On the old wearejames.com website, the band would periodically answer questions submitted by fans.
The following were answered by Mark in July 2000
From: Gary
Answered by: Mark
A long, long time ago… the band had a wonderful song in their set which I think was called, funny enough, ‘Wonderful’. Was the track ever developed / demoed / mutated / recorded?. If so, I’d love to hear it. Cheers, Gary
No idea …..might you mean ‘Waltzing Along’ from Whiplash?
From: Karla
Answered by: Mark
I was just curious, in the “Come Home-Live” video, Andy is wearing some sort of arm braces. What happened to him? Was he in an accident? Thank you to anyone who might be able to answer this for me.
Hi Karla, those were not arm braces, they were crutches …Andy had just had an operation on his foot, so his leg was in a cast.
From: Alan
Answered by: Mark
Will Crash be a single, it should be, it’s amazing. Respect.
Well, I doubt it Alan, but I agree with you …it should have been. Respect back.
From: Mac
Answered by: Mark
Q1: Were you disappointed with the chart positions of I Know… and Fred and do you blame this on Mercury? Q2: What is your reponse to criticisms that the ‘Millionaires’ is over-produced and has too ‘slick’ a sound?
Erm, yes …a little, and …no really …have you seen the state of the charts here at the moment? Why do you think we’re all learning dance routines? And Q2: I disagree …I’d like it to sound slicker still …especially Vervacious ..that should be way slicker ….no, I think it’s all fine …anyway, who said that?
From: steffi
Answered by: Mark
is there any chance of seeing you play in germany or denmark to promote “millionaires” or on any other occasion? i’m running out of money to go to england every time,so please help me!! p.s.:love the new songs! they’re just fantastic-i didn’t expect anything else really.love,steffi
We played a couple of German festivals last year and hopefully will do the same to promote the new album next year.
From: PETE BURKE
Answered by: Mark
Re : recent TFI performance of “Fred”.
Why were Jim AND Michael both playing bass guitar ?
Because there are two bass guitars on Fred Astaire. One plays a high melodic line …Mike’s, and the other a normal low bass line…Jim’s …..which is funny really ‘cos it’s usually the opposite …eh Mr.G?
From: James
Answered by: Mark
I’ve noticed that Millionaires is more poppy and dancey them usual James albums. Is that because of Saul and the money project taking over James?
Cheers lads and I’ll see you in December. James
Yep, that’s right… See you there.
From: James
Answered by: Mark
To all the band.
Having heard Millionaires I get the feeling that it is too over produced and as a result is lascks that little something to make a classic James album.
What do you have to say?
I’m not sure what a ‘Classic’ James album involves exactly, nor whether we misplaced our little something. Sure, there may be elements of Millionaires that may be over-produced, but when I think of the process, the words over-produced never come to mind ha ha ha…over done it, overdose, over the hill, over to you ….
From: Graham Shearer
Answered by: Mark
You do a duet with Sinead O’Connor on one of the B-Sides of Fred Astaire, (can you guess what’s coming next?…that’s right) Is there anyone else you’d like to duet with? Morrissey perhaps? Also, am I gonna be able to get backstage at Wembly on Dec 12th, eh?
Yeah, Stephen Hawking …we’re gonna make his voice sound like Sinead o’Connor. And …..I doubt it, but I’m speaking after the fact …you tell me.
From: Wayne Veilleux
Answered by: Mark
When is James going to tour the US? Will they do San Francisco?
If we do, I’m sure we will.
From: Fordy
Answered by: Mark
More one for the record company, but with so many great videos to so many awesome songs. Why not a video greatest hits?
Sure …If we could do it what would you prefer ..VHS, CD-Rom or DVD ? …Seriously.
From: anne
Answered by: Mark
I was listening to your fabulous new album in my car today and singing away, but on one of my favourites – we’re going to miss you, I can not make out the words to the beginning of the chorus! Please do tell!
luv ya
Here’s a mirror with your name on, Singing we’re gonna miss you when you’re gone.
