Following years spent touring across the UK, Europe and the United States, Illinois-born, Nashville-based artist James Bruner arrives with his debut album ‘Can’t Keep Wanting You’, a high-energy collection of songs exploring love, desire, empowerment and defiance through a lens of honest songwriting and swaggering rock and roll, set to land on the 4th September.
Produced by Nashville’s Shane Weisman, the record builds on the momentum of last year’s ‘The Otherside’ EP and showcases an artist equally comfortable delivering vulnerable moments and larger-than-life performances. With support from outlets including Planet Rock and Classic Rock Magazine, alongside tours with artists such as The Struts, Barns Courtney and Yonaka, Bruner is quickly establishing himself as one of alternative rock’s most exciting emerging voices.
We caught up with James to discuss the making of ‘Can’t Keep Wanting You’, life on the road, and why love sits at the centre of everything he writes.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I picked up a guitar at the age of 15. I noticed some of my favourite skateboarders were having jam sessions during a skate session and it was just so cool to me. Right when I got my first guitar, I remember learning Iron Man by Black Sabbath on the open E string. I was hooked instantly. As time went on and my playing and writing progressed, I made the decision to make Nashville Tennessee my home in 2020. I couldn’t see myself chasing anything else besides music.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
I’ve always been influenced by the classics like Zeppelin, Sabbath and The Rolling Stones. With that being said, these days I’m listening to Måneskin and Palaye Royale just as much as I’m listening to Jet and Lenny Kravitz. I take inspiration from all of them and love how they have shaped culture, fashion, and have even paved the new road for younger artists and bands to take their sparks to different places. Damaino David of Måneskin specifically has fuelled my lust for gritty vocal delivery while making my new album Can’t Keep Wanting You and there’s definitely a lot of it throughout the tracks.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
In 2019 I got to hang out with two of my favourite bands on their tour bus after they played a packed club gig. I hadn’t been to many smaller shows at all up to that point and it left such an impression on me. The vibe, the energy, and the sheer joy of everyone in the club was mesmerizing. After that night the inspiration was on to get busy. Between that night and the move to Nashville happening less than a year later, it was game on.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
For me, it varies so much. Sometimes I write full songs just on my phone and sometimes I get writer’s block and that just fuels more angry songs. It’s great, ha ha! Demoing in a DAW has always been a useful songwriting tool for me cause it’s all right in front of you and you have a reference in real time. If I’m not writing into a demo session, I’m typically on my Martin D-13 acoustic chasing down melodies. Once the melody makes itself known, a lot of the time the words will follow. Melodies bounce around in my head all the time so if I’m not in a place to stop everything and write, I’ll hum the melody into my phone then come back to it.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
The inspiration is constant. I’m constantly thinking about a new premise or a new idea – so much so that it’s hard to shut my brain off when I want to sleep. I’ve written songs on my first EP about phone addiction, and I’ve written songs on my new album about my high school crush. The inspiration is endless and sometimes it’s as simple as taking a second to write it down before it’s gone.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I’ve always struggled with feeling alone to an extent but listening to the music of my idols made me not feel that way and gave me an identity that I’m forever grateful for. I want to be that space for anyone who feels like I do. I want the people to connect with themselves and forget whatever strain they had before they saw the show or listened to a track.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
There has definitely been a ton over the years. I would say that the two major challenges for me have been being too critical of myself and letting my guard down. With all the smoke and mirrors that this industry brings, it can be so tempting to forget the most important things.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I’m not Lenny Kravitz selling out arenas, but I’ve been very fortunate to have the support slots that I’ve had over the years. Both Barns Courtney and The Struts have such dedicated fan bases and it was the craziest sight to see them sing my lyrics back to me in real time. Anytime I see someone knowing the tunes it hits me so hard in all the best ways. Aside from that, the fact that I’m fortunate enough to get to travel the world with my best friends is something that I will cherish forever. Saying it’s rewarding would be an understatement.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
In a world where artists are taught to entertain the algorithm and constantly release singles till something sticks, it can be exhausting. A constant reminder that I give myself is that I get to get up everyday and create. That’s my job and it always brings me back.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
My debut album will be coming in September and I’m so excited for the world to hear it. I’ve been working on it since 2024 with the amazing Shane Weisman so I think it’s far overdue that you all get to hear it. I also cannot confirm or deny that there will be some touring around it!
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I hope that in five years time I’ll be connecting with more people through my music and riding this chaotic wave that I’m so blessed to have. I want to give it my all and touch the surface of what my idols inspired me to do. They made me feel not alone and I hope I can do that for other people.
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James Bruner’s debut album ‘Can’t Keep Wanting You’ is out on the 4th September. Pre-save it here and listen to the new single ‘Wish I Could Stay’ below.
