INTERVIEW: Brand new single from James Mayes

UK-based singer-songwriter and producer James Mayes has always been fascinated by the spaces between sound and emotion, where reflection meets movement and where the cinematic collides with the personal. Known for creating music that feels at once intimate and transportive, his work blends storytelling and electronic production into something entirely his own which often circles themes of recognition, renewal and growth.

Music has always been about process for James, with his songs taking shape from moments of reflection, turning fragments of personal experience into sonic landscapes that mirror life’s shifting contours. This is the bedrock of his artistic expression, perseverance through creation and honesty as a form of strength. As he steps into a new phase of his career, there’s a sense of resolve in his vision that feels earned through time, experimentation and self-discovery.

Before releasing music under his own name, James built his creative background under the alias James Malaga, earning a reputation for his emotionally charged electronic soundscapes. Now, by shedding that moniker, he embraces something more direct and personal; the return as James Mayes, an artist no longer filtering himself through identity experiments, but speaking plainly through sound.

This new chapter begins with the brand new single titled “Mistakes,” a track that captures his latest chapter with poetic flair. Thematically, “Mistakes” explores how the smallest missteps can echo across a lifetime and how choices, even the unintended ones, ripple through time and shape who we become. It’s not a song about regret, but about perspective, with James tracing that emotional arc through an intricate indie pop outing that gradually develops from quiet emotion into something vast and cinematic.

Soft vocal layers and sparse keys open the track, instilling a sense of melancholic solitude and self-reflection as his elegant voice glides over the minimal arrangement to form a mesmeric soundscape. Deep bass textures, pattering percussion and swelling tones rise beneath the surface as the track takes flight into a dazzling alternative pop scene that deftly blends elements of electronic and rock styles into a wholly absorbing and utterly arresting listening experience.

The structure itself becomes a metaphor for growth and that forward motion defines James Mayes’ current artistic direction of not erasing the past, but folding it into a larger story of perseverance and renewal. “Mistakes” also serves as the first showcase of his forthcoming EP, a project designed around transformation and the ways in which we reconstruct ourselves through experience. In “Mistakes” and in this new chapter, James Mayes reminds us that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about honesty and the courage to look back, to listen and to keep moving forward.

We caught up with James Mayes to find out more about his musical journey so far, his brand new single “Mistakes” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with James Mayes below.

Hey James, how’s things?

Hey! Things are good, thanks — keeping busy in the studio and feeling really excited about what’s coming next.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music was getting my first 3/4 Yamaha keyboard. I’d sit there playing everything by ear and experimenting, and I remember coming up with some pretty cool sounds without really knowing what I was doing. A year later I got a drum kit, which pushed that curiosity even further. When I started making music properly on a DAW, I was using MAGIX Music Maker and creating electronic arrangements — that was when I realised how much I loved building music from scratch.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from a mix of my surroundings — landscapes, thoughts, and feelings — and I try to turn those into soundscapes that shock, inspire, and impress where I can. I’m inspired by artists across different genres who focus on atmosphere and emotion, not just catchy moments. My roots come from my parents’ influences: ’50s and ’60s music, then rock, punk, heavy metal, and ’90s music. The heavier side comes from my dad, and the electronic side from my mum. Artists that inspire me today include Illenium, Imagine Dragons, and Besomorph, whose music I’ve really connected with recently.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday life — environments, visuals, emotions, conversations, and moments that stick with you. I don’t try to force ideas; I let them come naturally and then translate those feelings into sound.

What was your highlight of 2025?

2025 taught me three major lessons: to do everything you’re capable of doing, to never let anyone get in the way of your goals or who you are, and to stay consistent while always having contingency. Those lessons shaped me both personally and creatively.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

I love the cultural freedom of the UK music scene. Sounds and influences you wouldn’t normally expect to thrive here often blossom, and that openness makes it exciting. I also love that you can go out, be almost invisible, and just enjoy the music safely — losing yourself in the moment.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

It really depends on the song — each track has its own world. A lot of my music works best when people can immerse themselves in it, like late nights, long drives, or headphones on. But it can also be in the gym, doing the washing up with a smart speaker on, or part of everyday life. Some of my upcoming music is very dramatic and cinematic, and hearing that live will be a whole different experience.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

My sound has evolved massively. When I released my first proper track back in 2015, Mannequin, I was coming out of a tough period with my health and felt quite disconnected and lost. From then on, I focused heavily on development — experimenting, learning fundamentals, and figuring out what worked for me and what didn’t. It’s taken a long time to find sounds that truly feel like me, but that journey has been essential.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

A curveball would be working with someone like Calvin Harris or Jax Jones if I leaned more into pop, but personally Besomorph would be my dream collaboration. I feel like I’d connect deeply with that kind of music on both a creative and emotional level.

How did you find making your new single “Mistakes”?

Mistakes was the hardest song I’ve had to make so far. Turning something sad and deep into something positive isn’t easy. I worked on it around four times more than usual, layering everything with real soulful intent. I love the end result, and I hope it becomes a crowd-pleaser when I get to perform it live one day.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message is that mistakes are part of being human. Not everyone will support or understand your journey, and that’s okay. Whether you’re dealing with inner or outer struggles, you will overcome them. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and do our best — and I want people to feel emotionally understood and cared for.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to Besomorph a lot, but I’ve also been revisiting my rock roots. A song I’ve had on repeat is I’m Not Okay by Ash and Echo. Both have really helped me reflect and reconnect with myself at the start of 2026.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want my music to shock people, shake them emotionally, and make them feel understood. I want it to empower listeners, remind them that calm always returns after chaos, and help them feel less alone — especially if they’ve ever felt forgotten or written off.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

My favourite live performance was singing on-stage covers of Sweet Child O’ Mine and I’m Not the Only One. The crowd loved it and didn’t want it to end. I’d love the opportunity one day to create that same — or even stronger — live energy with my own music.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Illenium, Imagine Dragons, and Calvin Harris would headline my dream festival. I’d love to work with artists like these to turn hard experiences into an undeniable dance or club anthem. The festival would be outdoors in the UK, somewhere people can completely lose themselves in the music.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Stay true to yourself, stay consistent, and don’t let anyone get in the way of your goals. Learn from mistakes, keep developing, and enjoy the process.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I’m releasing a development and awareness EP while working on new music designed to shock, surprise, and elevate listeners. I’ve got several tracks lined up for the coming months, and this next phase is all about pushing boundaries. Hopefully what’s coming next will blow a few socks off — I’m genuinely excited for people to hear it.

Listen to Mistakes below