Oliver James
Short Hills, New Jersey, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
“…this, my friends, has the making of a pure rock and roll hit.”
Melissa Nastasi – ModernMysteryBlog.com
Wire & Wood Recordings LTD is pleased to announce the release of “Keep Breathing,” the debut single by Oliver James from his forthcoming self-titled album.
“Keep Breathing” is a haunting, timeless, and powerful ballad that weighs the human cost of war. While not taking sides as to war’s necessity, it is a boldfaced plea for the men and women who place themselves in harm’s way to come home to those who love them – alive. “Keep Breathing” was inspired by the events that seemingly unfold before us in real time, events that illustrate a tumultuous world in a near constant state of conflict.
Oliver said of his work, “music has been a huge part of my life since a very young age having been exposed to all kinds of styles by my parents. I picked up the guitar at age 8 which, looking back now, was certainly a defining period.” With an album collection that takes up the better part of a room, Oliver refuses to restrict his influences to just one genre. Instead, he happily counts numerous artists as influences including, the Beatles, David Bowie, Scott Walker, and David Sylvian.
To underscore his commitment to this cause, Oliver will contribute proceeds from the sale of Keep Breathing to four non-profit organizations: Wounded Warrior Project, Soldier’s Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and U.S. Wounded Solders Foundation.
Wire & Wood Recordings LTD
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 893
New York, New York 10008-893
- Wire & Wood Recording, LTD
“…if Keep Breathing is any indication, James is someone to keep an eye on.”
Alex Henderson – independent music critic
“Keep Breathing is the first single from Oliver’s upcoming album of the same name, and in short, it is the perfect power ballad.”
Andrea Guy – mossip.livejournal.com
“All others in the genre step aside and pave the way for Oliver James. His enthusiasm and passion are unlike any other.”
Alexa Spieler – independent music critic
“…this my friends, has the making of a pure rock and roll hit.”
Melissa Nastasi – ModernMysteryBlog.com
“It is a song of heart wrenching lyrics set to a solid melody with a deep resonating rhythm line and James has assembled a collection of fine musicians and even finer voices to accompany him.”
Vinny Marini – musiconthecouch.com
“…a moving tribute, Keep Breathing is complete of emotions. Somber yet hopeful, inspiring and tragic, the music ascends at the most opportune moment and grabs the listener’s undivided attention. With the wishful notion that all soldiers come home alive, a universal concept that many would agree on, James’ debut release is sure to leave a mark.”
Annie Reuter – yousingiwrite.com
- Wire and Wood Recording, LTD
Oliver James is no newbie to the music industry. Though he has performed for more than 20 years, he has never released original material, until now. Recently, the native Californian has taken his industry experience and recorded his own music as a solo artist.
His debut single, “Keep Breathing” off the album of the same name, is a moving tribute to men and women serving in the US Armed Services. With soaring string orchestra arrangements and a soulful choir accompaniment by The Late Show’s Gospel Choir combined with a powerful message and James’ singing style, the song strikes a chord.
Light strums of the guitar introduce the track before James’ deep vocals enter. Telling the tale of a man fighting for his life during a war, the lyrics are poignant. “One day he’s found face down in sand/No rounds left in either hand/Hot metal ripped right through his cries/And come to rest deep down inside,” James sings. Throughout “Keep Breathing,” the listener is taken on a journey while this man is fighting to survive.
Right before the chorus begins, fitting string accompaniment, soft strokes of the piano and a gospel choir enter as the descriptive lyrics continue. A versatile four-and-a-half minute track, the musical layers are impeccable. Whether it is soaring electric guitar riffs, delicate piano interludes or a triumphant gospel choir, every part blends flawlessly together. By the last minute of the track each instrument stands out distinctively, while at the same time allowing James’ passionate vocals to be at the forefront.
“Keep Breathing” vividly paints the picture of the struggles one faces fighting in a war while loved ones are at home praying for their safety. A powerful number, it is only fitting that proceeds from the song go to support several Veteran and Veterans’ Families organizations, including Wounded Warrior Project, Soldiers’ Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation. A testament to their bravery, “Keep Breathing” will likely become a much appreciated anthem to the US Armed Services.
A moving tribute, “Keep Breathing” is complete of emotions. Somber yet hopeful, inspiring and tragic, the music ascends at the most opportune moment and grabs the listener’s undivided attention. With the wishful notion that all soldiers come home alive, a universal concept that many would agree on, James’ debut release is sure to leave a mark.
Review by Annie Reuter
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
- yousingiwrite.com
Oliver James introduces himself to the world at large with the song “Keep Breathing,” a song that young and old will embrace. “Keep Breathing” is the first single from Oliver’s upcoming album of the same name, and in short, it is the perfect power ballad. A wonderful mixture of old and new, it will have fans clamoring for more.
Oliver is a California native but his voice has a distinct British quality about it. “Keep Breathing” gives a nod to some of Oliver’s influences, particularly David Bowie and David Sylvian. Fans of 80s music may recollect the songwriting style of Midge Ure. This song has the big production that was a staple in many of the ballads of that decade, and also has some wonderful R&B backing vocals.
The real draw of this song is the lyrics, which are a heart-wrenching plea for the continued life of a soldier who has fallen in battle. At each chorus the soldier is given reasons why he should “Keep Breathing.” As Oliver sings “Keep breathing/Don’t leave us now/we need you so/Keep breathing’there’s a little girl that wants you home,” the urgency and passion of the song are undeniable.
In addition to the lyrics, Oliver’s voice is a big draw. It comes across both smooth and haunting, and, when combined with lyrics, the result is nothing short of perfection. And of course, in true power ballad style, “Keep Breathing” has a guitar solo that will have anyone listening rocking along on their air guitar.
In a time when there are so many conflicts between countries, Oliver James brings a song that brings comfort and peace and a message to hold on. It is a beautiful way to spend four minutes.
Review by Andrea Guy
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
- mossip.livejournal.com
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Wire and Wood Recordings LTD is proud to present the first single from Oliver James’ forthcoming debut album of the same name, “Keep Breathing.”
Oliver, a native Californian now living in New York City, has been performing for more than 20 years but is just now releasing his first material under his own name as a solo artist. After years supporting other artists, Oliver realized that the time was right to step out on his own following the incredible experience of recording the first single from the album, Keep Breathing.
Oliver’s influences include some of the best known names in music history such as John Lennon, Ray Davies, David Bowie, Burt Bacharach, and Pete Townsend, and also extend to the lesser known (but equally powerful and brilliant) names like David Sylvian, Scott Walker, Jimmy Webb, and Nick Drake.
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