From: Ali Awan
Answered by: Mark
Will you tour the US for Millionaires? If so, when? If not, why not? Doesn’t have to be huge arenas, there’s enough of a cult following for a successful club tour, and it’d be lovely to see you in an intimate setting. We US fans feel left out…
I know what you’re saying …unfortunately the cost of taking our production around even small clubs can be prohibitive. We have a large band, a lot of equipment and a fairly large crew. It’s very dificult to reduce any of this without the show suffering ….Also there’s a general apathy towards British bands by record companies over there that means we can’t even justify spending money as a gamble to getting a deal over there. Mercury in the U.S. seem to lead the way in this field.
From: Wen
Answered by: Mark
Which is your favourite gig that you have ever performed? (I thought that the Fleece and Firkin in Bristol a couple years back was awesome…!)
I thought Wembley Arena December ’98 was one of the best big indoor shows we’ve done in a while. Some of the Portugese festivals this summer have been great too, but I think the Beijing gig recently will stand out for me for a long while to come.
From: Chris Orton
Answered by: Mark
If the band could do a cover version of any record, which would each of the members like to do?
I’d probably choose ‘Mathilde’ by Scott Walker, or ‘Rae’ by Autechre …it’s instumental but I think Tim could come up with some good vocals for that …
From: Larry Cheng
Answered by: Mark
Hi everyone (Tim, Saul, Mark, Adrian, David, Saul, and Michael), Just wanted to say that I’m a long time fan since the “Hymn From a Village” days. I actually have two questions: 1) Do you guys still talk to Larry Gott? 2) Will you be playing a couple of US dates for Millionaires? Thanks.
1) Occasionally. 2)Possibly …though nothing definate yet.
From: claire birtles
Answered by: Mark
Could you let me know when Millionnaires is likely to be out in Australia and also if the band have any plans to tour in Australia? Thanks
Millionaires will probably only be out on import. We’d love to tour over there, but it’s a long, long way ….It all comes down to cost …hopefully we can arrange a tour of the far east and Australia in the near future andkeep the costs down that way …
From: Brent Lindberg
Answered by: Mark
I’ll keep this brief. Just curious if Larry Gott still participates with the band in any capacity, most notably the songwriting responsibility? Do the band members remain close with him?
To be brief …no, and not really. We all live miles away so only catch up with him once in a while.
From: Neal Glassett
Answered by: Mark
If you tour here in Houston, TX and do some acoustic numbers, can I be the cellist in any of the songs?
I’m afraid we already hace a cellist …his name is Adrian, but we call him Voo Voo.
From: Graham McPhail
Answered by: Mark
To whoever recieves this question, I as a long term James fan would love to be able to own a very nice video containing the videos for the singles as there is no programmes on terrestrial T.V. today that actually show the whole video. So is there any chance of this occuring?
Thanks
This is another idea we are considering at the moment …glad to hear there’s some support
From: rob
Answered by: Mark
Gigs–I appreciate u have to cater for folk who are seeing u for the first time, but could u play a couple of “surprise” songs in your upcoming gigs *pretty please*? A rendition of…no that wouldn’t be a surprise would it? Go on amaze us.
Good luck with the new album lads 🙂
rob
How about Charlie Dance? ….that would surprise you wouldn’t it ….with a full brass section and a dance routine.
From: Fernando Eiras
Answered by: Mark
Are JAMES planning to release a ” B sides and rarities ” album? Honestly,i think it would be a crime not to do it,specially after all the exellent B sides of Millionaires singles(Downstairs is absolutley fantastic) Cheers
We’re working on it …there’s alot of stuff to go through!
From: Tom Burg
Answered by: Mark
Although I’m sure you have no PLANS to play in the States to support Millionaires, what would it take for you to change your mind?
Record company backing ….you got $100K to spare Tom? ..we’ll hopefully be back with the new album though.
From: Piers Hampton
Answered by: Mark
Just one simple question… what is the likelyhood of any gigs/concert dates in europe, the likes of belgium, france or Luxembourg?
