Interview with Irish Star Gavin James
When the Irish musician Gavin James released his single ‘Boxes’, it quickly amassed over 10 million streams and connected with individuals all around the world. It even went viral on Tik Tok with over 20,000 videos showing people expressing their individuality via #WeAreDifferent. After listening to this track, it is not difficult to understand why this song has become an instant hit. It is empowering, warm and will get into your head and your heart.
The track’s momentum is continuing to build as Gavin shares a new acoustic version of ‘Boxes’. Stripping back the production to just a piano and simple vocal harmonies is enchanting and adds greater emphasis to the power of Gavin’s words. The acoustic version is accompanied by a live video filmed in The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, a historic venue that holds personal significance to Gavin as it is where his grandfather used to perform as a comedian.
It was a pleasure to speak to Gavin earlier this week about his latest release and its moving message…
“We don’t fit into your boxes / We’re all different underneath.” These lyrics from your latest single ‘Boxes’ connected with people globally. Why do you think that is?
It is a simple message about focusing on your dreams, being who you are and not trying to be someone else and to not give up on your dream because of others. I had several people say I would not make it in the music industry so when it came to writing this song, they actually inspired it.
How did you feel when your single went viral on TikTok?
TikTok is the new in thing right now and I’m only just getting up-to-date on how it all works. So, when the feature happened, it was amazing to see such a response from all around the world and to see so many creative ideas posted.
What advice would you give to people who are afraid to follow their dreams and feel under pressure to conform?
Just simply believe in yourself and don’t wake up from your dream until you have achieved it!
Why did you decide to produce an acoustic version of this track?
I just love doing stripped back versions of songs. This one was a little difficult as it is a ballad so it is a bit sadder. I decided to shoot a video for it in Dublin Gaiety Theatre where my grandfather, who was a comedian/entertainer, used to perform many years ago.
Which musical artists most inspire you to embrace your individuality?
I am a huge Bob Dylan fan. His lyrics to this day are still so relevant and he just gets better with every listen.
What inspires your song-writing?
Mainly, it is my family and friends that are the inspiration through observing what they are going through in their lives.
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
My goal is to always try to write a song that I think is the best I can do and hope that people like it and that I get the chance to play it live.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I enjoy being able to do what I love, to travel the world and meet new people.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
I did have a sold-out drive in tour lined up but that got cancelled due to covid. Instead, I’m working on some new ideas for some gigs, plus I have an EP being released soon!
To keep up to date with the latest news from Gavin James, you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To listen to his latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud, Apple Music and Spotify.
By Eveline Vouillemin