James Blunt Lands In Boston

I recently had the opportunity to chat with the talented singer-songwriter James Blunt regarding his current and fourth studio album “Moon Landing.”

Currently on tour with his next stop in Boston—May 3 at the House of Blues—I was curious if he had previously visited our city for play rather than just work. As it turned out, Boston is where he recorded “Bonfire Heart” with the lead singer of OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder.

One always wonders how the most creative types go about their writing process and after asking, James volunteered that he finds inspiration in every aspect of his daily life, the good experiences along with the bad. “I’m not singing about fast cars and expensive sneakers after all,” he quipped.

Regarding his songwriting routine,  he prefers a quiet place. As he needs a great deal of time to reflect, James did mention he typically does not attempt to do any writing while on tour. Especially, as he confided, that is when he is typically most hungover.

Incredibly down to earth and just plain authentic, Blunt revealed his writing and performing are his way of trying to find the most genuine way to express himself; figuring out how to convey each varying emotion. Through his performance he is courageously relaying his thoughts and feelings to his audience; revealing himself both at his best and inevitably his worst.

James wrote “Miss America” as a tribute to Whitney Houston which I found heartbreakingly powerful. Though I was hesitant to inquire about the story behind the exceedingly emotion-filled gesture, James was graciously candid. The song takes the listener into Whitney’s life and illustrates how many of us stop looking at the artists talent. Even as someone may be collapsing in front of us, we are mere spectators in an almost sick sense. There is no denying his thoughts are spot on as many enjoy the unfolding scenes far too much. It strikes me how eloquent an artist Blunt is to both pay tribute to such an icon, while almost politely reminding us to regard those we look up to more humanely.

Wishing to get a bit more personal, I directed our conversation to his culinary prowess. I was  promptly made aware that James actually has none but is instead a “Prolific Pizza Orderer!” His pie always is always topped with pepperoni and he endearingly orders two cans of coke so that it appears he is enjoying the meal with another person.

If James had not become the acclaimed artist he is today, he confided that he would instead work for Doctors Without Borders as he saw some of their work while he served in the British Army. He is relentless in his quest to be a vital part in looking after veterans for the longterm, his support also goes to Help The Heroes.

As the interview wound down, I was once again struck by just how witty and self-deprecating a person James Blunt truly is. In creating Moon Landing, he found himself on a journey to find the man that wrote his first album. Back he went, attempting to write and record in the same manner and convey his most genuine self. I suggest you take the time to explore the album and if you will be at The House of Blues, perhaps I will see you there!