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Come hear me open for Ghost Heart at The Whistler, May 20th. They are amazing, and I will try not to disappoint.
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Bruno & James Album Release
At long last it has finally arrived. Bruno Gatinet and I set out to make some music about 2 years ago, despite living on opposite sides of the Atlantic. As of yesterday that dream has come true. The debut album by Bruno & James is now available.
Last night we celebrated with an album release party at crowdSPRING in Chicago. Daphne Sidor, Michael Plishka and Marc Stevens took turns on the stage as well. A special thanks to Diana Oppenheim for filling in on piano. It was great to perform for our fans, friends and family. Merci!
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Thanks to everyone who attended the Abbey Pub show last Sunday. Good times were had by all. It was great to meet and hang with the other acts - Michael Plishka, Rob C Shadowlife, Kenny Rox, and The Visuals.
Alan the sound guy was kind enough to record my set, and Mike managed to film most of it on his iPhone. This video is the combination of both.
Lastly, here’s the free MP3 from the video, A Thousand Feet Per Second.
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A quick peek at my solo live setup. The late night rehearsals have begun.
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Good show everybody
The show at Cole’s on Friday was great. A bunch of people came out and the atmosphere was friendly and exciting. I shall have to play there again, soon.
Careful Q put on a great show. I’ve seen them several times, and they keep getting better. They make everybody dance. It’s infectious. Their 50’s inspired indie pop is a perfect recipe for a good time.
The Halamays rocked. They just released an EP, “This Boring Party”, and it’s fantastic. Seeing them perform made me jealous. They’ve got their act down and they sound really good live.
Check out my Flickr account for some photos. Have a good 4th!
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July 1st at Cole’s
I’ll be starting the show at 9pm this Friday, July 1st at Cole’s (2338 N Milwaukee Ave) in Logan Square. My good friends Careful Q will come after me at 10pm, and The Halamays will tear the roof off at 11pm. It’s also the CD release show for “The Boring Party”, the new album from The Halamays.
Be there, and be square.
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Loud Loop Press weighs in on "mot.ion" →
“In that each track follows a pretty standard formula that isn’t new to electronica, the EP isn’t showing the listener a new way to make electronic music. Instead, mot.ion carves out a niche within the genre, providing a glimpse of what a talented musician like Collin can do relying mainly on electronic elements. The album as a whole is much like the first track, “A Thousand Feet Per Second”: you’ll really like it, you’ll want to listen to it again, but you might not be putting it on your list of essential electronic records. Not quite yet, at least.”
Many thanks to Andy Kondrat for the kind words.
Get your copy: jamescollin.com/motion
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Live w/ Bruno @ Cyrano’s tonight
It’s Bruno’s last night in town. To celebrate we are performing at Cyrano’s Bistrot again. We will be playing 5 songs you already know, as well as premiering a new song, “Profiter de moi”.
We spent the afternoon rehearsing and recording the vocals for “Chicago”, which we performed for the first time on Tuesday at the Elbo Room.
For everyone who attends tonight, if you mention the secret password, “Piaf”, the chef will prepare a special delight. He won’t tell us what it is, but it’s sure to be sweet.
We go on at 8 and 10pm. See you then.
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On the Elbo Room again
Thanks to everyone who came out tonight for the show, or watched it online. Every time we perform, it’s for you.
Watch live video from James Collin | Live on Justin.tv
Bruno watching London Anderson whilst we wait for our time to shine:
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These are from one of many recording sessions for my upcoming EP, move.ment.
This time around John laid down some drum tracks for Disarmament, Waterfront and an entirely new song I’m working on.
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The Coathangers, Netherfriends and The Runnies, Nov 8 @ Empty Bottle
If you’re looking for something free to do next Monday, head over to the Empty Bottle on 1035 N Western. The Coathangers, Netherfriends and The Runnies are playing at 9:30pm. It’s the record release show of Netherfriends’ Barry and Sherry. I saw them at Pitchfork this summer and they were awesome.
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Save the Heartland Cafe!
You know that great little restaurant you go to get food on the weekend or late at night? It becomes a landmark in your life - someplace that’s a home away from home. For many in Chicago, that place is The Heartland Cafe. Since 1976 it’s been serving up good food and good times. I’ve enjoyed the cuisine there many times and been fortunate enough to perform at one of their sister establishments, the Red Line Tap just over a month ago. It’s a great place and a really unique bit of Chicago culture.
Unfortunately, this jewel of the Northside has fallen on hard times. They don’t have enough money to pay required tax and licensing fees for the next 2 years. They need to raise some funds, and raise it fast - $55,000 by October 14th!
They are planning a benefit show the weekend of the 10th and 11th with live music, comedy and more. A $10 donation is suggested, plus they have several options for donating more that include special benefits to donors. The least you can do is make it a point to visit the cafe and buy a meal this month.
UPDATE: You can donate directly via PayPal.
For more information visit their site: http://heartlandcafe.com and check out this recent Tribute article.
UPDATE: Read today’s Chicago Reader article.
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Live @ Lilly's →
A few photos from last night’s show. It was quite enjoyable. The crowd was good, the beer was good, and we even used the bar’s piano.
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It’s off to Lilly’s we go
I’ve been mentally preparing all day for tonight’s performance. A complex regiment of sitting in my apartment, strumming guitar, sipping coffee, listening to Steve Reich, getting up to check my laundry, and enjoying the beautiful day. It’s a rough life, being a semi-working musician.
In all seriousness though, I’m super pumped for the show. We’re not due on until 11, so there will be plenty of time to get nervous, scribble out handwritten set lists, drink a beer and listen to the other acts.
Also, this will be Kannan’s last show with the band. He’s leaving us for greener pastures in Iowa. Something about furthering his education, or some such nonsense. Must be nice to have goals. So come out tonight and bid him farewell.
See you at Lilly’s, 2515 N Lincoln Ave. Bring your friends.
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