James Walsh (musician)
| James Walsh | |
|---|---|
James Walsh in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Milne Walsh |
| Born |
10 June 1980 Wigan, England |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, guitarist, musician, actor, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, |
| Labels | Smith And Songs, Solo Records |
| Associated acts | Starsailor |
| Website | Jameswalshmusic.com |
| Notable instruments | |
| Fender Telecaster | |
James Milne Walsh (born 10 June 1980 in Wigan) is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and frontman of the band, Starsailor.
In 2009, Walsh began recording his first solo album, working with American songwriter and singer Suzanne Vega, and making his first film collaboration with Powder.
Including his work with Starsailor, he has sold over three million albums globally.
Born in Wigan, Walsh grew up in Chorley where he attended St Michel's CE School. He started playing the piano at the age of 12, and by the time he was 14 he wrote his own songs; he enjoyed listening to artists like The Charlatans, Oasis, and Jeff Buckley. A shy and lonely personality, he looked for artists that had, or have, an influence on the musicians of his generation.
Eventually he was attracted to artists and bands such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, and The Beatles. Walsh was so impressed by the music of Tim Buckley, that he decided to name his own band after the title of Buckley's 1970 album Starsailor. He met fellow band members, James Stelfox and Ben Byrne, when he studied music at the Leigh campus of Wigan and Leigh College in Wigan.
Starsailor members Ben Byrne and James Stelfox had played together in bands in Warrington. One day, when their vocalist did not turn up, Walsh asked them if he could sit in with them and sing for this rehearsal. This was the first incarnation of Starsailor as a band. Walsh decided to play the guitars for the band after the "frustration over not finding a musician right for the group".
On 31 March 2009 The Sun announced that Walsh will appear in the movie adaptation of controversial rock and roll novel Powder by Kevin Sampson. He will play the role of the singer of The Grams. On 3 April 2009, Starsailor's website administrator, confirmed part of the information stating that "James had been in talks with the Powder author about providing the vocals for the actor in the film" and else adding that "James himself won't be acting or appearing, but might provide the vocals for the songs in the film". The film will be released in Autumn 2011, after a premiere on 19 May.
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