Pretty unlikely …a festival or two maybe next year …
From: hector
Answered by: Mark
Hi. yo no se escribir en ingles y tampoco hablarlo pero si lo se leer si hay alguien que lo tradusca james es una de los mejores bandas inglesas de todos los tiempos.Si pudieran decir si visitaran algun pais de latinoamerica en especial mexico.
Que tal Hector? Muchas gracias por los complementos. Yo quisiera visitar Mexico, especialmente Zacatecas (es donde son la familia de mi novia).
From: jabba
Answered by: Mark
Mark, Still playing with dice ??? Julie.
White 99
From: Deniz
Answered by: Mark
Hi, Did Sinéad O’Connor contribute to some other tracks than Vervaceous on Millionaires? I keep hearing her voice in Afro Lover’s chorus and especially in Surprise (after 3.20). Regards, Deniz
Yeah, she also sang on the song ‘I defeat’ which was the B-side to Fred Astaire. The backing vocal on Afrolover was not her, and the backing vocals on surprise are Mr.Michael Kulas.
From: jim hannah
Answered by: Mark
Surely it’s about time all the Factory, Sire, Rough Trade stuff was issued on CD?
Yeah, but unfortunately, this also incurs lots of associated legal problems. We’re working on it.
From: Sven
Answered by: Mark
Hi! When do James come to Germany again? Haldern was great….want more!
Hello Sven,…hopefully next year with the new album.
From: Jonni Zhivago
Answered by: Mark
Why is Saul always looking at the Canadian boy with brown hair??
I think it might be love
From: Mark Townsend
Answered by: Mark
In the song ‘Crash’ what is the line of lyrics thet sounds like, “Cut the hurt man from the heads”? This is obviously wrong so what is the correct line?
‘Cut the Herman free from the Hesse’. You may know the author Herman Hesse …also, Hesse in German means ‘Heart’. You can thank Mr.Eno for that one.
From: rene luja arana
Answered by: Mark
This is a petition from the depths of my soul, please, please come to Mexico, and let me be your guide and friend here in Mexico, James means so much to me, I fan of you since 1990, thanks for read this. James are the best band of the world. Your Mexican fan Rene.
Un dia nos vamos a Mexico… en ese dia bebemos mucha tequila, y despues sacamos la pinata!
From: Francisco
Answered by: Mark
When will you come to Mexico city? here are a lots of fans waiting for you.remember going down to Mexico as you said in “go to the bank”. PLEASE we really want to see you soon.best regards from this side of the world. sincerely Francisco
Nos vamos a Mexico solamente si tienes:
1) muchos Coronas 2) mucha Tequila 3) tostadas 4) enchiladas 5) bastantes jalapenos
Gracias.
From: JORGE
Answered by: Mark
please, would you come to spain if i promise to give you good wine to drink? seriously, i`d never saw a james gig, and i ddon’twant to die before a historical date like that. un abrazo, jorge
Cuanto buen vino tienes?
From: Ethan
Answered by: Mark
What’s your favourite b-side(non-uk album track)? and What songs did you have the most fun/pleasure recording?
A song called still alive …I think I played about five notes … The new album has probably been about the most ‘fun’ record to make.
From: Alex Massie
Answered by: Mark
What has been the most satisfactory album for each of you to work on, and which albums artwork do you prefer
Wah Wah,and Wah Wah. …and the Whiplash cover was OK too!
From: Steve Watson
Answered by: Mark
I moved from Scotland to New Orleans in 94 and haven’t seen James live since. I had tickets to the Phoenix show a in 97 but Tim’s neck injury canned that. Have you ever thought about coming to N’awlins? We have some great venues. If you ever get the whole U.S contract sorted keep us in mind.
We have been to New Orleans a couple of times a few years back. It’s definitely a place I’d like to come back to next time…
From: Gillian Kenworthy
Answered by: Mark
Is there any possibility of you re-releasing ‘One Man Clapping’?
