Fatherhood inspires new music for Brendan James

It’s easy to give songwriter Brendan James a pass on why he hasn’t released new music in the past few years.

“I just had a lot of fun out on the road and usually that would lead into another writing cycle for me, but enter two children,” the Charleston-based piano player and songwriter said. “I’m going to be honest, with one child I had a little more writing flow and then the second child came and, oh my gosh, it’s so hard to get time.”

A trip around the world with his wife and two toddlers sparked his creativity and, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, he is readying his first album in six years. The hope, he said, if for a spring release.

James has returned to touring after a short hiatus to visit 10 countries and has an 8 p.m. shoe on Saturday, Nov. 23, at The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte.

The basis of his new album will be songs that were inspired from his family trip to Europe, Rwanda, New Zealand, Thailand and other stops. James said he started 25 songs based on the trip and will likely have six or seven solid tracks from the experience.

It all started when his wife came home and said that they weren’t living the life they needed. There was too much stress coming from a too-expensive fixer upper, so they decided to sell the house and buy something smaller. A good-sized check made the decision easier, so they banked half for a home down payment.

“We decided that we can take the rest of the money and get some time with our family and live that dream of taking the kids around the world,” he said. “Even saying it out loud, I can’t believe it. I really think I’m more proud of that than anything I’ve accomplished to date.”

Getting away from work and enjoying family time was one of the lessons James learned from the expedition. They stayed two weeks in each location and immersed themselves in the culture.

“We still, despite all of the stuff going on in the U.S., felt that this is where we want to call home and want to return there, especially Charleston,” he said.

James has been signed to major record labels in the past, but said the new music will likely be self-released. His songs have appeared in many TV shows and movies over the years and he’s toured with some bigger-named acts, including John Mayer.

Now, James must determine how to tour and be a father. His current plan includes a self-imposed travel rule of being gone only 18 days in a row.

“My goal for the next 30 years is to do both to the best of my ability and do it almost evenly,” he said. “It’s a big question trying to balance touring and family. I want to give them equal attention and make sure my kids know that at the end of it they are my top priority over everything. I will drop anything for them. It’s a tricky balance.”

Who: Brendan James with Pete Muller

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St, Charlotte

Tickets: $18-$23

Info: www.neighborhoodtheatre.com

Want to go?