Tag: Patrick James

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself” – Patrick James

I read a meme on Facebook the other day which said something along the lines of “I’m sick of living inside an interesting part of next century’s history books.” Switch on the news right now and you’re confronted by images of the war in Ukraine, widespread flooding in Queensland and New South Wales, not to mention that pesky pandemic that won’t seem to quit. Music can be a great escape during challenging times, so it’s only fitting that Patrick James’ sophomore album I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself drops today. If you want music to take your mind off all the heavy stuff, this is it.

The opening track “Where Will I Be?” explodes in a shimmery pop rainbow. From those initial drum beats, you know you’re in for a good time. There’s a gentle acceptance that we don’t know what the future holds, but hopefully we’ll be with the ones we love. Those human connections are an ever-present theme, whether we’re bopping along to upbeat tunes like this or enjoying the folky quiet of ballads like the recent single “Into Your Arms” and the poignant piano pieces, “Grateful” and “I Am Your Brother.” The songs instantly endeared themselves to me, but I found myself falling a little deeper with each listen. Maybe it’s because those repeated listens drive home the lyrics which are really like modern poetry. I was especially struck by “16 Hours (Into the City),” which retells the story of a teen, hungover Patrick attempting to make his way back to Sydney on a CountryLink train. It’s unflinchingly honest, full of the wisdom that often comes when you’re looking back on your less than stellar moments. I love the way it captures a moment in time so vividly, ensuring it will now live eternally through the song. Closing with the title track brings the album full circle. Its feelgood synthy pop vibe sound and smart lyrics make it the ideal bookend for “Where Will I Be?” ensuring we’ve all got smiles on our faces as the music fades out.

I’ll Take Care of Myself If You Take Care of Yourself is like a big warm hug at a time when many of us need it most. There’s a beautiful sweetness to the songs, a little romance, and a whole lot of heart. Patrick is wasting no time taking them to the people. You can catch him at one of the following venues in the coming weeks.

10 March 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
12 March 2022 – The Great Club, Sydney
19 March 2022 – Mortimer’s Wines, Orange
25 March 2022 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Moonee Beach Hotel
27 March 2022 – La Costa Cantina, Crescent Head
13 April 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Romantic New Single, “Into Your Arms”

Prepare to swoon over Patrick James’ latest ditty, “Into Your Arms.” It’s a tender love ballad about being totally open and vulnerable to the right person. If like me you find nothing sexier than someone who’s honest about their emotions, you’re going to fall hard for this one.

“The song is loosely about male vulnerability and the idea of feeling your true emotional self around people you let into your life,” Patrick explained. “We wanted the recording to be both delicate and powerful and I think the pay off with the entrance of full-band towards the end brings the song together in that intended way.”

If you love this, there’s more on the way. Patrick will release his new album, I’ll Take Care of Music If You Take Care of Yourself on March 4. He’ll play a string of East Coast shows to support its release.

3 March 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
10 March 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
12 March 2022 – The Great Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Positive Pandemic Track, “Grateful”

The pandemic has left many of us feeling frustrated and flat. However, for Patrick James, it inspired more positive emotions. He wrote his latest single “Grateful” in the middle of the pandemic, buoyed by his appreciation and admiration of the people around him.

It’s a beautiful song and one which serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the people who give our lives more meaning. Press play, take a few deep breaths, and let this song soothe your soul.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“What We’re Fighting For” – Patrick James

Patrick James first came on my radar in 2012. He was supporting one of my favourite American singer-songwriters, Howie Day. Yet despite my excitement for the headliner, he won me over with his acoustic guitar tunes. He’s a very different performer today, one whose sound is more piano pop than guitar-driven folk, but I think he’s making some of the best music of his career.

I was instantly smitten with “Up” the lead single from his recently released EP What We’re Fighting For, praising its polished sound and mature lyrics. What I didn’t realise at the time is that it’s one piece of a puzzle. The term concept album, or even concept EP, has fallen out of favour in recent years, but I’m struggling for another way to describe this album. “Up” gave me a snippet of the dynamic of a relationship. The EP creates a more complete picture, exploring the hardships of life and love, but also that idea that both are worth fighting for. Giving up might seem easier at times, but Patrick and his partner aren’t prepared to surrender to the challenges.

