We’re currently living in the golden age of singer/songwriters, but Los Angeles native James Houlahan has a certain something that sets him apart. If proof were required we need look no further than his latest album On A Wing, a collection of ten tracks that cut to the quick of human existence. In our age of fragmentation, James offers a positive outlook with songs that uplift and inspire and offer a vision of hope. Here’s what he had to say:
Congratulations on your latest album. Can you tell us about the On A Wing’s origin? How did it all start?
On a Wing came to be gradually. About two or three years ago, I noticed that many of the songs I was writing had birds in them, or were about flight, or were somehow related to the concept of flight and/or winged creatures. So I began keeping an imagined aviary of sorts, putting these songs together in one place. Eventually I added a few cover songs that fit the theme and we were off to the studio!
Key to this album in particular is the musical contributions of John Kruth. John is a fabulous talent, a living legend. He played something like ten different instruments on this record! Including things like the electric sitar and the coyote flute. And the bulbul tarang, which is a keyed banjo-like stringed instrument from India. The name literally means “waves of nightingales.” So that was perfect for a bird album. The record is a sonic adventure, for sure.
What are your musical influences?
For this album, I can tell you that it was specifically influenced by The Incredible String Band. Their second and third albums, to be precise. Something about the eclectic instrumentation and the organic feel of those records really appealed to me. That said, my songs are nothing like theirs. But they were definitely a musical influence on this album.
Generally speaking, my influences are all over the place. Names that recur frequently include Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Jackson Browne. To name just a few… I also tend to listen to a lot of old folk and blues music from early last century. Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music was a revelation to me. And it set me down many beautiful paths investigating the old, weird sounds of America’s past.
Can you tell us about your local music scene. Is it supportive? Are there many places to play?
Los Angeles has a lot of music venues! But surprisingly enough, there aren’t that many supportive, quality listening venues for someone like me. A local singer-songwriter playing the kind of music I do. One who is perhaps less-than-obscure. There are plenty of great venues for larger acts, of course. And of the smaller ones that would book someone like me there are a bunch of pay-to-play scenarios, or guaranteed ticket presale deals (which are basically pay-to-play in another form). I avoid those places. Once you remove those, yes, there are a handful of dive bars and coffeeshops that feature live music. For free, of course. Meaning you are very likely to be working without compensation.
What’s the best and worst thing about your local scene?
The worst thing is what I just alluded to, above. That smaller music venues in LA make it almost impossible for artists on my level to make any money playing live. It’s a serious detriment to the scene. I dream of there one day being a small venue that helps develop local live performers and pays them a small guarantee. Think of the scene and vibes that would emerge around a venue that supported us! Until then, I’ll be hitting the road and finding the venues that value live music, outside LA.
But the best about LA? Many things! Wow, this city can dazzle you. So many fabulous creative people that you can work with. For example, I’m a huge Bob Dylan fan. Rolling Thunder Revue is one of my favorite things, ever. So you can imagine how I felt to have legendary violinist Scarlet Rivera from that era of Dylan play on my songs! She’s still out here, kicking ass. Just one of the many amazing talents you can find in LA.
Can you tell us about your discography (demos, singles, albums).
On a Wing is my fourth album working with producer Fernando Perdomo at Forward Motion Studios. We met soon after we both moved to LA back in 2012. (Fernando from Miami, me from Boston.) We were both contestants on this songwriting competition show called TopTune, and we’ve been making music together ever since. Fernando has been an integral part of all my recorded output. He is a musical genius who takes my vision for each song and helps conjure it into reality. Everything is done in support of the song. To make the music the best that it can be. It’s been a joy working with him all these years.
Overall, On a Wing is my seventh album featuring my own songs. I released two in Boston before I moved out West, and five since I’ve been here in California.
How do you feel you’ve evolved musically throughout your career?
Over the years, I’ve felt myself being pulled further and further into the storytelling aspects of songwriting. And I’m continually trying to stay inspired as a lyricist and writer of melody. While those are two very different things each on their own, I’ve been fascinated with how far I can take both of them while still maintaining the balance that makes for a good song. It’s been a wild trip. But the more I get into this, the more urgent and necessary music becomes. It’s a refuge from all the chaos and suffering going on around us. I need to make music, and I will continue to keep my mind and heart open to the muse for as long as I can.
Can you tell us about tours you’ve completed. Any war stories you’d like to share?
I’ve toured mostly on the West Coast of the U.S. and a bit in the American Southwest. Before the pandemic, I toured Germany a couple of times. Both of those German tours provided some remarkable experiences! For example, the first show of the first tour was playing at this large concert hall, and I was asked to sing without any microphones. That was a challenge, to say the least! They had me playing a lot of shows over there too. 25 shows in 22 days! You really learn what you’re made of with a schedule like that.
Will we see you on the road anytime soon?
Yes. I’d love to play in the UK, so hopefully that’s a possibility.
What’s next? How do you plan to reach the next level?
The next level? I’ll probably take the stairs. Unless there’s an elevator!
But seriously, I’m already writing songs for another album. And this one might really lean into the concept of storytelling. Aside from that it’s the live shows, the collaborations, and the unexpected opportunities that always end up coming my way. When I’m ready, that is. Someone once said that there’s no such thing as luck; it’s better described as opportunity meeting the right amount of preparation. I can relate to that, most definitely.
Finally, what’s the one question (and answer) interviewers never ask but you wish they would?
I rarely get asked about influences or inspiration from other sources besides music. So many of the films I see or the books I read help fuel the song factory in my head. We are what we eat. As my diet gets progressively weirder and weirder, I find myself drawn to some beautifully mysterious places. And it all eventually comes out in the music!
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