30 November 2020 - 0 Comments

Today, after 10 months of writing, recording, and promoting, 17-year-old James Constable is releasing his newest single Maria, Let Him Go.

A new, descriptive take on a classic storyline, Maria, Let Him Go showcases the best of what James can do as a songwriter, and as an arranger. The song takes its influence from many places, but much of its jangly guitars and driving rhythms are rooted in the 80's and 90's indie scene, from bands like REM, The Mutton Birds, and, of course, The Smiths and Morrissey, especially Morrissey’s solo album Your Arsenal. It also sees some influence from much older works, as the song title and closing refrain echo the tragic tale of Bernstein’s West Side Story.

"[Maria, Let Him Go is a] bright, upbeat and sunny slice of super infectious indie-pop; guitars shimmer and chime amid a sea of lush sunny fuzz as heartfelt melodic vocals drip from above…" - Barry Gruff, Irish blogger.

From March to October this year, the song was recorded and mixed mostly at James’ home studio in Rangiora, North Canterbury, with some work taking place at the SOLE Music Academy in Christchurch, of which James is a student. Mixing took place under the supervision of Will McGillivray, formerly of the Christchurch band Nomad.

This is not the beginning of the road for James, who has already released an EP and two singles on Spotify, nor is it the end. Maria, Let Him Go, following the 2019 single Good Morning Beautiful, is the second single from his upcoming album, Tui, scheduled for release in April 2021.

Listen to the new single here.

Facebook
Instagram

Comments

Return to News Archive