Interview: James Carrington

Interview: James Carrington

James Carrington originally trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After landing roles in Eastenders, London's Burning and Out of Sight, James formed his own band Little Giants in 1999. He is currently working on his debut solo album and has been spending a lot of time in the US getting his songs on shows such as The OC and Smallville. We caught up with him to see how he's getting on and to discuss his plans for the future.

1. You've been spending a lot of time in the US. Tell us what you've been up to.

I have been getting ready to record my album with Hollywood film composer Klaus Badelt, working with him on a couple of movies he's scored and is scoring, gigging in Los Angeles and New York, meeting as many 'useful' people as possible and surviving on a miniscule budget!

2. Your song Ache is being considered as the main song in an upcoming movie. How did that come about?

As a result of a music supervisor hearing the track and feeling it would fit the film perfectly. She was put onto it by a brilliant woman at EMI Publishing in LA who said she would find a home for it and was true to her word.

3. Miles Millar, creator of Smallville, wants you to perform in an episode of the show. Is that going to happen?

It's up in the air at the moment. He attended a show of mine in LA, was already a fan of Ache having seen its effect on Smallville viewers and is keen to use another track Reach in a forthcoming episode. If it can be written in to the episode that there is a live performance going on then all being well I will be in it!

4. When are you going to release in the UK?

It all depends on when the record gets finished and who's keen to distribute it!

5. How important do you think it is to get involved in the creative process of music?

The most important thing in life! If a week goes by and I haven't 'created' something I feel hopelessly unfulfilled. All the rest is just business which for the most part is incredibly time-consuming and time-wasting!

6. What is your favourite part of being a musician?

Being able to sing words over chords I've created. Especially live.

7. Who inspires you?

So many people. Neil Young did recently with his album against the war. That was using music for good means and creating awareness through music rather than politics. Paul McCartney for his effortless melodies. Chris Martin for driving a band onto the world stage through hard work and great songwriting. And my dad who has never stopped and only got better.

8. What would your one piece of advice be to aspiring songwriters?

Keep trying new avenues. Change your guitar tunings. Experiment with lyrics. Dont be too safe and write from the heart. That way, you'll definitely touch at least one other person!

9. Why are royalties important to you as a songwriter?

They are about to be my only source of income as I write this! Also I think they justify your choice to write and to prove that you can make a living eventually.

10. Do you remember how much your first PRS royalty cheque was for and what you spent it on?

I haven't received one yet! I cannot tell you how much the first one will be needed and how careful I'll be with it. there's no guarantee of another.

11. What are your plans for the rest of the year?

First and foremost to make the album. That's my only definite plan but I also hope to start strengthening my work in films as a musician and potentially a composer.