Interview: James Durbin Discusses Upcoming Album 'Celebrate' and More
James Durbin was first launched into the national music scene as a contender on season 10 of American Idol.
Known for his rock edge on Idol, Durbin explored this territory deeper after being eliminated from the show with the harder sounds found on his debut album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster.
Recorded with heavy-hitter producer Howard Benson, the record is chock-full of gained-out guitars and pounding drums – there’s even a song featuring Mötley Crüe guitar god Mick Mars.
It’s for these reasons that we were slightly caught off guard when we first heard Durbin’s new single, “Parachute.” Gone are the metallic guitars and classic-rock inspired vocals. In their place are radio-ready hooks and glistening production, matched with the most positive sound James Durbin we’ve ever heard.
So why the 180-degree change?
Below, AN editor Laura B. Whitmore sits down with Durbin to discuss the new sound found on his upcoming album Celebrate, as well as his songwriting process, gear and much more!
Part 1 – Touring and new album:
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Part 2 – Songwriting process:
Part 3 – Gear and more:
Find out more at DurbinRock.com.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Acoustic Nation is written by Laura B. Whitmore, a music industry marketing veteran, music journalist and editor, who has contributed to Parade.com, Guitar World, and others. She has interviewed hundreds of musicians and hosts the She Rocks Podcast. As the founder of the Women’s International Music Network, she advocates for women in the music industry and produces the annual She Rocks Awards. She is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Positive Grid, making the world safe for guitar exploration everywhere! A guitarist and singer/songwriter, Laura is currently co-writing an album of pop songs that empower and energize girls.
“My playing has always sucked, but it sells, because I keep it simple, I guess. I’m not a guitar player, I never took the time”: Soul icon Steve Cropper on writing Green Onions, stressing out Brian May – and the secret of Billy Gibbons’ guitar style
“If he were just a pop guitar player, he would be a legend – this cat is arguably one of the greatest players to ever exist”: Cory Wong and Andy Timmons on the brilliance of George Benson, and his essential contributions to the guitar vocabulary