Friday 28 February 2014

A small tour detour

So yesterday I boarded a morning flight from Munich taking a small detour from my adventures on the road with One Republic. The reason for this flying visit home to the UK was the pledge music 'Turning Point' gig at The Hospital Club Covent Garden. I must admit I was a mix of nerves and excitement at the prospect of playing some of the tunes from the new album for the very first time.
Thanks for the fantastic reception from the pledgers who certainly put my nerves at ease. It was great to meet you all and get your feedback on which songs you liked. It was nice to spend time with family,friends and lots of great people who have been working hard on the album release too. I'd have loved to have stayed all night but with another 6am wake up I had to head back a little early. So here I am in Berlin ready to return to the One Republic tour but with fond memories of a special night in London!

See You Soon

James W

Wednesday 19 February 2014

The journey continues!

Hi Folks, - So the last time I wrote I was in Linz Austria getting ready for the show. The show later that night was great and One Republic were on superb form too. I enjoyed a few glasses of wine with the tour catering staff but couldn't over do it as I had a train to Prague to catch the following day.

I've been to Prague once before and remember it being a beautiful city. On this occasion my friend Chris from back home was passing through on his travels so I met up with him to have a few drinks on the day off. As we are both big Beatles fans the first port of call had to be Lennon's Bar! It's a small pub/restaurant and the staff were very friendly.

It's located near 'John Lennon Wall' which started off as purely a tribute to John but has since been taken over by other forms of Graffiti. There's still a few John Lennon faces knocking about though and the name remains. After a hearty Czech meal we headed to the highly recommended 'Hemmingways' cocktail bar.

 A great little place,like a discreet little speakeasy. They will only let enough people in as they have chairs which means it retains a more relaxed vibe than some of the more packed places around the city. Our 'Old Fashions' were served in a bottle contained within a hollowed out book which was a nice touch!

As we seemed to be following the path of famed hell raisers it seemed apt that we should finish the night in Bukowskis a little walk from Hemmingways. The gig in Prague was brilliant. I decided to break out my cover of 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' for this one and it went down a storm! Next morning,sent postcards to my kids and headed off to Slovakia.

For me this was the best show of the tour so far. The crowds have been fantastic everywhere but I felt particularly good about my own performance. As I was in Slovakia I had to give a shout out to the great Martin Skertl too! I'm now sat in Vienna station a little way through my epic journey from Bratislava to Bern. Looking forward to coming back to Switzerland a place I have fond memories playing as a solo artist and with Starsailor.

Thanks

James W

P.S I'm excited that 'Turning Point' is now available to pre-order on itunes. I've had some great feedback just for the itunes preview so I can't wait for you to hear the full tracks!

https://itunes.apple.com/album/turning-point/id821017103

Friday 14 February 2014

Tour update

Hi Folks - So a little while ago I received an exciting email asking if I'd be interested in supporting One Republic on their European tour. The opportunity to see Europe in the company of one of my favourite bands? 

I didn't have to think long about the decision! I've crossed paths with them and their crew on a few occasions over the years so it was a chance to catch up with old friends too. After a picturesque train journey from Vienna (through snow capped mountains and quaint little villages)and an
early night I woke up in Graz ready for the first gig.

The venue was right across the road from my hotel which meant there was no stress finding the place so I got off to a smooth start.

My set went really well. It was quite a young audience overall as I looked out across the crowd so it was nice to introduce them to my music both Starsailor and Solo. 

I decided to stay and watch a bit of One Republic safe in the knowledge that I would have many more opportunities to see the whole set and with half a mind on my 7.30am train to Linz! I don't want to give too much away in case anyone is coming to the gigs. 
 
Needless to say the staging is incredible,Ryan is in fine voice and the band are full of energy.

As I write this I am in Linz, Austria ready for the next show.Should be a good one! Finally thanks for the great response to 'We Could Try' and 'Better Part Of Me'. 

A number of people have messaged me upon hearing the tracks on the radio and I really appreciate the support and feedback.  

Can't wait for you to hear the rest of 'Turning Point' now!

Thanks

James W

Monday 10 February 2014

New tour dates

Hi Everyone - I have some amazing news! I have been kindly asked to support the incredible One Republic throughout Europe  starting this week in Austria.

I've been a long time fan of the band and shared a stage with them at the Zermatt Unplugged Festival after show back in 2011. They are a great live band and I can't wait to hit the road with them! (Check www.onerepublic.com for dates.)

Keep an eye on @jamesstarsailor for stage times if you already have tickets and want to make sure you are early enough to catch my set.

February

   Thu   13    Austria    Graz    Stadhalle
    Fri    14    Austria    Linz    Tipps Arena
                  
    Sun    16    Czech Rep.    Prague    Incheba Arena
    Mon   17    Slovakia    Bratislava    Incheba Expo Arena
                  
    Wed   19    Switzerland    Bern    Festhalle
    Thu    20    Germany    Frankfurt    Jahrunderthalle
                  
    Sat    22    Germany    Cologne    Palladium
    Sun   23    Germany    Cologne    Palladium
                  
    Tue    25    Germany    Stuttgart    Porsche Arena
    Wed   26    Germany    Munich    Zenith
                  
    Fri    28    Germany    Berlin    Columbiahalle   

March

   Sat    1    Germany    Hamburg    Sportshalle
                  
   Mon   3   Holland    Amsterdam    Heineken Music Hall
   Tue    4    Belgium    Brussels    Ancienne Belgique
                  
   Thu   6   France    Paris    Trianon
   Fri     7   France    Paris    Trianon
   Sat    8    France    Paris    Trianon
                  
                  
   Tue    11    Sweden       Stockholm    Arenan
   Wed   12    Denmark    Copenhagen    Falconer
                  
   Fri    14    Luxembourg    Lux City    Rockhal