In this insightful interview with Lorna James, we explore the highlights and inspirations of her musical journey in 2023. From her artists to the impact of films, literature, travel and visual art on her music, Lorna shares her unique sources of creativity, and her take on what she found special in the past months.
What are your 3 favorite tracks that were released this year, and what about them makes them so special for you as a music Producer?
Honestly!? THIS QUESTION IS TOO HARD!!
Were there any artists in the music scene this year that caught your attention? And can you let us know why?
Modera caught my attention in 2022 and I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a bit of a fan girl. I love their sound – beautiful Melodic House tracks with an orchestral, cinematic feel to them. They’re definitely on the rise and I look forward to seeing what they do in 2024!
Can you share a favorite musical moment or memory from this year, either in your own career or from the music industry as a whole?
I think my takeaway memory from this year is the way that other artists support each other. I’ve met so many wonderful people through music in 2023, I’ve collaborated, co-written, and produced some songs that have been so fun to work on. So for me, the memories have been made by fellow artists and collaborations.
Beyond music, were there any films, documentaries or series, that stand out as your favorite from the past year, and did these inspire your music?
I wrote ‘Land of Ice’, an Ambient track which I released during the summer, after watching Black Crab. It’s a post-apocalyptic dystopian movie with a lot of ice skating in it. In ‘Land of Ice’ I tried to capture the existential urgency conveyed in the film.
What about literature, were there any books that inspired you or that you liked reading this last year?
A book called ‘Power in the People – not the People in Power’ by veteran human rights barrister Michael Mansfield KC, which I also helped to write, inspired my House track ‘Never Give Up.’ The book tells stories of campaigners who have set out to achieve change in the world and often who have succeeded.
When it comes to visual art or design, can you highlight a piece or artist that captured your attention and became a favourite source of inspiration this year?
This probably doesn’t really answer the question, but I find the Hubble Space Telescope images are awe-inspiring and utterly beautiful. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the existential questions posed by photographs of deep space.
Did you explore any new hobbies or activities outside of music in 2023?
Wait, there are hobbies other than music? I spent all of this year focusing on creating at least one track a week, which basically took up all of my spare time. None of it was wasted, as I’m releasing two albums next year – an Ambient album in February and a Dance album in May!
Can you name a location or destination you visited during the year that became a personal favorite, and did the experience influence your music or inspire you in some way?
I fell in love with Istanbul this year when I attended a friend’s wedding. I was only there for three days but cannot wait to go back. I think I started writing quite ethereal music after visiting Turkey.
In terms of technology or gadgets, were there any new devices or innovations that became your favorites and had an impact on your music production or performance?
I definitely got more comfortable with using and layering samples this year, which has resulted in creating more textures and bigger sounds in my music.
Reflecting on the past year, what message or piece of wisdom would you like to share with your audience and fellow artists as you look forward to the future?
I have stolen this from someone else, but here it is anyway: You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you. Decide to be happy – Nightbirde.
We thank Lorna for sharing a glimpse into the things and inspirations that made her 2023 shine, as the new year comes close, we cannot wait to hear what she has in store and wish her the best in her new projects and releases; so, make sure to follow her to remain updated and learn more about her new music in 2024.
Lorna James Online
