Starsailor frontman James Walsh is set to take his ever-growing solo career to new heights with the release of his new album ‘It’s All Happening’ released today (January 30th).
The album has been previewed with a selection of new songs, including his current single ‘I Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You’.
‘It’s All Happening’ proves that the personal, vulnerable songwriting on which he made his name is as strong as ever – but on this occasion, its stripped-back sound only amplifies the intensity of its emotion. His themes throughout flow very naturally between a wealth of inspirations – from personal feelings to photography to places to current affairs. Yet regardless of the topic, his songs are infused with instantly relatable experiences.
James says,
“This is one of the most thoughtful, lyrical albums I’ve ever made. When I listen back to some of the old Starsailor songs I’m really proud of them because they resonated with a lot of people. But at that age you’re the centre of your own world. You become much more aware of the things you say and how they affect other people. And when you do become more settled, life’s ups and downs are completely different to what they were. You start to look outward for inspiring stories of other people’s lives to inform your lyrics as well.”
Other inspirations flourish at every turn, each interpreted in distinctive, highly relatable styles. ‘Coney Island’ uses a strikingly romantic photograph from Bruce Davidson as the roots for a story of both hope and nostalgia; he uses ‘Poole’s Cavern’ in Derbyshire as the location for the tale of someone escaping into solitude; and ‘Firefly Moments’ draws from Abi Morgan’s ‘Not A Pity Memoir ’in the way it conveys feeling a spark of connection that reminds of you what someone has lost following dementia.
Elsewhere, there’s also ‘The Great Northwest’, which sees the lifelong Liverpool FC fan document how the community came together to support each other after a car was driven into the crowd during the club’s 2025 title celebrations. He also nods to Bob Dylan with ‘Rachel’, which tells Rachel Corrie’s story: a young peace activist who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while trying to defend a Palestinian family home from being demolished.
In the early 2000s, James Walsh and Starsailor achieved so much so young. Boosted by a succession of hit singles, their Platinum-certified debut ‘Good Souls’ became one of the biggest UK albums of its era. More remarkable moments followed, from winning an NME Award to supporting The Rolling Stones and some short-lived recording sessions with Phil Spector. His solo work provides an intimate DIY counterpoint to the louder dynamics, towering scale and collaborative work of the band.
Photo Credit Barnaby Fairley
The record was entirely written, produced and performed by James at his home studio. It’s the product of the creative liberation of being able to record whenever the moment strikes, being the only musician in the room, and having the time and growing production expertise to shape the songs’ atmosphere in any direction he likes.
‘It’s All Happening’ is available to pre-order HERE. CD and vinyl formats will be released via Green Cookie Records. There is also an illustrated songbook with lyrics and the stories behind the songs which includes an album download.
TRACK LISTING
- ‘At The End of Everything’
- ‘Moving Target’
- ‘Shadows’
- ‘I Can’t Keep Myself From Loving You’
- ‘The Great Northwest’
- ‘Coney Island’
- ‘Broken Days’
- ‘Rachel’
- ‘Tea and Sympathy’
- ‘Poole’s Cavern’
- ‘Firefly Moments’
TRACK BY TRACK LOOK AT THE ALBUM
AT THE END OF EVERYTHING
This is a fragile track which seems to act as prelude for Walsh, its as if he is taking a relfective moment in which is pause before letting his story unfold. Its atmospheric in spades but not at all overpowering. Walsh’s vocals are vulnerable decpiting tales of endings and ultimate acceptance. Its a nice opener setting the pace and tone for the entire album.
MOVING TARGET
An acoustic ballard exploring topics of restlessness. There’s an underlying emotional weight to it. Its a melody driven track with Walsh’s vocals betraying a certain vulnerability throught some though provoking lyricism.
SHADOWS
A much darker track this time as the name might suggest. The arrangement is subtle and the lyrics emotive in their delivery detailing notions of past regrets and their impact on the present.
LOVIN’ YOU
The mood is changed once again with this track bringing with it a warmth to the album. Its a fragile and tender track in terms of both lyrics and instrumentals. It feels as if this track comes easily to Walsh and that in turn adds to its authenticity.
THE GREAT NORTH WEST
This is a track that seeks to capture the imagination. Its a feeling rooted deep in a memory, the melody is gently layered and swirls in a misty haze of recognition. There’s a clear emotinal depth to the fragile lyrics.
CONEY ISLAND
A track steeped in nostalgia of once happy times, etched with a desire and longing to recreate that feeling that was once real. It’s feels extremely emotional, heightened by Walsh’s vulnerable vocal delivery.
BROKEN DAYS
A song that portrays a certain sense of despair in the melody while the lyrics add a hopeful layer of triumpth over adversity.It’s a song that feels as if it has a story to tell.
RACHEL
A truly personal and emotive offering telling the story of Rachel Corrie. The emotions are rife throughout and the lyrics and are allowed to really land give the stripped back accompanying arrangement.
POOLES CAVERN
This track slowly unfurls bulding a reflective imagery as the melody increases. Its song about acknowledging your own history rather than being steeped in nostalgia.
FIREFLY MOMENTS
This track provides the perfect ending, capturing the essence of all the tracks that have preceeded it. It leaves behind a wistful acceptance of things that have gone before alongside a quiet glimmer of hope of what’s yet to come.
The album ‘It’s All Happening’ overall is the body of work of an artist who has discovered and who is comfortable with who he is both as a performer and a person. The strenghth of this album lies in the vulnerbilty and raw emotions diplayed within in. Walsh doesn’t need to shout to be heard, his lyrics linger in the quiet moments.
This album is emotionally mature and thought provoking, It’s a clever reflection of experinces lived and is a true accomlishment for the artist.
Live shows are an essential aspect of James Walsh’s solo work, and he already has the following dates confirmed with much more to come – please see HERE for tickets.
UPCOMING GIGS
FEBRUARY
1st – London, LVLS
7th – Oldham, Shure Studios
28th – Winchester, The Railway
MARCH
15th – Lincoln, Jolly Brewer
28th – Winchester, The Railway
APRIL
18th – Frome, The Tree House
JUNE
3rd – Cheshire, Britfest
JULY
25th – Devon, Altitude Festival
AUGUST
28th-30th – Portsmouth, Victorious Festival
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