Bruce James is the work of American musician Michael Bartlett. Originally from Washington DC but now in Raleigh, NC, Bartlett began making music as young as 11, after getting a guitar and a copy of (music production software) Cakewalk for his birthday.
Bartlett became the chief sound engineer at the Black Cat venue in DC, but ultimately felt it wasn’t his calling, questioning his own abilities and, ultimately, choosing to move on. In talking to him, Michael is open about his self-doubt, and the fact he wrestles with imposter syndrome.
In Bruce James, Bartlett has a different kind of outlet. Typically, he works alone, with his guitar and equipment, maybe hauled up in a hotel room. And whilst he may struggle with a sense of self-doubt, he states that the one thing he is confident of is his own sound. The uniqueness of Bartlett’s musical voice, means that he doesn’t see his sound as being directly derived from anyone. Based on Middle Class Alcoholic, I’m inclined to agree.
As a song, Middle Class Alcoholic has a textured, slightly folksy aesthetic, but whilst the production techniques are subtle, there is actually a significant amount of purposeful detail here. The song’s first half sits on a crisp drum beat, Bartlett’s initial haunted-sounding vocal gradually joined by processed vocal harmonies and synth melodies. In the song’s second half, the percussion melts into a clattering drum solo, guitar work picking out a beautiful melody as the song reaches its climax. The result is impressive – definitely not derivative, but I find myself pleasantly reminded of Kurt Vile, and The Long Winters.
Talking about the song, Bartlett found himself reflecting on a podcast he once heard, regarding alcoholism:
“(The podcast) defined (a) middle class alcoholic as someone who doesn't drink to excess but drinks every day, and it's harder to NOT have a drink than to have that one beer. Which I felt really defined me for a long time. I still drink, but not every day.”
I’m intrigued by the creativity clearly on display by Bruce James, coupled with his candour and vulnerability, and can’t wait to hear more.