James Harland-Wright on SoundBetter

I am a songwriter who searches for the heart of an idea and brings it to life with words, riffs and melodies. I have worked with Grammy Award winning creatives around the world. I have written songs for TV shows and films like The Voice, The West Wing, Smallville, Uptown Girls, She's All That and more. I'd love to help you craft the perfect song.

Throughout my career as a songwriter/guitarist I have been signed to major labels. Universal, Sony, Wind-Up Records (Stretch Princess). I toured with Third Eye Blind, The Fray, Elvis Costello, Eve 6 and more.

I have crafted music and lyrics for commercials such as Omega Watches -"In The Dark" featuring Shelley Harland and Nicole Kidman, Nextel, VH1 and MTV.

I enjoy writing songs in all genres and many that i've written have featured in major motion pictures. I'm a great listener and really enjoy collaborating to achieve the best results for each project. As well as songwriting I also play Guitar, Bass and sing which helps when sketching ideas for you.

I have a recording studio with a beautiful Bluthner Upright Grand Piano, a large selection of acoustic and electric guitars and vintage amps/pedals.

I can deliver raw or fully processed guitar tracks for Rock, Pop, Alternative and Style Samples with a quick turnaround and a responsive edit/ review process.

I'd love to hear about your project and help you realise your vision! Click the 'Contact' button above and let's get started!

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for James Wright

The Soldiers
Stretch Princess
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Stretch Princess
Stretch Princess

Languages

English

7 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse James Harland-Wright

by Mirjam S.
Verified
After asking James for expert feedback on my songwriting, I was thoroughly impressed by his deep, thoughtful, and professional approach. His insights were incredibly detailed, addressing every aspect of my song, from lyrics to melody, with constructive and actionable advice. James truly understood my vision and helped elevate my work to the next level with his expertise and genuine passion for music. I highly recommend working with James.
by Steven C.
Verified
James was very thorough with his approach and patient too with requested changes etc. easy to work with and new what sonic pallets I was going for
by Magnus H.
Verified
Working with James was an outstanding experience. He penned the lyrics for one of my new songs, and he excelled at crafting it in a way that perfectly complemented the texture and emotions of the music. In my process, I compose the exact melody before writing the lyrics, which can make it more challenging to create the lyrics. James mastered this beautifully. The communication was great and friendly as well. I will definitely seek to collaborate with him again.
by Alan T.
Verified
A wonderful experience working with James. His interpretation of the lyric and his professional songwriting and delivery were outstanding. I hope to work with James again.
by Louise D.
James is a great guy, very easy to work with and a hugely talented musician and songwriter! He’s very attentive and knows how to take ideas to the next level in a unique and inspired way.

James is a hidden gem on SoundBetter and I highly recommend working with him!
by Mr Andrew D Wright
James is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. His skill set as a writer/lyricist and performer is top level and his ability to interpret the needs of a song or client reflect his wealth of experience. Also just great fun to work with ;)
by Shelley H
James is incredible. The most humble and sensitive co/writer to work with. Tasteful in his approach to playing acoustic guitar. Poetic and imaginative in his lyric delivery. You'll want him across all of your songs! Cannot wait to work with him again!

Interview with James Harland-Wright

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Stretch Princess first album, self titled, writer and guitarist
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How fast can you get this done? How good do you want it to be and what can I do to help you meet a deadline?
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: that talent trumps hard work, patience and care
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Music for an original film score and a children's TV show
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Shelley Harland
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog...I was born in the 70's!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Honesty
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The people!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Why do you want to write this song, who are your favourite artists or songwriters?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be vulnerable, bare all and we will be able to achieve the best results
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My frankenstein Gibson acoustic, a record player and 3 Beatles records!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a writer/artist for 25 yrs - I was a guitarist and songwriter in the band Stretch Princess for many years signed to Wind-up Records in NYC and then have written and toured with Shelley Harland and written songs with and for others since - a seasoned pro!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Committed from start to finish
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Julia Michaels - her songwriting is always so fresh!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is more for guitar solo's! A single note melody can elevate a middle eight more powerfully than a mchine gun approach with a thousand notes.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Honesty (in lyrics, melody and guitar)
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The ability to listen for the key elements of the lyrics and strong, original melodies.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually receive an idea or concept for a song and I then craft lyrics, build out chords and melody and then finalise instrumental hooks and parts
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: In a converted out building and former garage runnning Logic Pro, featuring a Blthner Upright Grand Piano and a selection of Fender, Gibson and Taylor Guitars
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Neil Finn, John Lennon, The National, George Martin
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Songwriting, Lyrics and Guitar
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Music for an original film score and a children's TV show
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Shelley Harland
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog...I was born in the 70's!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Honesty
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The people!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Why do you want to write this song, who are your favourite artists or songwriters?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be vulnerable, bare all and we will be able to achieve the best results
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My frankenstein Gibson acoustic, a record player and 3 Beatles records!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a writer/artist for 25 yrs - I was a guitarist and songwriter in the band Stretch Princess for many years signed to Wind-up Records in NYC and then have written and toured with Shelley Harland and written songs with and for others since - a seasoned pro!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Committed from start to finish
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Julia Michaels - her songwriting is always so fresh!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is more for guitar solo's! A single note melody can elevate a middle eight more powerfully than a mchine gun approach with a thousand notes.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Honesty (in lyrics, melody and guitar)
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The ability to listen for the key elements of the lyrics and strong, original melodies.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually receive an idea or concept for a song and I then craft lyrics, build out chords and melody and then finalise instrumental hooks and parts
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: In a converted out building and former garage runnning Logic Pro, featuring a Blthner Upright Grand Piano and a selection of Fender, Gibson and Taylor Guitars
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Neil Finn, John Lennon, The National, George Martin
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Songwriting, Lyrics and Guitar

Stretch Princess - Breakfast for Champions

I was the Writer and Guitarist in this production

Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $200 per song
Top line writer (vocal melody)Average price - $200 per song
Songwriter - MusicContact for pricing
Electric GuitarAverage price - $170 per song
Acoustic GuitarContact for pricing
Bass ElectricContact for pricing
Singer - MaleContact for pricing

I deliver a quick turn-around. I allow 2 revisions and stems will be sent upon final payment. I discuss royalty splits and buyouts per project. Thanks!