JAMES PINKER | SOLO ALBUM | BLUSH

After years of experience producing soundtracks and sound art for projects around the world, I’ve finally turned the spotlight back on my own music. 

BLUSH is my first solo album in decades — a fresh mix of soulful electronics and heartfelt songwriting, shaped with help from some incredible collaborators like Neil Finn, Sandy Mill, Mara TK, and Tom Bailey. 

Three years in the making, it’s time to bring these songs to life — mixing, mastering, and pressing them on vinyl with stunning artwork by Lisa Reihana along with a full digital release and limited copies on CD. I’d love your help to make it happen and get BLUSH out into the world — proudly made here in Aotearoa.

Musicians/engineers/co-writers include:

Tom Bailey (producer/co-writer)

Neil Finn (songwriter)

Michael Brook (guitarist/composer/producer)

Steven Schram (mix engineer/producer)

Carmen Rizzo (producer/synth programmer)

Victoria Kelly (string arranger/composer)

Sean Cooper (synth programmer/Prodigy)

Lola (electronica)

SJD (production/remix)

Michael Brook & Alan Jansson (producer/re-mix)

Boosted Image Credit: David Shields

Described as ‘gentle and contemporary electronics mixed with a modern soul feel…’ music mastering will be undertaken by THE finest in the land. With this funding I intend to press vinyl and create exquisite gatefold artwork containing beautiful photographs, detailed notes, lyrics along with a full digital release and limited copies on CD & of course multiple credits!

Design by Phillip Kelly with artwork by Lisa Reihana

Having researched many options for this I have landed on Stebbing Recording Centre here in Tāmakai Makaurau who have the most advanced vinyl production equipment in the country.

(See link). https://www.stebbing.co.nz

I also intend to produce at least two music videos to accompany the release and will use part of the funds to promote on social media.

I began writing a solo album in 2022 after many years of soundtrack, sound art, commercial and production work. Much of this in the service of my visual artist partner Lisa Reihana. I decided it was time for some songs. This was something I’d not seriously attempted since the mid 80s in London with my band The Heavenly Bodies. I approached my mentor and fellow band member in The Holiwater Project, Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins, International Observer) to assist. To my astonishment, he instantly agreed. His positivity pushed me to get serious about this and to throw myself deep into this art form. To be honest a somewhat daunting journey ensued.

So here we are almost 3 years later with a slew of songs; an abundant albums worth of material, some amazing sketches and some incredible collaborations. Having also asked a few luminaries to collaborate I am honoured to count Neil Finn, Karl Sölve Stevens, Mara TK, Arli Liberman, Carmen Rizzo and Reuben Jelleyman among the incredible writers and musicians who generously helped me realise a dream. And of course having the inimitable soul singer Sandy Mill (Ngāti Porou) who contributes some gorgeous vocals and lyrics.

Now is the time for mixing and mastering. Adding overdubs and getting the project out the door to begin another life. It’s been a long cherished and enjoyable project and one I’ve had to write and produce in between many incredible adventures in music I’ve had the honour to work on over the last decade. It’s time for the album now!

I have enlisted the skills of multi award winning producer Steven Schram (Crowded House, Paul Kelly, Tammy Neilson) to jump on board and oversee the mixing. This is an opportunity to get the very best, right here, right now in Aotearoa New Zealand. And to potentially have Atmos mixes created by one of the most experienced engineers in Australasia.

So, I’m hoping that everyone here can help me push it that last mile and be a part of it too. Help me herd the last few songs out of the gate and release it into the wild!

Hopefully the next chapter may even be some live performances in a town near you! 

That would truly make this record special for me.

Ngā mihi kia koutou