A Dirty Dozen with NATHAN JAMES from INGLORIOUS – January 2021
According to a recent press release: “Up-and-coming British hard rockers Inglorious will release their fourth studio album, We Will Ride” February 12th via Frontiers Music Srl. This will be their first official recording with new members guitarists Danny Dela Cruz and Dan Stevens and bassist Vinnie Colla, who join original members vocalist Nathan James and drummer Phil Beaver. Today the band has launched the video for the second single from the album “Medusa.” We get Nathan to discuss new music, influences, and much more…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
THE HARMONIES!!! I spent a lot of time recorded the double tracks and the harmonies on this album, and there’s a lot more than ever before on an inglorious album. I suppose my lower register has really been used this time round as well something people have already noticed!
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
When I first saw Freddie Mercury. I remember my jaw hit the floor. I couldn’t believe he was real, I thought he was magical. That was when I was about 10. I was born a year before he died so I never got to see him but it is safe to say he has been a major influence on me as a musician/performer.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
Probably Appetite For Destruction GnR. I remember hearing it and thinking it was the most badass thing I had ever heard. Axl’s crazy voice, slash shredding and all the songs just being perfect. I remember thinking these guys sound like they are having a lot of fun.
4. Who would be your main five musical influences?
David Coverdale/ Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Queen, Bad Company, and GnR.
5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
Lady Gaga. I think she’s an amazing song writer, musician, performer, singer and she has a really good heart and loves and respects her fans. Her live show is one of the greatest I’ve ever seen.
6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?
I would describe our music as “British classic hard rock” our earlier stuff is a bit bluesier but this recent album is such more in your face rock. I did cringe initially when a review called me the Beyoncé of rock…but I secretly loved it hahaha.
7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
Drummer gets the drinks in…we all cook but a special mention to my guitarist Danny Dela Cruz who’s Filipino mother has taught him how to cook the most amazing food. During album 4 recording we would all cook for each other whilst the others were recording in the studio. We all love our food. First on the guitar is probably drummer too…he is a great 12 string player and left handed.
8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?
When I met David Coverdale finally! At Graspop festival in Belgium. I was on the side of the stage and he walked off for the drum solo and pointed at me and said “Nathan, darling’ was such an amazing moment. I screamed so loud.
9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?
Best part is the travelling and seeing people in the crowd in the crowd singing lyrics back to you that you wrote in your bedroom. I would probably do something with animals. I love animals, I have 50 pets. Alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, a snake, a dog, peacocks etc. maybe work at a zoo or rescue centre.
10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?
I’d love someone to ask me if I’m doing ok and mean it. Answer would be dependent on the day it was asked, right now…I’m doing ok thanks. I’m fed up of answering things that are already well documented like my past appearances on reality tv.
11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?
I once sh*t myself on stage due to food poisoning from a world food buffet… I’d like to go back and not eat the room temperature shrimp cocktail.
12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
Probably the recording of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. I think its one of the best albums of all time and I would of loved to of sung some background vocals on it or something. I think its an incredible album and was so cool to hear a woman sing like that and about those subjects.
BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?
I miss singing in front of people and I also miss human contact. I’m a hugger and a kisser. I can’t wait to give the fans a hug at the merch desk.
INGLORIOUS LINKS:
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Category: Interviews