Errrr ….yes, maybe, but not right now ….
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Are there many James songs that have been recorded but never released? If so, can you tell us about any of these tracks and if there is a chance of them ever being released in the future?
There are hundreds of James songs that are recorded in some form or another and never released. This is because the recording process is expensive, and to give those songs that are not contenders the time and space to make them releasable would be counterproductive. No doubt in twenty years time we’ll all be down the record market trying to sell off our old shitty James demo cassettes to gullible fifty year old James fans. I advise you now ….don’t buy them! …when the time comes buy me a pint and I’ll do you a copy…
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Looking back over all the songs you have written together, which songs are you most proud of and why?
Personally it’s probably the songs that came about the quickest and most naturally to us ….songs that happened very spontaneously out of jams ….maybe 15 minutes from start to finish. Songs like Come Home, Tomorrow, She’s a Star, Fred Astaire and many others happened like this. All of Wah Wah was created like this, but songs this strong, made in an instant tend to have quite an impact.
From: Ben Lilly
Answered by: Mark
Recently you performed an excellent cover of Iggy Pop’s “China Girl”. Are there any other artists/songs that you are planning to or would like to cover in the future?
Yeah, we’re currently working on some kind of medley of Joy Division, Soft cell, Nancy Sinatra and Pink Floyd. Maybe with some Fleetwood Mac and The Skids thrown in. Nothing to report yet, but watch this space Ben.
From: Mattman
Answered by: Mark
Any plans to tour the US soon? Please!!
I think this question will keep popping up …..we hope to tour the new album next year over there, but until then we’re trying to get an odd show or two together …keep a look out on these pages.
From: Tom Anderton
Answered by: Mark
Is this the last album by James, or will James continue into the next millenium. Thanks for an amazing album guys.
We are now in the next millenium, and I can confirm we are continuing. Thank you, and goodnight.
From: Anthony De Motta
Answered by: Mark
If you folks do tour the US again, would you consider doing a few gigs in Hawaii? I’d really like to see you guys play here. Thanks for your time.
You could twist my arm, but the man with the budgets might have something to say …..thanks for the invite though …maybe one day.
From: Anita
Answered by: Mark
Is there any chance to see James live in Switzerland this year.I`m waiting since 1992….
Unfortunately not …I remember the gig …Bob Dylan and Urban Dance Squad amonst others …hopefully we’ll get back there soon.
From: Tony Snape
Answered by: Mark
There must be many fans out there who like myself find it nearly impossible to get their hands on a copy of ‘One Man Clapping’. Would it be possible for the band to re-release the said item some time in the future.
Yep.
From: Evelain
Answered by: Mark
I was wondering if it really is Tim singing backing vocals on House of Love’s 1990 album.. Thanks!!
No.
From: Thomas
Answered by: Mark
I’d like to know if there will be a video of the december tour
Thanks
I’m afraid not, but check out some of the video footage on the site.
(See the video section. – LR)
From: Tyler
Answered by: Mark
Would you ever consider doing covers of any of the songs from the movie James and the Giant Peach? It could be real interesting, particularly the song “My name is James.”
I think that maybe Eminem would do a better version …thanks for the thought though.
From: angie calderon
Answered by: Mark
Will James perform in the States anytime soon? (2000)
thanks!
Hi Angie, To answer all of the questions posted about when we might be touring in the U.S. in the near future ….We hope to put a tour together next year to promote the new album, taking in as many places as we can around the country …but as yet there is nothing confirmed.
From: Jessica
Answered by: Mark
Is Millionaires ever going to be released in the US????
As I’m sure has been pointed out on this site, Millionaires has not been released in the States and will not be with the current contract with Mercury. Hopefully this might change in the future but for the moment it will only be available on import.
From: Derek Gruchy
Answered by: Mark
I read in one of your responses to these questions that Micheal Kulas is Canadian. I also read that he has a side project album…is it available here in Canada? And how did he hook up with you guys?
