In the fast-moving current of the North West music scene, three years can feel like a lifetime. It has been nearly 1,000 days since James Hartley released the indie-tinged ‘Late Nights’, a track that cemented him as a songwriter to watch. Since then, the airwaves have been relatively quiet – until now.
This Friday, 1st May, James officially ends the hiatus with the release of his brand-new single, ‘Can We Talk?’. It marks a significant milestone for the Bury-born artist, whose last live appearance was almost a year ago at the stunning Burrs Country Park.
With a return to that very same festival stage booked for this July, the timing couldn’t be better. We sat down with James to find out where he’s been, what the new music represents, and why now was the right time to break the silence.
The Interview
It has been nearly three years since the release of ‘Late Nights’. That’s a significant gap in today’s industry – what has been going on in the world of James Hartley during that time away from the spotlight?
James: Yeah there’s quite a gap haha. The world of James Hartley has been pretty quiet to be honest. I found that the time away was well needed though. I needed to write new material and to fall back in love with music again. I think I’ve done that now.
Your new single ‘Can We Talk?’ drops this Friday. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track? Is it a continuation of the sound we know, or are we hearing a different side of you?
James: Yeah, I’m very excited for everyone to hear this new song. I’ve always been a fan of big sounding songs that include strings and choirs and I wanted to channel that into some of my music.. you’ll definitely be able to recognise that it’s a James Hartley song. I haven’t done a full 180 on my sound, I’d like to think that I’ve turned my song writing up a notch and the best is definitely yet to come. The song means a lot to me and I have a good feeling that other people will relate it to their own experiences too.
I’d also like to give a special mention to my producer and long time friend George Fitzgibon. He’s one of my best pals over the last ten plus years and he’s one thousand percent one of the best producers out there. Everything he does is golden and I’m over the moon he’s still willing to help me out after all this time.
Does this release signal the start of a completely new chapter for you? Outside of your own solo releases, have you been working on anything else in the music world – perhaps writing or collaborating—that has kept the creative juices flowing?
James: I think it does. Like I said before, I’ve fallen back in love with music and I’d like people to know that I’m taking it more seriously than ever before. I’ve got the bug now and I can’t wait to get back out there and show the lovely people my new songs.
As for other projects, I’ve been in touch with Tommy Smith who’s a great artist in his own right that has a great catalogue of work. I’ve been rehearsing some of his music with him and we’ll be getting on the road with that soon! Tommy’s turned into a good mate of mine and I think everyone will love what he’s got to come!
Your last live performance was nearly a year ago at Burrs Country Park, and you’re heading back there again this July. Does returning to the scene of your last gig feel like a “full circle” moment for you?
James: Yeah it definitely does! It was great last time out and we’re on an even better slot this year which makes the band and I look forward to it even more! We’ve been rehearsing a lot and I couldn’t be happier with them! I don’t think I’ve made it a secret how much I love Bury. The people, the football club and some of the music we have from other bands coming out of here is amazing! We will have new songs and I hope the people will enjoy it as much as we do!
Aside from the July festival date, are there any plans to get back into the smaller, sweatier venues of Manchester or Bury for some headline shows this year?
James: I’m thinking for this year, I just keep releasing music and keep busy. I am hoping that we will have a big headline show (hopefully in Bury) but I am looking forward to getting back on stage in Manchester too. God willing, I am able to get a few support slots and return to other cities. Who knows, I might even do a few gigs supporting my mate Tommy haha.
The SoundMate Verdict
Absence clearly makes the heart grow fonder, but it also allows an artist to sharpen their craft. We’ve been lucky enough to have an early listen to ‘Can We Talk?’, and we can safely say it was worth the wait. It’s a refined, mature return that carries all the hallmarks of James’s previous work but with a fresh perspective that only time away can provide.
James Hartley hasn’t just been waiting; he’s been evolving. ‘Can We Talk?’ feels like the conversation we’ve been waiting to have with one of the region’s most authentic songwriters. July at Burrs Country Park is officially marked in our calendars.
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