After a long and tantalising hiatus, Hobart singer-songwriter James Parry is releasing his new concept album, In The Lights, with a single, a full-length LP and an experimental new format for his album artwork. Written in Bali in 2013 and recorded across Bali, Melbourne and Hobart, In The Lights tells a story of small town fears and their far-reaching consequences. James found himself in a wooden
bungalow in Bali in 2013 with a long stretch of songwriting space in front of him. It was an isolating experience that catalysed some soul-searching and highlighted some hard truths that are alluded to on the album. “I wanted to focus on telling a story about the places I grew up with this album, and I used creative advice from writers like Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Robert Pirsig to really nail the lyrical element. The basic idea I was exploring was that people make bad decisions when they allow themselves to be driven by social fear.”
With two guitars, a keyboard, a variety of small percussion toys and a small cube amp, James played with his ideas until they started to resemble the family of songs that he wanted. The sleepy Bali heat resonates through some of the dreamy organ riffs, including on the first single, Every Weekend. “Every Weekend is about wandering aimlessly, feeling like a stranger in your own town,” says James, "and I think the music reflects that feeling.”
James is bringing In The Lights to a number of cities around Australia in a series of his soulful performances. He’ll be bringing more intimate duo arrangements to the mainland. Expect gentle tambourine, cool organ, lots of guitar and beautiful stories of human fragilities.
