James Bay

Some of my songs are about the feeling you belong somewhere else. But there's also something grounding about coming from a small town.

Growing up, when I was at live shows, I was always hoping someone would come out on stage and say, 'The guitarist is sick and couldn't make it... does anybody know how to play all the songs?' That was always my little dream. It was a massively inspiring thing to be in a space with live shows.

Growing up in Hitchin was comfortable and easy enough. My parents had some great records - and some not-so-great ones - and that's where I got introduced to Motown and the Stones and Springsteen.

I hope to have a long career, and I don't want to be defined by things that aren't the music.

The thing about 'Hold Back The River' that I like is that it's a good starting place, and it was the perfect first single.

I like it when things crescendo to a huge moment like 'Hold Back the River.'

I'm still like an excited kid playing guitar in front of the bedroom mirror.

As a little kid, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson.

I loved pop music as a little kid. Things like the Black Eyed Peas. If it had a catchy chorus, I was into it.

It's bad to be labeled just another singer-songwriter.

There should be an element of mystique between the fans and the artist. That bit between the stage and the audience. I think that's necessary.

How I set myself apart is by creating the sort of real and honest music, which is who I'm also trying to be.