JAMES CHRISTIAN (House Of Lords)

James Christian is the vocalist with melodic rock band House of Lords, who have just released possibly their best album since their debut album via Frontiers. He has also recorded two solo albums that are well worth tracking down.

1. What are you currently up to?

Right now we are getting ready to tour in Europe and return the the States to do more dates. It is long overdue

Artist website

2. Could you take us through the songs (e.g. ideas behind the songs) on the excellent new album please…

The songs for this record we written specifically for this project. There are no old tunes here. Just a fresh approach the traditional sound of House of Lords. Every track tells its own story.

3. How did the FireFest show go and why did you decide not to use the line-up on the last album on this new album? Any plans to release the FireFest show on DVD and CD at all?

It was great. It felt so good to be back onstage after a very long time. The reason I did not use the original line-up is that we really had some musical difference going on and there was no way "World Upside Down would have ever been made with that line-up.

4. Did you expect the debut HOL album to be still held in such regard all these years later?

I am happy that it is still a popular record. I am very proud of the work we have done in our long career

5. Why did HOL break-up back in the mid-90's? Do you think having new members one each album added to the band's overall sound or in hindsight would having a stable line-up maybe have led to more success? Do you still keep in contact with any ex-members of the band?

The band broke in the 90's because of the arrival of Grunge Music on the scene. Just like that. The melodic sound was no longer popular. There was no point in doing a record if we would have trouble getting it out there. So after 10 years there seems to be more interest now. I do keep in contact with the other members. We will always be friends.

6. Which song(s) do you enjoy performing most live and why?

I love doing Pleasure Palace and Sahara. They rock like hell live.

7. You've released two superb solo albums so far - any plans for another solo release sometime soon? If so would you consider a covers album which seems to be the 'in thing' with many bands/artists now (Styx, Def Leppard, Sahe/Blades etc)?

No covers for me at this time. I have so much material to choose from, I really do not see the point. Also there are enough artist doing that at this time.

8. How did you get your first break into the music business? What piece of advice would you pass onto budding musicians?

My first break was with the House Of Lords. My advice would be to keep pushing and never give in. You need to be persistent especially in a business like this. It is very competitive and uncertain from one day to the next. you need to have a tough skin.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like working on a computer. It is very soothing for me.

10. Message for your fans?

I want to say thanks for a the fans who have stuck by the band and continue to do so. We really appreciate the dedication