Unquestionably one of the most captivating new voices in contemporary dark pop, singer-songwriter Eva James recently released her single, “Something New,” a song about the unrelenting search for self-worth.
The song’s lyrics encompass topics of mental health, anxiety, and the prevalent yearning for change.
Hailing from New England, James’ voice is often compared to Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, while her music is both beautifully haunting and dripping with visceral emotions. In 2023, James won the Gloucester 400th Anniversary Singer-Songwriter Challenge, followed by collaborating with Grammy-winner Paula Cole.
Currently working on her debut album, Earth to Eva, and performing across New England, James has been referred to as “a modern witch of melody casting spells through music.”
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Eva James to discuss the inspiration for “Something New,” her guitars, and her creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
- My cat, Ivy – she’s the best companion.
- My friends – they are the truest loves of my life; I wouldn’t be here without them.
- Is it too obvious to say music?
What inspired your new single, “Something New?”
I wrote this song in 2019, exploring generational patterns, mental health, and my own desire for more than the relationships I grew up witnessing — and also believing I deserve better than the pattern of toxic relationships I was observing within myself and struggling to break free from — I’m still working on this.
Right now, you’re working on your debut album. What can you share about the album?
This album, ‘Earth to Eva,” tells a story that I’ve been aching to tell for such a long time, it’s a vulnerable and honest time capsule. Finally recording these songs in all their truth and melancholia has been such an incredible release and just further solidifies for me that this is the path I’m meant to be following. This is also a story that I’m not telling alone, and I have been so lucky to work with such talented, beautiful souls on this project, including Paula Cole as Producer. I can’t wait to set it free into the world.
How did you get started in music?
I grew up listening to music constantly — I was never without at least one earbud in at all times — and started writing songs when I was around 12 years old. Music has always been a catharsis for me, how I connect to the world and to myself — there’s never been a doubt in my mind that this is what I’m meant to be doing with my life.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
Joni Mitchell, Lana Del Rey, Grace Potter, Paula Cole, Bishop Briggs, Luca Fogale, Bonnie Raitt, David Gray, Ron Pope, Norah Jones, Gracie Abrams, the list goes on and on!
What kind of guitar do you play? Which amps and pedals are you using?
This past year I challenged myself to play guitar more and started incorporating it into my live sets, which I’m so glad I did! Piano has been my primary instrument for so many years, it will always have my heart and soul, but there is a presence and energy I find I’m able to tap into on stage when I step out from behind the piano and pick up my guitar — I find myself craving more of that and feel lucky to be able to accompany myself with both instruments.
I have a few guitars, but my two favorites are definitely my Orangewood Brooklyn Live Jr. and my Schecter Orleans Stage Acoustic. I love my JBL EON One Portable PA and use it for almost all of my gigs, it does a beautiful job with vocals, guitar, and piano. And of course, I’m rarely without my Casio PX-S1100 Digital Piano.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
I personally think of ‘tone’ as being more of an aura, or energy that exists in a sound — something that shifts and breathes, ever-evolving.
What can you share about your creative process?
I’ve always felt that songwriting (and making art in general) has multiple phases: living and creating. Creating, which in my case is songwriting, has always felt like this energy within me that has its own life force. Paula refers to songwriting as a ‘dialogue with the subconscious’ and that’s the most accurate description I’ve heard of what I experience when I write. It can be extremely powerful and cathartic, but I can’t turn it on and off like a switch — it approaches me when it’s ready and it’s my responsibility to welcome it. Living is what fuels the subconscious and that’s the part I have more control over — living my life as bravely as I can, experiencing as much life as I possibly can — it’s all a part of the artistic process. If I’m going through a phase where I haven’t written anything in a little while and I’m feeling blocked, my first thought isn’t ‘I need to write more.’ it’s ‘I need to live more.’
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