Yeah, Michael is very Canadian. His album is called ‘Mosquito’ and it’s no doubt available through all your Canadian outlets. Mike was a friend of Saul’s, bought in to sing BV’s four years ago.
From: MIke Peters
Answered by: Mark
I heard that you recorded an acoustic version of ‘Ring the bells’.Is this true, and if so where can i get it from because I love the song. Cheers!
We did. It was used on an ‘X-Files’ soundtrack, but whether it is available to buy I don’t know. Laurie on the site might be able to advise you.
From: Veggie
Answered by: Mark
I’ve heard that you all are vegans…true or not?
Not.
From: Chris Duffy
Answered by: Mark
Why does Tim have the headphones in his ear whenever they perform?
This enables him to monitor himself and the band from wherever he is on stage …so he can dance about like a loon and still sing, even if he isn’t stood in the middle in front of his speakers.
From: Matt Walinski
Answered by: Mark
This is for all the guitar players who are frustrated figuring out James’ great songs. Can someone please tell me the chords to “Sometimes”? Thanks
Basically, the guitar just plays ‘A’ modal all the way through …..that’s ‘A’ without a third note. The bass meanwhile plays …’A’, ‘F#’, ‘D’ and ‘A’ ….around and around and around ……
From: Tyler Allen
Answered by: Mark
I’m one of the fans stuck in the U.S. where it looks like no U.S. tour will happen. I will be in China for a few months, though. In response to the rumor of some shows in China, is there any possibility of a show happening between now and May? Let’s hope so; I’m dying to see you live.
Sorry I missed your question ….i hope you made it to the Beijing Show…It was great, you would’ve enjoyed it.
From: JAMES WINFIELD
Answered by: Mark
WHATS THE SONG ‘God only knows’ about?
Erm …Gods …apparently knowing stuff.
From: Nicola Redwood
Answered by: Mark
You have lost a lot of money on tours in the past, especially in the USA. What exactly does all the money get spent on for a concert?
Exactly …I’m not sure, but roughly: personnel, hotels, flights, buses, trucking, PA equipment, lights, catering, wages, agents, promotion, food, insurance…
From: Sarah Robson
Answered by: Mark
Was Tim Booth’s hair naturally curly or was it a perm? That curly do’ has haunted my waking dreams since I was 8, when you were performing Sit Down at the Megabowl for ITV’s Ghost Train(Oooooooaaaaahhhhhh.) See ya! PS Dave, are you feeling alright?
Jesus, are you feeling alright?
From: lloydy
Answered by: Mark
Do you have a side project that does dance music, possibly under a different name?
Yeah, it’s called ‘Money’ but we’ve neglected to release anything as yet.
From: lil
Answered by: Mark
Is it true that the violinist saul is a transvestite!
Of course …he’s a bender of insurmountable bounds.
From: james
Answered by: Mark
A while back there was someone selling CD-R copies of One Man C. on a web sites. This person was making a profit, but it was’t much for all the work put into the out of print cd. Did this upset the band? If this person was to sell the cd again would the band persue to stop him?
This person was selling a product that was inferior to the original CD. People can always get hold of illegal copies of a record, but ultimately that is what makes it harder for us to come and tour all the places that you are asking us to come and play. The amount of work put into copying the CD was nothing compared to the amount of work put into creating it in the first place….
From: James Koich
Answered by: Mark
Are there any plans for a Uk tour soon? If so will you consider a venue in Leeds?
I lived in Leeds until Christmas …hopefully we’ll play there at the Town and Country or University next year.
From: Henry
Answered by: Mark
To all members of James:
Who have been your musical influences?
For me; Simon and Garfunkel, The Sweet, Slade, The Bay City Rollers, Abba, Genesis, Blondie, Japan, King Crimson, Gary Numan, Bill Nelson, The Cocteau Twins, Gang of Four, Ausgang, The Pixies, R2D2, Scott Walker, Massive Attack, Cabaret Voltaire, the funny guy from Sparks …and many others. These are some that I’ve listened to for long periods of time at some point in my life…. ….and then sometimes you think to yourself, ‘Shit, I could be out getting drunk instead, and you discover bars and things, and some of them play music too, and it all kind of snowballs from there really ….
