The Good Souls Return - Starsailor

Notching up 10 top 40 hits like 'Poor misguided fool', 'Good souls', 'Alcoholic', and 'Silence is Easy', it could also be said that Chorley's finest Starsailor are one of the stalwarts of modern British indie. Gigwise duly caught up with the genial James Walsh, lead singer and song writer to discuss their upcoming fourth studio album 'All The Plans'.

I point out the band’s decade long history, and ask whether they feel like music veterans:  “I feel old yeah, I’ve been in the industry a long time but I’m still only 30 and I hope I can stick with it a while longer because to be honest its all we know. So we’ve got to keep on going really!”, laughs James.

“We’ve definitely matured and we’re incredibly proud that we’ve managed to stick it out for four albums. I’ve seen so many bands fall by the wayside during our time. We’re ambitious people- we look at bands who are doing better than us, or who are ahead of us and we ask what they’re doing and try to emulate the positives.”

So it seems a certain entrepreneurship is necessary to be a success in pop. But it can’t all be marketing and PR can it? For many people, Starsailor possess a lyrical prowess and, whether you like them or nor, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Walsh’s lyrics are deep, intelligent and romantic. For many songwriters, Walsh is an inspiration. But who are his influences and inspirations?

“I have to say Neil young but I also like the Fleet Foxes and Ryan Adams, Panic at the Disco at the moment and even Take That.”

Did he just say Take That?

“Gary Barlow’s done some brilliant song writing and I would like to emulate him in that respect. They deserve their success as well, especially how they’ve come out from the wilderness. I even met Mark Owen recently and he seems like a really nice bloke.”

James Walsh is a Chorley lad through and through, and although he fronts a globally successful band and now lives in London he has somehow managed to remain grounded. I ask him how he manages this:

“I’ve got a wife and two kids and they’re my inspiration. But also I go to the supermarket, I cook, I have rows with my wife, I watch the football, I go to the pub-I lead a normal life and my family keep my feet on the ground. I feel very much like I’m still connected with the average bloke on the street.”

I then move on to comparisons; love it or hate it bands get compared to other bands, but how does Walsh feel about comparisons to bands like Snow Patrol, Keane or Coldplay?

“I don’t mind comparisons to be honest. I like Coldplay particularly. Chris Martin’s developed in to a really good front-man, with a lot of nerve and confidence.”