James Marriott is picking up in 2026 exactly where he left off in 2025 with his sensational new track ‘California Rain’.
It’s a song that took on a life of its own in the final months of last year, thanks to it being added to the setlist at many of James’ shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Firmly becoming a fan favourite in quick time, it is now available for everyone to enjoy.
A wonderfully bright piece of sentimental songwriting, focusing on the shock that comes with going from 0-100mph in your career, exemplified by the scale of shows that James was playing off the back of the success of his latest album ‘Don’t Tell The Dog’, it’s an honest portrayal of life as an artist. There are moments of joy, but there are also moments where you wonder whether someone has made a mistake somewhere down the line in allowing you these opportunities. It’s all part and parcel, and hearing it displayed in such vibrant colours is wonderful.
And with it being birthed in Idaho, rehearsed in Seattle and completed in San Francisco and Los Angeles, it has the spirit of the United States coursing through it.
James had this to say on the track’s sentiments, stating, “‘California Rain’ is a song written on tour about culture shocks and touring the United States as an Englishman. Its lyrics take semblance from missing your home life/people whilst self-doubt and imposter syndrome captures you whilst away. In the spirit of not knowing what you have until you don’t have it, ‘the rain won’t stop me now’ takes the thing that British people complain about the most and transforms it into something hopeful and to be missed.”
James was awarded the Breakthrough Artist award at the Rock Sound Awards. With a No.1 album under his belt, landmark live moments and that incredible Twenty One Pilots cover, he looks back on the most important year of his career to date in an all-new interview alongside exclusive photos.
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