From: Bernd
Answered by: Kulas
Do you have plannings about Concerts in Germany???
Last year we managed to play a few festivals in Germany which were quite successful. At the moment no mention has gone out about the possibility of a show but that doesn’t mean it wont happen. As we are in the middle of writing new material for the next album, we might not have the time to return. Hopefully some good news will come in the months ahead and who knows?…………..
From: Peter Harris
Answered by: Kulas
Who do James feel are the best band at the moment (obviously apart from themselves!)?
All members of the band have a wide variety of musical tastes which is what I believe makes us so strong. The music I’ve been listening to lately includes The Dust Brothers The Bluetones, Travis, Supergrass, Eminem, and a large amount of ambient techno, hip hop, and break beat music including the Chemical Brothers. But to narrow it down to who is the best would be too difficult as I like to enjoy as much as possible. Anyhow, that’s how I see it, I hope that’s of some help. Ciao for now. Kulas
From: Ray Gillespie
Answered by: Mark
Hey, I remember an awesome song at the NEC 1998, that went wrong half-way through. It’s title was Real World Jam. Are there any plans to release this brilliant song at all either as a B-side, or on the new EP. Thanks, you’re great.
It certainly was called Real World Jam, and it certainly went wrong. It’s now called Shooting My Mouth Off, and it’s on Millionaires.
From: Leah Wislocki
Answered by: Mark
Are any of the band members vegetarian? Simply curious.
Once upon a time there was a bunch of Buddist, vegan folk-rockers called ‘Ye Olde James’. And it came to pass that while browsing the local felafel merchants their eye was taken by a juicy sausage, but, as was their nature at that time, they did shoo the sausage away and couscous was aplenty. As time passed by, folk-rockers came and went and soon there were seven. Seven folking vegies…! And as the power in their music grew, so grew the power of the Sausage, and in only seven short years they were all transformed into Ye Stadium Folk Whores, and Tabouleh was banished thence from their kingdom. And they all lived happily ever after.
From: Bill Ding`
Answered by: Mrs. Kulas
What’s with that new back-up singer, Mike Kulas…doesn’t he realize he’s doing a chick’s job?
Please retract your neck Bill Ding.
From: Shellie
Answered by: Mark
I notice that some James tracks mention God in the lyrics. Are any of the members religious?
Well, I know Jim likes to wear a dog collar from time to time…
From: Lou
Answered by: Mark
BOYS: There’s a lot of unconditional devotion out there – does it ever get just a WEE bit freaky? Or create a cosy warm glow inside? I’m curious.
Wee bit freaky.
From: Holly
Answered by: Mark
What was the logic used to determine the cover of “Whiplash?”
We thought it was a strong image which, incidentally, was a man dressed up in a mask …as were most of the masks in the artwork in that series.
From: David Godfrey
Answered by: Mark
Is there any plans to release any recent live performances on video or DVD? The recent MTV show was excellent and needs to be seen in full.
Hopefully there’ll be some footage of the recent Beijing gig on the website in the near future.
From: Tom
Answered by: Mark
I want to name my first son james (he’s due in September) but my girlfriend rejects the name out of hand, claiming that it’s “wet”. Do any of you have a better suggestion?
How about Jim, of maybe Big Jim. Failing that, what about Mark?
From: NIX
Answered by: Mark
how tall is Tim? and when are the questions being answered?
178cm …around about now
From: Kate
Answered by: Mark
My friend James once heard a track possibly called ‘Maria’s Party’ and has been trying to track it down ever since. It’s not on Stutter, Gold Mother, Stripmine, Laid, Whiplash, Wah Wah or Millionnaires. Where is it? I would love to get hold of a copy for him if possible.
That’s a track that hasn’t been released on any CD Kate….You might be able to download a dodgy live version from http://james.wattyco.com/.
Share:
