and artist alike do not try and expand on their songwriting and particular style then there will not be much of future for Melodic Rock. There is so much more we can do, and I have high hopes for the Melodic Community to grow even larger.
What does the album title declare? Why should we “Lay It All on You”?
J: Lay It All on Me is a statement I made to myself when I was diagnosed with cancer. I spent quite a long time with my inner self, I did a lot of talking to the heavens not really expecting a reply, but just to get out my frustration. Then I remember just saying out lout, WOW this really sucks, but what ever happens I am gonna move forward. So go ahead, “Lay It All on Me”…
After a few days I realized I could take that statement and write a very positive message, which is what I did, the song in its current form is about HOPE AND LOVE and knowing that you have someone you can always lean on to shelter you from the bad things that happen. It became a very universal message. (i.n.: Wish you the best dude and hope you get over it soon…)
Does the photo on the cover artwork stand up for any kind of inner liberation? Something like that crossed my mind as soon as I saw it.
J: It reminds me that someone is watching us and we should always reach out when we feel frightened. That there is power in faith. Looking up to the sky sends a positive message.
Do give us a hint about each song…
J: “Lay It All on Me”: No matter what obstacles come in your way I will be there to help you along the way, if you can’t handle it, you can “Lay It All on Me”…
“Sacred Heart”: Heartbreak is something we all go through at one time or another. “Sacred Heart” is about a woman with a pure heart, who faces a breakup and never saw it coming, all she has left is her SACRED HEART to restore a love in vain.
“Day in the Sun”: This is about someone looking for his moment, a person who wanders without guidance, without a plan.
“Believe in Me”: Just as the title states, “Believe in Me”, a man who wants to reassure his woman that he is there for her, that there is trust and honor.
“You’re So Bad”: Ahh, The girl who uses you to get all she can, there is really no love, just material things that she is interest it.
“Don't Come Near Me”: This a one of my favorite rockers, about a woman who is always on the edge, the man really does love her but because she is so TOXIC, he needs to stay away far from her.
“Let It Shine”: Sometimes it’s hard to find our way and we need someone to give us advice, this song gives the advice to let it shine, let you light come burning through.
“She’s All the Rage”: A song about a gold-digger, someone addicted to fame.
“Sincerely Yours”: Is a song about a soldier who is on the battlefield and the only thing that keeps him going are the letters from the one he loves, In an era when email is the dominant way to communicate, the thought of a letter is way more romantic.
“Shot in the Dark”: A song about a person with a terminal illness, who is fighting for just one more way to stay alive. When you are told there is no hope for survival, then you instinctively look for other ways to stay alive.
“Welcome to Your Future”: Don’t fear the unknown move forward and step into the light, Welcome all things that are possible.
The production is magnificent in a word. Did you have in mind the sound you wanted to achieve from the very first moment? Are there any little issues you would change if you had the chance?
J: As far as production goes, each song is treated differently. Drum sounds change for each track depending on the type of song it is. Some productions usually stay with the exact drum sound throughout as well a guitar sound. Because I don’t write always in the same vein, I need to keep changing the sounds to compliment the song. I would always like to do something differently after I live with an album. But at that point it would be too late. In any case, I don’t think the changes would make the listening experience much different. The song is the first and foremost important factor.
A bunch of musicians are participating in the album such as: Robin Beck on background vocals, Jeff Kent on keyboards, BJ Zampa & David Sherman on drums and Jorge Salas, Jimi Bell & Shelby Stewart on guitars. How did you end up with the musicians you cooperated with and how important was their help in order to achieve such results?
J: I always love working with new people, but I do have my go-to guys that I work with mostly. Jeff Kent is a great co-writer to work with. We compliment each other very well. I love Jimi’s ideas as a guitarist as well, BJ is always my go to drummer, But I could not use him that much on the solo CD or people would start claiming that this is just a HOL CD.
Are you planning to release any videos soon? If yes, for which one of the songs?
J: I probably will not do any videos, but there is a good chance that one of these songs is going to be in a big budget major motion picture, in which case the studio will provide a video for that track. I will keep you posted. (i.n.: Wish you make it, that’s great news!)
What do you say to those who claim that all the great melodic rock/AOR had already been released in the 80s and nothing good is coming out nowadays?
J: I say, listen to HOL’s last 4 albums. Look the one thing this band will never do is just tour on the songs of the past. We continually write and record songs. Our catalog of material is quite large and the quality of the music is still there. I think it is important for any band to open your ears to new ideas and different ways of writing a song. I think there are a lot of good bands releasing top quality records.
By the way what shall we expect from House of Lords for the future? Any specific plans?
J: I am currently doing the vocals for the new HOL CD right now. I will say that it progressing wonderfully. (i.n.: Great! Can’t wait to listen to it!)
What inspires you in order to write music & lyrics?
J: Sometimes it is just a thought that will not go away which to me means there is something there. Other times I will read something in the newspapers that really interests me. My co-writer Jeff Kent is also the same way. He looks at current events and from there you have many ideas for new songs. When they are songs of Love, that is a no-brainer, as I have a ton of love in my heart and a million ways to say “I Love You”.
Do you believe that Youtbe, iTunes, Spotify etc. can help metal music reach new fans or bands are losing money and time due to the free-downloading thing as well? Is there something that must be done and if so, what is it? Will the music quality of an album be second rate someday?
