Local singer/songwriter making big waves with indie folk album

From an article which ran in The College Times April 2, 2007.

Joshua James’ digital release raising eyebrows nationally, internationally

“When I write a song, I have a vision of how it should be played and how people will react to it emotionally,” said Joshua James, a local singer/songwriter in a recent interview.

James’ vision is catching on as his debut album, The Sun Is Always Brighter, has been making considerable waves on Apple, Inc.’s iTunes Store. In fact, since it’s January release Always Brighter has sold around 2,600 copies digitally in the United States and is gaining momentum internationally as well.

“I remember when it was first released on iTunes and we were getting the numbers in,” said James, “it sold 1,000 copies. It sold all over.”

The hype surrounding the release has been growing since. It peaked at 4th on France’s alternative albums chart in January, and has been ranked as high as 30th in the United States. Currently the album is still hanging on around 55 on the alternative charts.

The album has been featured in the “Staff Favorites” on iTunes numerous times. The track “FM Radio” was recently available as the “Single of the Week” for free download in early March. “FM Radio” scored nearly 100,000 downloads, making it the top download that week.

“I didn’t realize there are that many people looking for the next big whatever,” said James his album’s success. Even though the album has been well-received, James said the album, which was recorded in only two weeks, felt rushed.

“The next album will blow this one out of the water,” said James about a follow-up album which is already in the works. He is going back into the studio in June and the final product will likely be available 2008.

For now James and company are “riding the iTunes train” so to speak, letting the album reach its potential digitally. In the future The Sun Is Always Brighter may also hit stores, possibly being made available for purchase physically before the year’s end.

James is also looking to distribute in France, Spain and elsewhere in Europe where his album is also very popular. James said, “I have no idea how people in France even found it.”

James is hoping to possibly tour in Europe in the future, as well as nationally, but in the mean time touring is something for the weekends. Currently the former UVSC student plans to attend BYU in the fall, majoring in audio engineering, unless touring takes him out on the road.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen for me in the future. But if the chance comes I will play shows and tour away.”