On November 21, American Idol season 10 favorite James Durbin released his debut record, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on Wind-up Records.
The 11-track album, produced by the highly acclaimed Howard Benson, is a well-crafted mix of rock music. From the roaring "Higher Than Heaven" to the nod to Aerosmith on "Love in Ruins," to the power anthem "Stand Up," 22-year-old Durbin proves to be a real contender in the world of rock.
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Durbin, where we discussed his debut record, which collaborator he's learned the most from, and what's coming up next for him.
How does it feel to have all your hard work out there for people to hear?
It feels great. That’s exactly what it was; it was a lot of hard work. I actually finished the vocals on the record in two and half weeks. It was basically singing three songs a day and getting them finished, having to sing each song 15 times or so to really get the right one. That was a lot of wear and tear on my voice, but it was well worth it.
On the release date, were you more anxious or more excited about your record coming out?
Definitely more excited. Before the release, all my fans were counting down the days, and I was counting along with them. It was very, very exciting. I think it’s more exciting to have it out there. I found out today that I sold 28,000 copies my first week. It’s like, wow, you know? This is like the moment of truth. This is what all the hard work paid off for. It wasn’t just having a record out there, it was really seeing the extent of my fan following. It’s so great to know that I sold that many. It’s unbelievable.
So you had a signing in your hometown of Santa Cruz the day your album was released; what was it like being home on your big day?
It was great. Not only that, but one of my favorite things to do is to see all my fans; just to see all my fans face to face, see who’s buying this record, getting to thank them and shake their hand. And be like, "You know what, thank you so much for your love and support. It means so much to me, it means so much to my family." This has been my dream. And now my dream’s come true. I get to work in music and support myself and support my family in the process. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Article comments
1 - WYB
Great interview Kris, you ask some good questions and James did a fantastic job of answering them! The album MOABD is so good I just play it over and over. My favorite in Love In Ruins but I don't skip over any of them!
R
2 - Ellie G.
Very nice article, thank you! Love James Durbin and his debut album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster!
3 - Mary H
This is the story of James Durbin in great detail. This interviewer asked just the right questions & he answered them perfectly for us. Acutally were things with all my reading about him over the months that I didn't yet know! Great album--Memories of A Beautiful Disaster. A mix of all good music! Like the band--it does appear they enjoy working together!