“I don’t want to be bullshit modest, but I don’t want to come across as arrogant either. I’ve got an opportunity,” says James Bay of his U.S. tour, “and I want to take it.”
-
james-bay-bb32-2015-billboard-02-1500
Image Credit: Austin Hargrave “I suppose I’ve always known about the importance of image,” he says of his trademark wide-brimmed hat. “I always loved Michael Jackson’s single silvery glove, Bruce Springsteen’s iconic blue-collar pose. I’ve got a lot of work to do before I’m even close to a third of Springsteen, but why on earth can’t I aim for that? I don’t want to be a Camden indie act forever.”
-
james-bay-bb32-2015-billboard-04-1500
Image Credit: Austin Hargrave “I don’t want to be bullshit modest, but I don’t want to come across as arrogant either. I’ve got an opportunity,” he says of his U.S. tour, “and I want to take it.”
-
james-bay-bb32-2015-billboard-03-1500
Image Credit: Austin Hargrave “Various folks think I have a shot at becoming popular in the U.S., so I’ll have a go,” Bay says. “I mean, why not? It’s something to conquer, America. Texas alone is five times bigger than the U.K., so it’s a big old forkful, but I’ve always wanted to spread myself… um, around the plate.”
-
james-bay-bb32-2015-billboard-01-1500
Image Credit: Austin Hargrave The first time Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood saw Bay play was at an awards ceremony for British GQ in September. “I sat at a table with Keith Richards, and we both went, ‘Wow, that kid’s got it.’ He doesn’t strike me as a fly-by-night. If fame is plonked on him, I reckon he’ll be able to deal with it.”