Country Music newcomer James Keith unveils his new single ‘No Hero’ – an uplifting toe-tapper about embracing the journey of life.
The singer-songwriter from the sleepy wine country of Orange, NSW has a penchant for optimism. His latest offering radiates that in spades. Inspired by James’ own musical journey, which has taken him around the world to Nashville, TN, the song revels in joy and aspiration.
“This song is all about a kid having a dream, chasing it, working hard and eventually fulfilling it,” reveals James. “All he wants, is to feel the heat from those Neon signs in Nashville, singing to a sea of stars and playing live on stage, taking the crowd on the journey with him. He wants you to feel alive with him while he’s onstage singing his songs.”
Co-written with friend, Kyle Pearce, ‘No Hero’ has been more than a decade in the making. “This was one of Kyles songs I heard back in 2010. We were sitting at a Matchbox 20 concert in the Hunter Valley and as soon as I heard the start I immediately fell in love with that riff.” It wasn’t until James began writing for his forthcoming debut album that he decided to unearth the old song and give it new life. “Kyle is now living in Germany. I showed him a revision of the song with a brand-new chorus, bridge, solo and outro, and he loved it.”
James tracked the single with producer Craig Honeysett at Dotted Eight Studios in his hometown. Playing alongside his band, the song went from just an acoustic demo to a full-blown production within hours. “I started acoustically then brought it to my band I have been playing with for years. Immediately the drums gave the song another dimension. That and the bass was all done in one session.” The track was then shipped off to Music City to be mixed and mastered by Billy Decker (Sam Hunt, Darius Rucker).
The accompanying video for ‘No Hero’ depicts a young James chasing down a dream, with help from James’ own son. “I made the video using my son Finny as the boy. It follows the journey of a young boy playing in his room dreaming of being on stage, looking at his inspiration on his bedroom wall, to playing on stage to adoring fans.”
When it came to finding a teenage version of the singer-songwriter, videographer Dave Smyth of The Studio Door Creative, suggested his own nephew. “Before I had even had the chance to meet him and his Mum, Therese, he already had all the words down pack, a level of commitment I admired. When I did meet him, he actually looked like a younger me – freckles, brown hair blue eyes so he was a great fit.”
In a previous life James was an accomplished rugby league player – coming from a long line of greats to play the game. Yet after suffering a footy injury to the throat he believed his singing days were over. What spurred him on was one simple realisation. “If I wanted my songs recorded, I had to do it myself. Now working around the clock with a vocal coach I’m finally doing something I never thought possible.”
Since releasing his debut single ‘Life is Good Today’ James has brought his messages of positivity to stages around the country. Most notably opening for Jon Stevens of Noiseworks recently in Corowa.
The joy in James Keith’s music is infectious. From the jangling guitars to the pounding drums and James’ unmistakable voice – everything oozes positivity. ‘No Hero’ is an inspiring song of determination and celebration, sure to resonate with listeners far and wide.