James Bay – new single co-written with Brandon Flowers

Newcastle City Hall show 4th Feb 2025

James Bay announces euphoric new single, “Easy Distraction” out now via Mercury/EMI Records, Bay co-wrote the song with Brandon Flowers of The Killers at Park City in Utah, in America marking their first collaboration together. The song sets the stage for the release of his much-awaited fourth album, Changes All The Time, out on October 4, 2024. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE. See full track listing below.

“Easy Distraction” is another hugemoment for Bay, for James The Killers are one of his biggest inspirations. About the single, Bay said:

“The song is about realising too late that someone means so much to you, but you still want to show them and let them know. It’s exploring how, in the face of adversity we can still reach out, we can still connect.

I found out from a mutual friend that Brandon was interested in writing with newer artists, so I jumped at the chance and went to work with him in Park City, Utah over in America.

It was an unbelievable experience and insight into writing with one of my heroes. I hope we get to do more!”

An upbeat guitar riff drives the song over a shuffling drum groove punctuated by his gritty delivery and swooning backup harmonies. It builds towards a hummable guitar solo drenched in reverb and emotion as he pleads, “For every mistake, I’ll give you my hand. Just promise to hold it wherever we land.

It follows the recent fan favorite “Up All Night” with The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. The latter has already amassed over 20 million global streams and earned widespread acclaim.NME called the track, “A huge anthem, and sees the trio powering through their personal woes to ensure that they make the most of life.” Guitar.com professed, Up All Night arrives as a triumphant, foot-stomping tune – with a soaring guitar solo, to boot – sure to get any crowd going when Bay heads out on tour. Listen to “Up All Night”HERE.

Changes All The Time spotlights Bay’s elevated songcraft and dynamic vocals as well as his fret-burning guitar playing, highlighting his evolution from every angle. The record is produced by Gabe Simon [Noah Kahan, Koe Wetzel, Maren Morris] and features co-writers such as Brandon Flowers of The KillersHolly HumberstoneDan Wilson of SemisonicNatalie Hemby of The Highwomen, and Kevin Garrett.

“Making this album felt like my first taste of true musical freedom.  With the help of my co-producer, Gabe Simon, I found the courage to make what I wanted to make in ways I never have before. That’s a very hard place to get to, I’m really excited to release this music,” says James.

Bay has just returned from the US where he featured as a special guest during Noah Kahan’s sold out shows at Madison Square Garden and Fenway Park.  James also joined Noah on-stage for their first night at MSG to perform “Stick Season.”

Last year, James opened up for Bruce Springsteen at London’s own BST Hyde Park and joined his friends The Lumineers on tour, as well as played a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall, following a sold-out Brixton a few months earlier. Bay hits the road again in the UK in February 2025 with dates across 7 major cities including Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, culminating in a London show at Wembley Arena.

Tour dates:

Saturday 1 February 2025 – Glasgow, O2 Academy

Tuesday 4 February 2025 – Newcastle, O2 City Hall

Wednesday 5 February 2025 – Leeds, O2 Academy

Friday 7 February 2025 – Manchester, O2 Apollo

Saturday 8 February 2025 – Birmingham, O2 Academy

Monday 10 February 2025 – Dublin, 3Olympia

Thursday 13 February 2025 – London, OVO Arena Wembley

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