Brendan James Premieres the Music Video for Pensive Single “Chasing Light”

In times of great pessimism and uncertainty, we can cling a little bit closer and tighter to artists like Brendan James. James is a well-regarded and successful young singer-songwriter from Charleston, South Carolina. Today, we premiere his brand new music video for “Chasing Light.” It’s the title track to James’ latest studio record which came out on January 17th.

The video is intimate, emotional, and extremely heartfelt. The outdoor shots were captured within the beauty and elegance of the state of Colorado. James has always made his love for the outdoors very apparent. He views nature as an environment for healing and spiritual cleansing, a place where he can freely be whoever he wants to be. His time outside is so important to him that when he’s on tour, he makes sure to seek out trails and hikes in each city. The song itself is James reflecting on mental health and his own issues with depression. He maintains this desire to “chase light” as he views it as a method of easing his distress.

Discussing the video clip, James states:

“I hope my fans dig this video. It was shot in Boulder, Colorado in the middle of my cross country drive, with director Mark Wilson. I remember how hard it was to wake up before sunrise for some of these shots.. after performing late into the night before. But I love how it came out. Mark has now done three music videos with me and always seems to capture the spirit of my music so well, simply, authentically, naturally.”

Throughout his distinguished career, James has learned a lot from the artists he looks up to. He has had the good fortune of collaborating or touring with John Mayer, John Legend, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, and Andy Grammar. These interactions and relationships have helped him fine-tune his musical approach. Chasing Light is a real singer-songwriter type of offering. His sixth proper studio album, the songs are simple and straightforward. From a recording perspective, the attention was primarily on vocals, piano, drums, strings, guitar, and storytelling. James engages with the topic of mental health throughout the record. He also discusses the highs and lows of relationships and love, and he ensures to emphasize his appreciation for the different generations of his family. James is proud of his roots and he makes that apparent, with gratitude directed to his grandfather, father-in-law, and his children.

Although it is predominantly an acoustic record, there are some heavier moments throughout Chasing Light. Which is the way James wants things to be, creating an environment where you can feel free to express yourself. It’s artists like James who prove that you don’t have to sound like Metallica to be heavy as hell.

James also joins us today for an exclusive Track-by-Track rundown of the entire Chasing Light record.

1. “Great Unknown”

“Growing up in a small town in New Hampshire, in a house that bordered 50 acres of woods, I learned at a young age how sacred nature was to me. I would just go out there by myself, talk to the trees, build forts, sit in the leaves, connect with something better. I think I’ve hiked or walked or run in 47 of the 50 states at this point, on tour or otherwise. And I hope people can hear it in my music. And I hope this song can accompany people on their big adventures into their own great unknowns.”

2. “Chasing Light”

“Since the events of 2020 I’ve had to fight hard to come back to a state of confidence, creativity, and productivity. My family of four went through a lot of things in that period, including my wife’s open heart surgery in 2023. And writing this new album really came down to a choice, whether I could remain optimistic or sort of let the darkness overtake me. So this song is a triumphant reminder to myself that I can still fight back against adversity and mental struggles. And I can still be a light for others.”

3. “Peacemaker”

“After watching a documentary about the history of the Iroquois people, and a Peacemaker who bound their six warring nations into one. I was kind of blown away. I was impressed by the words the peacemaker spoke about his people being stronger together than they were apart. And I wanted to write a song about it. I just felt it was necessary in these times where peacemakers seem fewer and farther between. And I have a feeling it’s going to be a pretty rough road ahead in this country and this world. I think we’re going to need millions of everyday peacemakers, ready to bridge gaps between opposing ideologies.”

4. “What Is It All For”

“I wrote this song because I really have no idea why we’re here, or what our actual purpose is. Organized religions, mythologies, and philosophers have attempted to provide answers, sure, but none seem to resonate with me. When I’m lost or overwhelmed, I just try to keep it simple and think, maybe our purpose here is just to be. To live, to die, to evolve, to hurt, to laugh, to be humble, to be kind, forgiving, present and to just FEEL. And that thought and all that my senses can gather in that moment always seem to comfort me.”

5. “Happy Just To Be Alive”

“I wrote this song after conversations with my 82-year-old father-in-law. His outlook of ‘just being happy to be here’ has always been so heavy and yet so inspiring to me. In this song I’m simply taking it all in, reflecting on all I’ve done, all I’ve seen, and being grateful to just be here.”

6. “Sunday Afternoon”

“This song is about stumbling into temporary enlightenment while simply completing the tasks of the day. When I get a dose of that Sunday afternoon feeling, but it comes on Tuesday at 10 am, I’m grateful for it, and I know I’m going to be ok.”

Brendan James “Chasing Light” single artwork

7. “Clarity”

I wrote this song after witnessing a mental health crisis my dear friend was having. Ten years in the making, she finally came undone. Her identity was wrapped up in her job and her job was too demanding. It was so hard to watch, especially knowing that her husband was doing all he could to support her, but still feeling helpless too. So I wrote it from his perspective, knowing all he wanted for her was to find peace and a clear mind again. This experience really showed me that you never know how someone is actually doing in their life. So now I try to keep a closer eye on friends, family, and even acquaintances.”

8. “Wonderful Place”

“This song is a multi-generational story, beginning with my grandfather immigrating from Ireland and ending with me raising children here of my own. Despite the hard period that this planet and society are going through, I still hope my children and my children’s children find a way to experience a full life, the joys, the pains, all of it.”

9. “17 Years”

“This song marks a period of time achieved by me and my wife that I am so proud of. It tells our story from Charleston to New York City, to California, and back again to Charleston. Our relationship has weathered so many storms, many caused by my life in the music business. And yet we have still made it work, and raised children and owned homes, and traveled extensively. I hope this song makes people proud of their own relationships, and all the challenges they may have overcome.”