Alba James is a French singer-songwriter based in Sweden. Nestled between a sea of instruments and the silent forests of her hometown, she writes, plays, and produces all of her songs in her little studio in Skara. "Wake up in Your Eyes" is a love song that she wrote thinking how extraordinary it must be to see the world through her lover's eyes. It's a pop/folk ballad that resembles the work of artists like Pomme or Sufjan Stevens. She used her guitar, ukulele, and accordion as her main instruments to give it a very warm and unique sound.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Alba James, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hello ! Thanks for having me ! I think that I first got into music thanks to my parents and siblings. In my family we all play an instrument, so it has always been a part of my life. I started writing songs around 12-13 years old and never stopped !
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favorite part about being a musician is the ability to connect with yourself and others through a shared emotion. It’s like a bridge that allow us for an instant to be one human experience. Music is a big group hug ! My least favorite part is that craving this connection can make you feel lonely, when you don’t have it. I’d love to be able to share my songs all the time so we can all cry and feel better together !
Your latest song is 'Wake up in Your Eyes'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
”Wake Up In Your Eyes" is a love song that I wrote thinking how extraordinary it must be to see the world through my lover's eyes. While playing the chorus on my guitar and being stuck in the writing process, my partner started to sing along another melody, taping the rhythm on every household item he found. After an intense and really funny jam session, I found the rest of the song, thanks to him !
How do you differ from most other artists?
Haha I don’t know, I think we’re all different and the same. I love weird instruments and organic sounds, you know when you can hear the singer breathing in the mic or the fingers plucking the strings of the guitar ? I like to make music that makes you feel like you’re in the room with me.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I was born and raised in France. My family moved around a lot but I spent most of my childhood in La Rochelle, by the sea. I lived in the UK for a while and now I’ve been in Sweden for three years. I might move again in the future, I haven’t found my forever-place yet ! I love travelling, but I think I like to have a stable home to return to when I’m tired. Like a little nest.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I create usually organic music, with imperfect sounds and natural recording conditions. My music isn’t polished (also because I’m still learning how to be a better producer !) and that’s what makes it interesting I think, the combo of very thought-through lyrics and improvised interpretation.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I love to go out and touch grass, honestly that’s just awesome for your mental health haha ! I also take a lot of inspiration from people around me and the relationship I have with others. I think it’s interesting to write about other people. I also take very long breaks before writing something new, just to take the time to live life.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I’d love to see Hozier in concert these days ! Maybe also November Ultra, dodie… And Pomme, with her amazing mushroom hat that she wears on stage !
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
I’m thinking Sufjan Stevens, Gregory Alan Isakov or Kings of Convenience. Also I’m working on collaborating with some of my best friends ! Music is always better when shared <3
What are your plans for the future?
I’m working on a full-length album concept, and I’m also creating a visual world to go with it. I love weird fashion and scenography, so it will be great to organize concerts where I can show the multiple sides of my art !