James Bay has collaborated with Rod Stewart

13 November 2017

James Bay has collaborated with Sir Rod Stewart.

James Bay

The 'Hold Back The River' singer has revealed he's recorded a track with the 72-year-old rock legend which will be released "soon", but says it's more important for him to focus on his own sound at the moment rather than feature on songs with other artists.

James said: "I'm still working on me. The idea of collaborations is incredible. This year was incredible. I got to do something with Rod Stewart which was incredible - that's coming out soon and I'm excited for people to hear that. But I'm still trying to get myself across. This is a new me, a new version."

The 27-year-old star also teased that his follow-up to 2015's 'Chaos and the Calm', which is almost "ready", is "high-energy" and that he was inspired by an eclectic mix of artists including the late David Bowie, Frank Ocean, LCD Soundsystem and Chance the Rapper.

Speaking to NME, he teased: "I've been making the new album, which I'm very happy to say is nearly ready.

"The thing that really caught me by surprise is that I sat down to write this album towards the end of last year and it just came flooding out. It's a time ago that I put songs out so I'm very close to that."

James is excited to start a whole "new chapter" with both a new hairdo - after ditching his trademark hat and long locks - and a refreshed sound.

He continued: "It definitely takes it to a new place.

"I've got a new look, a new sound. I just fancied a new chapter.

There are moments on the album that sort of 'bridge' from 'The Chaos and the Calm' to the new album, but the best way I could put it is that I've been listening to other stuff.

"I got deep into Frank Ocean, LCD Soundsystem, Chance The Rapper, a load of David Bowie, Lorde.

"All of these sounds that don't really relate to the first album but hugely relate to this album.

"I'm really excited for people to hear that and some familiar moments too."

However, James has promised he's still got his trademark riffs on there too.

Asked whether he's completely ditched his guitar, he said: "Weirdly, because it's my thing, I've managed to get guitar in there somehow - but maybe it isn't as easy to tell. It's been exciting to deliver that, but I'll still be up there with a guitar in hand."