A Chat with Kris James (24.10.25)
Following the release of his upcoming album, Pixelated Heart, Liverpool-born singer-songwriter Kris James sat down to discuss his creative journey, the stories behind the new record, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Known for his melodic pop sound and soulful sincerity, James opens up about love, resilience, and the drive that keeps him creating.
OSR: How did growing up in Liverpool shape your artistic sensibilities?
Kris James: Growing up in Liverpool definitely made me who I am musically. You can’t really escape music there; it’s in the pubs, the streets, everywhere you go. My dad owned bars and restaurants, so I was constantly surrounded by it, and my uncle was a singer-songwriter in the Navy who used to babysit me with his guitar. That’s where it all began. Liverpool gives you that mix of soul and storytelling, a kind of emotional honesty, and I think that’s what shaped how I write and perform today.
OSR: You’ve said you wanted to be a singer since you were a little boy. Did you ever doubt that or think that you should have a plan B?
Kris James: Not for a second. My mum always told me I needed an education “just in case”, but I told her straight away I didn’t need a Plan B. I was going to be a singer, end of story. I wasn’t great in school; I was more the class clown, but I knew where I was heading. Music was always it for me. It’s stitched into my bones.
OSR: You also mentioned your parents having mixed reactions to your chosen career. How do they feel about it now?
Kris James: They’re really proud now. My dad took a little while to come round. I think he just wanted me to have stability, but once he saw how dedicated I was, that changed. My mum’s always been my biggest cheerleader. She used to say, “If you can do that, you can do anything.” Now they both come to shows, so I think I’ve won them over!
OSR: Your new album, Pixelated Heart, has “2.0” versions of two songs that previously appeared in 2021’s eponymous album. Did you re-record the songs or remix them?
Kris James: We completely re-recorded them from scratch. I wanted to capture how those songs feel to me now, vocally and emotionally. The new versions are more stripped back and intimate. It’s amazing how songs evolve as you do, and revisiting them felt like reconnecting with an old part of myself, but with a new perspective.
OSR: What was behind the decision to include new versions of these two songs?
Kris James: Those songs have always been fan favourites, and I’ve grown so much since I first recorded them. I wanted to give them new life, a kind of emotional refresh. They sit beautifully within the story of Pixelated Heart, and the acoustic versions show a more vulnerable side of me. It felt right to bring them into this next chapter.
OSR: The new record does a lot of soul-searching about love and relationships. Do you ever feel reticent about writing personal songs?
Kris James: Honestly, that’s where the best songs come from. It can be difficult putting your heart on display, but I’ve learnt that the more personal I get, the more people connect. My last relationship inspired a lot of this record; it’s a bit of heartbreak therapy, really! But that’s life. You turn pain into something beautiful, and if that helps someone else, that’s the best reward.
OSR: Despite the introspective lyrics, the album feels pretty optimistic. Did you make a conscious decision to make the music upbeat, or is that just your natural focus when writing songs?
Kris James: A bit of both. Even when I’m writing about heartbreak, I like there to be light at the end of the tunnel. I think it’s just how I’m wired; I always try to find hope in things. Pop music has that incredible ability to lift you up even when it’s breaking your heart. Life’s too short not to dance it off.
OSR: What is it like collaborating with Stewart Boyle? Do you work together in person or virtually?
Kris James: Stewart’s amazing. We’ve worked together for years now, and he just gets me. Most of the album was recorded in person at The Motor Museum in Liverpool, which has so much history and energy, but we also work virtually when I’m travelling. There’s a real trust between us; he knows how to push me creatively while keeping it fun.
OSR: Did you begin recording with a complete set of finished songs, or did they evolve through the recording process?
Kris James: It was a mix. Some songs, like ‘Smashed My Own Record’, came in fully formed, but others evolved as we recorded. I love it when a song surprises you, when you go in thinking it’s one thing and it becomes something completely different. Those moments usually end up being the most special.
OSR: ’Smashed My Own Record’ is one of the most musically adventurous songs on the record. What inspired you to write it?
Kris James: That one came from a place of reflection and growth. It’s about resilience, learning from your mistakes, letting go, and moving forward stronger. The phrase “smashed my own record” is kind of a metaphor for beating your own personal best, even after setbacks. It’s a celebration of picking yourself back up, dusting off, and doing it all again.
Many thanks to Kris James for speaking with us. Find out more about Kris James on his Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Liberty Music PR.
