The Eighth Note is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians. A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music. Up next is James Hunter, an alternative folk artist based in Pōneke. Whilst locked down in 2020, he wrote and recorded two EPs, ‘Last little While’ and ‘You’ which were created entirely in a small room in his Wellington flat. Since then, both EP’s have gained a total of over 5k streams, favourable reviews from Muzic.net and May Magazine, and have been performed at his highly successful debut show at MOON in Newtown. He released a new song called, ‘Suburban Dystopia’ in June, exploring a much darker, eerier sound than his previous work, and is now back with a new video, a cover of a Billie Eilish song, live at Maranui Cafe, with fellow Wgtn. singer Betty.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I’m James Hunter. I’m an alternative-folk musician based in Pōneke, Wellington. I write, record, and produce music that is minimal in scope, but is written with intriguing narratives that allow people to journey with me through vulnerable emotions such as love, fear, faith, joy, pain. During Aotearoa’s COVID-19 lockdown last year, I was able to write,record and release two EPs, ‘Last Little While’ and ‘You’
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I released a new song, Suburban Dystopia in June.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Everywhere! I’m on Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Instagram and Facebook!
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Ooh that’s a tricky one – Most definitely every Eagles album is one. Ed Sheeran’s X was a big one, and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel.
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I’ve had the privilege of working with Sam Cullen on a new project, but would love to work with him on more music, same with Darren Watson and Arjuna Oakes!
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I’ve played in MOON in Newtown, which was amazing! But my headlining show at Meow… WHAT. A. SHOW. My debut tour, first time ever playing with a full band, with a FANTASTIC line-up… and we sold out! Michael Fowler Centre is definitely a dream as well!
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
Songs usually formulate from a chord structure or a melody. Then, it will either start forming sentences and I’ll then start to understand what the song will be about. I’m quite finickity, and won’t be happy with a song unless I’ve finished it on that day, so a lot of songs fall on the cutting room floor early on. But I guess it’s my own artistry discerning what is worth keeping and what’s worth leaving alone, so in that context, it’s a good thing!
Where/when is your next gig?
I finished the Almost Summer Tour in October deuring Level 2… A whirlwind of fun, laughter, madness and music. I don’t have any more gigs this year, but I am about to announce a January gig that’s happening on the 8th!