I love every song on this EP. Singling them out doesn’t seem right though, because they really work best as part of a more complete recording. Each one is intimate and personal. The heart that roots each and every song makes What We’re Fighting For so compelling.

What We’re Fighting For is out now. Patrick will showcase its tracks with shows in the East Coast capitals next month.

6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Stellar New Single “Up” Ahead of EP & Tour

With Patrick James’ new EP What We’re Fighting For set for release, there’s no better time to wrap your ears around his latest single, “Up.”

I’ve been following Patrick’s career for some time, and I think he’s getting better and better. This single is so polished, with mature lyrics and a great sound combining classic piano pop with modern electronic influences.

This single’s release has me counting down the days until the EP lands on March 8. Patrick will give us a little time to familiarise ourselves with his new material before heading off on an East Coast tour. Tickets are on sale now through his website.

6 April 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
12 April 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
18 April 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYROstream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Amps Up Sound With “Lay It Down”

Patrick James has experimented with a much bigger sound on his new single “Lay It Down,” and I love it.

I’m used to more stripped-back songs from Patrick, but I think this new direction is working for him! The synths and heavy percussion give the track a retro ‘80s feel. But at the heart of the song, there’s still the same great lyrics and melodies we can always count on from this exciting Sydney singer-songwriter.

“Throughout the entire writing and recording of the song I didn’t pick up the acoustic guitar once, which was strange at first but ultimately gave a new feel and vibe to the music. It’s bigger and bolder,” Patrick said in a press release.

Patrick will play two special shows next month to celebrate the release of “Lay it Down.” Catch him at Leadbelly in Sydney on September 15 or the Wesley Anne in Melbourne on September 23.

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Announces Album Tour

Patrick James is currently keeping company with The Paper Kites, but it won’t be too long before we see him headlining his own shows around the country. It’s all in support of Outlier, Patrick’s brand new LP which features the fantastic singles “California Song” and “Bugs.”

This tour will be James’ first largescale headline tour in almost two years, so it’s a real must-see for fans. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

19 February 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
25 February 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
26 February 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Anita’s  Theatre, Wollongong
4 March 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
5 March 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
12 March 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
18 March 2016 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Covers The Church

Patrick James is one of my favourite Aussie singer-songwriters, so when I saw he’d covered The Church’s Under the Milky Way I just had to share it with you.

It’s a tender respectful rendition that should please music purists and encourage more people to check out the talented Aussie.

What do you think of Patrick’s take on The Church?

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Soothes us with “California Song”

Hump Day’s a bitch. The stresses of the week are starting to pile up and the weekend seems too far away. What we all need is some relaxing music to take the edge off. That makes Patrick James’ new single “California Song” the perfect soundtrack if you ask me.

It’s got a mellow vibe without being sleepy, as it has me dreaming of road trips abroad. It seems plenty of people like what they hear, because Patrick’s single launch shows are selling fast. Don’t dilly-dally if you want tickets to his gig at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 13 or the Sydney show at Newtown Social Club on June 27.

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Charms with “Message”

Way back in March 2012 I fell for New South Wales’ Patrick James when he supported Howie Day. I was so enamoured by this incredible lyrics and sweet demeanour. So I was thrilled to hear he’s releasing his second EP soon. But before that drops, we can enjoy the stunning lead single “Message.”

The song came about while Patrick was touring with Josh Pyke late in 2013. During one show Josh broke a guitar string so Patrick offered his own guitar. Josh altered the tuning for his performance, so when Patrick pulled it out after returning home it sounded a little differently. That sound sparked the idea for “Message’s” melody. Lyrically the song explores how difficult it can be to find the balance between life as a touring musician and the other aspects of life.

“Message” signals the new, bigger sound Patrick’s playing with these days. While it’ll hardly blow your speakers, it’s a big change from the bedroom recordings that made up his debut EP. It’s so exciting to see the evolution of this talented young artist.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations