Surprises come in many forms and there is no greater surprise in expecting one thing and getting something else. Over the years South Coast singer/songwriter James Haynes has explored many styles of music and has released a host of material including his debut, mainly Rock-influenced album Brand New Heights. Also, there have been a string of singles that show some of James’s heart on his sleeve lyrics that emotionally create a moment in time. There have at times been frustrating periods where James would like his material to be embraced by a much larger audience. James is furiously proactive in coming up with ideas to promote his music with gigs at local record stores, self-written scathing reviews to back up PT Barnum’s Statement there is no such thing as bad publicity and even a slightly cringeworthy video of his toughest critic (his Mum) listening to this new single for the first time. The new single “Made A Mess” that was recorded with the help of a fine local musical engineer Harrison Perks at his recently upgraded HP Studios in Ringwood and is completely different to anything he has recorded before.
James explains “there are a lot of things that I’ve done that I’m not proud of and to every action there are consequences. This track is inspired by some of those consequences and exposes me in ways that I’ve never felt vulnerable enough to be exposed in before through my music. It pulls the covers back from a chapter of my life that I once tried really hard to run away from; and reflects on a time where I thought there was no hope left. The consequences of my circumstances had turned me into a chaotic mess, and sometimes even now I’m reminded not to speak that over myself. My words to you are “be encouraged and don’t speak it over yourselves either!” You dont need to feel ashamed or let pride stop you feeling and processing what you need to process. Don’t let anything stop you from moving forwards with your life in those circumstances that you have been struggling in. There is breakthrough! This song is My testimony, this song is a reminder that there is hope. The chapter might be a bad one but there’s a happier ending written for us and it’s up to us to choose it”.
“Made a Mess” is a refreshing slice of bright modern radio-friendly, originally styled music with an infectious vein running throughout. James does an impressive job on the vocals delivering like no other track he has created before; with the tune’s understated musical backing with its lightly detailed acoustic guitars and constantly upbeat rhythms. This soulful number has a real Summery vibe to it with a string of Pop and Funky elements to keep the listener tapping their foot and singing along right to the end. Clearly Harrison Perks has done a fine job getting the best out of James’s skillset.
James also gives this passionate statement:
“To all those who have had run-in’s with their mental health & struggled with an addiction, however big or small… to all those who felt isolated, or unbalanced; feeling that no matter what we do, we can’t fill that emptiness inside… This song is for you. To all those chasing the next dopamine hit to self-medicate the insecurities… that only bring us into a false sense of security.. & to all those suppressing feelings with substances, or inducing them to feel something at all.. I wrote this song for you because to all those above, There is hope. There is a future and there is an exceptional amount of grace for you. Nothing is too broken…”
“Made a Mess” is out on 1st September here.
Links
https://www.facebook.com/JamesHaynesProject
https://jameshaynesmusic.bandcamp.com