J: Any media is good media. I think YouTube has done a lot of good for newer bands looking for an audience. One day record companies will be a thing of the past as the younger stable of talent understands that they can basically do the same thing a label does with a minimal investment. When I was signed to my first deal to BMG/RCA records, the only way for people to hear your music was on Radio and through touring. Now you have the internet and a million and one places to sell your music. It is quite exciting.
Time for our weird questions!!! Put together the best melodic rock/AOR band (drums, vocals, bass, guitars, keys)…
J: Bass Guitar: Paul McCartney,
Vocals: Steven Tyler
Drums: Steve Gadd
Keys: Rick Wakeman
Guitars: Tim Pierce
It’s kinda different to have a music file on your pc desktop rather than a CD with a booklet or a vinyl in your hands. Are those things bygones? How do you see the future of music generally?
J: I think one day you will be able to download the booklet and the whole contents of a CD soon. They may already be doing that. I love reading liner notes and looking at a lyric booklet with photos, so I know what you mean.
Which are the top 3 melodic rock/AOR releases which influenced the whole genre?
J: Queen – “Night at the Opera”…
Journey with Steve Perry (of course) (i.n.: Suuure, no need to explain why!)
Def Leppard, when Mutt Lange produced them.
How do you imagine that music would be, one thousand years from now? Why?
J: There will probably not be music, it will all be telepathy…
Which is the biggest unfulfilled aim or wish for your further life?
J: WOW that is a hard one. My dreams are pretty filled, I really don’t wish for anything. I would like to live to be over 100 years old if that is possible. Then if the other members are still alive, we could do a reunion…
Which is that band that has influenced most of the bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
J: Beatle, Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen. The era of music that I grew up with is untouchable.
Why is rock (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
J: Well I don’t know about that, but I will say that being in a band most of my life has not hurt my sex life in the least. Now at our age the mantra is more like SEX, SLEEP, and Rock & Roll… (i.n.: Hehehe…)
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: Robin selling my album collection? First of all she knows who’s the BOSS(!!!) and it’s not me, so I probably would not say much. I have everything backed up on my hard drive anyway. (i.n.: Let’s just hope that Robin won’t read this one hehe…)
Thx very much for your time James, I wish you the best dude! Leave a message to Grande Rock readers for the end…
J: To All the Grande Rock readers, thanx again for supporting the music. I love being able to contribute the rock community and without the fans, no band has a future so thank you for believing…
J: Sometimes it is just a thought that will not go away which to me means there is something there. Other times I will read something in the newspapers that really interests me. My co-writer Jeff Kent is also the same way. He looks at current events and from there you have many ideas for new songs. When they are songs of Love, that is a no-brainer, as I have a ton of love in my heart and a million ways to say “I Love You”.
Do you believe that Youtbe, iTunes, Spotify etc. can help metal music reach new fans or bands are losing money and time due to the free-downloading thing as well? Is there something that must be done and if so, what is it? Will the music quality of an album be second rate someday?
J: Any media is good media. I think YouTube has done a lot of good for newer bands looking for an audience. One day record companies will be a thing of the past as the younger stable of talent understands that they can basically do the same thing a label does with a minimal investment. When I was signed to my first deal to BMG/RCA records, the only way for people to hear your music was on Radio and through touring. Now you have the internet and a million and one places to sell your music. It is quite exciting.
Time for our weird questions!!! Put together the best melodic rock/AOR band (drums, vocals, bass, guitars, keys)…
J: Bass Guitar: Paul McCartney,
Vocals: Steven Tyler
Drums: Steve Gadd
Keys: Rick Wakeman
Guitars: Tim Pierce
It’s kinda different to have a music file on your pc desktop rather than a CD with a booklet or a vinyl in your hands. Are those things bygones? How do you see the future of music generally?
J: I think one day you will be able to download the booklet and the whole contents of a CD soon. They may already be doing that. I love reading liner notes and looking at a lyric booklet with photos, so I know what you mean.
Which are the top 3 melodic rock/AOR releases which influenced the whole genre?
J: Queen – “Night at the Opera”…
Journey with Steve Perry (of course) (i.n.: Suuure, no need to explain why!)
Def Leppard, when Mutt Lange produced them.
How do you imagine that music would be, one thousand years from now? Why?
J: There will probably not be music, it will all be telepathy…
Which is the biggest unfulfilled aim or wish for your further life?
J: WOW that is a hard one. My dreams are pretty filled, I really don’t wish for anything. I would like to live to be over 100 years old if that is possible. Then if the other members are still alive, we could do a reunion…
Which is that band that has influenced most of the bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
J: Beatle, Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen. The era of music that I grew up with is untouchable.
Why is rock (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
J: Well I don’t know about that, but I will say that being in a band most of my life has not hurt my sex life in the least. Now at our age the mantra is more like SEX, SLEEP, and Rock & Roll… (i.n.: Hehehe…)
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: Robin selling my album collection? First of all she knows who’s the BOSS(!!!) and it’s not me, so I probably would not say much. I have everything backed up on my hard drive anyway. (i.n.: Let’s just hope that Robin won’t read this one hehe…)
Thx very much for your time James, I wish you the best dude! Leave a message to Grande Rock readers for the end…
J: To All the Grande Rock readers, thanx again for supporting the music. I love being able to contribute the rock community and without the fans, no band has a future so thank you for believing…