James O’Hurley – The Bexleyheath troubadour with strong Celtic roots has been building momentum throughout 2024 with a series of fantastic singles that may never have seen the light
of day.

Twelve months ago, O’Hurley was ready to hang up his guitar and walk away from music forever. Based in South London, the singer-songwriter had determined that a decade of touring
and performing in various diƯerent bands and working in the live events industry had left him at a crossroads, both musically and personally.

From a fresh start, both personally and professionally, James reached for his guitar in one final act of love for the instrument and music that had been his companion throughout his life. “I just
started playing and let what was in me come out”.

In a single session James penned two extraordinary songs, ‘Wolves’ and ‘Evil’. The next day he sat down again and more songs flowed out him.

Whilst Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman are all influences, James also draws inspiration from a diverse family of artists including Mary Black, Muddy Waters, Grant Green, Luke Kelly, Nina Simone, John Martyn and Howlin’ Wolf. His openness to new sounds and directions is also reflected in his own creative process with his debut album featuring production and additional instrumentation from the likes of Erim Ahmet (of Kent Alt Rockers Salvation Jayne), Pete Briley and Graham Waller (Strike Eagle, Producer for Pete Doherty of The Libertines)…

Drawing on these resources, the songwriting has created a broad catalogue of intelligent and emotively driven songs to build a sound sometimes referred to as ‘Jimi Cash’ or ‘the Countryfied Joy Division’, but is actually built on a much deeper authenticity which is as organic as it is
distinctive.

From the darkest shadows, James has emerged to stand on his own and share his music. “The last few years have been so diƯicult, for all of us, that this feels like a conclusion and a beginning at the same time for me personally. I’m excited to share my music, at long last.”

James O’Hurley is performing LIVE and showcasing some tracks of the forthcoming album at The Bigg Theatre – (Ticket link https://wegottickets.com/event/638942/ ) Saturday 7th December 2024.