Having already chatted with fellow Erics performers Le Galaxie, O Emperor and Cave Ghosts, Gavin James is next up to face a grilling from us! Having wowed audiences since making a splash with his Meteor Choice Song of the Year winning effort 'Say Hello', Gavin has become something of a familiar face on the Irish music scene, as well as a regular fixture on Irish airwaves. We caught up with Gavin for a quick chat before his much anticipated performance as part of The Erics this Thursday the 30th in the Button Factory - which you can book tickets for below!

You've sort of taken the Irish music scene by storm over the last 18 months or so. Did the speed and the manner of this take even you by surprise?

Everything has been great over the last year and a bit since the release of 'Say Hello' , I'm delighted with how everything is going at the moment. Compared to what I was doing before hand it's taken a huge jump so I'm chuffed!

How did this all come about, what was your "big break" so to speak?

Winning at the Meteor Awards really helped me open a lot of doors. So I'd say that was how everything really came full circle.  It was a crazy thing to get wasn't expecting that at all. It opened a lot of doors with radio and gigs and other things and was great for the C.V.

The first time I saw you play live was at Other Voices in Dingle in December 2012. What are your memories of that weekend, and how important did that exposure prove to be for you?

I've been watching other voices for aaaages so it was a bit if a mad experience playing at it last year. One memory was when, back at the pub, having a sing a long sat next to The Staves. We sang something Christmassy I think!

A lot of people will be wondering about when exactly a full length release will be coming from you. Can you shed any light on this?

It's all finished just working on mixes at the moment. Haven't a clue when it will be released but won't be too long of a wait. September latest.

What were some of your favourite records from last year?

Just like everyone I know,I loved Kodaline's album. I've also been listening to a lot of Arcade Fire's new stuff, it's pretty amazing.


Who, specifically, would you point to as big inspirations for your music?

Bob Dylan would be top of the list alongside Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra. I also listen to a good bit of John Mayer's stuff.


Any other big plans for 2014?

I'll be touring with James Blunt in February and March in France, Switzerland, and Belgium an will be touring with Heather nova in Germany in March. Also can't wait to be opening for the lads from Kodaline in the O2 in March!