Bowmanville, Ontario-based country and Americana musician Hunter James has released his new single, “Chasing A Sound,” marking a significant turning point after three years of recording sessions, travel and creative experimentation. The track blends outlaw country, Americana and rock influences while reflecting the artist’s efforts to establish a sound that represents his musical identity.
The release follows James’ decision to abandon two completed EPs recorded in Georgia, despite the considerable time and financial investment involved. His eventual breakthrough came closer to home, working with his longtime mentor and his own touring band in Ontario.
Hunter James Explores His Musical Journey in “Chasing A Sound”
The new single draws inspiration from James’ experiences travelling through Nashville, Georgia, Kentucky and other parts of the United States in search of a distinctive musical direction.
Built around traditional country instrumentation and Americana influences, the song explores persistence, artistic uncertainty and the importance of remaining true to personal creative goals.
“‘Chasing a Sound’ captures the struggles of the last 3 years of my life—riding the highways, travelling from place to place and refusing to settle until the music coming through the speakers matched what I felt in my soul and heard in my head,” he says. “Ironically, I was travelling the roads looking for my sound and I ended up finding it right here at home.”
James co-wrote the track with Ariana Eagleson after returning to Ontario, drawing on experiences accumulated during his travels.
Discarded Georgia Recordings Lead to a Creative Reset
Before completing the new single, James had invested in two EPs recorded in Georgia. However, feedback from trusted listeners convinced him that the recordings did not reflect his intended artistic direction.
“When I brought those recordings home and shared them with people I trusted, we all heard what wasn’t working,” James says. “I made the difficult decision to start again from scratch which meant walking away from the songs as they were, along with all the time and money that had gone into them, because I knew in my gut that the sound still wasn’t me.”
The decision required James to reconsider his recording approach and assemble a production team capable of translating his influences into a cohesive sound.
Ontario Recording Sessions Bring New Direction
The project advanced when longtime mentor Markus Maar joined as producer, collaborating with James on the recording process.
“He became the first person who was actually able to get inside my head and understand what I had been struggling to describe and hear,” James says. “We studied my influences and experimented with old-school recording techniques, from placing tea towels over the drums to testing different microphone positions and room sounds.”
Rather than relying on established session musicians, James chose to record live with his own band, despite the musicians having performed only a limited number of shows together.
Live Recording and Vintage Equipment Shape the Single
James provides vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Jake Lauzon, drummer Rooster, bassist Jim Gorry and guitarist Parker Farris. Pat Walsh contributes harmonica, while Rob Phillips plays piano.
Maar produced the recording alongside James as co-producer. Barry Haggarty handled engineering, and Byron Kent Wong mixed the track.
The sessions incorporated a 1965 Fender Princeton Blackface amplifier and a 1959 Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar to establish the recording’s warm, traditional character.
“Every detail mattered—the volume of the amp, the strings on the guitar and even whether the amp was sitting on carpet or hardwood,” James says.
Apple Music Recognition and Canadian Concert Appearances
Following its release, “Chasing A Sound” earned James cover placement on Apple Music’s “Canada’s Country” playlist, providing additional exposure through the streaming platform.
James has also expanded his live performance experience, joining Canadian country artist Gord Bamford for selected dates on the “As Long As There’s A Bar” tour.
Other appearances include opening for The Reklaws at the Kee to Bala, alongside performances at North of Nowhere, Departure Fest and Winding Roads Live.
The single is available through major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
For James, the release represents the conclusion of an extended recording process and the beginning of a new creative chapter. After pursuing his musical ambitions across North America, the Bowmanville artist ultimately developed his preferred sound in Ontario, supported by musicians and collaborators close to home.
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