Having had a stellar year within Electronic Music, we’re excited to see what 2024 will bring for fans of the genre: as 2023 stood out with its collection of striking releases, unforgettable live shows, and other fresh and innovative forms of creative expression, like new labels and smash radio show episodes, we’re looking forward to another year filled with memorable moments. Joining us today to share a sneak peek into her plans for the next year is the talented Lorna James; as she delves into her upcoming releases and goals for 2024, we discover more about what fans can expect from her over the next 12 months.
What’s one personal goal you have set for yourself in the upcoming year, and what steps have you taken to achieve it?
I’m carrying on a goal I set myself this year in 2023, which is to write one decent track a week. It’s not easy sometimes, but I think that commitment creates enough output to ensure that you have enough material to work with.
Can you share an achievement or accomplishment from the past year that you’re most proud of and why?
I started writing Ambient music this year which enabled me to reach a wider audience, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I have received messages from people all over the world who have been touched in some way by my music, and it has spurred me on to get better and create more material next year.
What’s a new skill or hobby you’re planning to explore in the new year, and what motivated you to pursue it?
I’m a pianist and composer, and my aim for next year is to be able to mix my own tracks into something that creates a spellbinding live performance.
What’s the most exciting project or initiative you have on your radar for the upcoming year, and what impact do you hope it will have?
I have two exciting projects for 2024: I’m releasing two albums in the first half of the forthcoming year. The Ambient album is called ‘Stratosphere’, inspired by different cultural influences and moods. The second is a House album, which I’m working on at the moment. My main aim with music is to leave the listener feeling better than they did before they heard my music, so if I can achieve that with these albums, they’ll be a success.
Reflecting on the past year, what’s one lesson you’ve learned that you intend to carry with you into the new year?
I used to worry about trying to fit into certain genres. In the 90s, House music was just that: whereas now it’s divided into so many different sub-genres. I have learned that it’s better to create music that sounds good, rather than worrying about how it will be classified.
How do you plan to strike a better work-life balance in the upcoming year to improve your overall well-being?
It’s so easy nowadays to be distracted by countless demands on our time. If we are not careful, our ‘downtime’ gets filled with all sorts of external media. I try to make sure that I have at least 15 minutes in each day when I can just sit and do nothing, whether that’s meditation, or just reflecting on the day that’s just been. Next year I plan to spend more time ‘doing nothing’ as it’s the only way I find I can really tune into myself.
Can you share your top three New Year’s resolutions? Please explain why they are important to you
The first is to make as much beautiful music as I can. The second is to spend more time doing nothing, and the third is to have more cold showers. I’ve recently learned about the positive effects that cold showers/ice baths can have on your mental and physical health, and while it takes a bit of getting used to, it’s a great way to start the day.
Can you name a book, movie, or experience from the past year that had a significant impact on you, and why?
The book I spent the most time with in 2023 was ‘Power in the People – Not the People In Power’ written by eminent human rights barrister, Michaeld Mansfield KC (full disclosure – I helped him to write it.) It’s an inspiring book about the work that he has done throughout his professional life with people who have sought to change things for the better, and how their journeys in effecting change have impacted upon them.
In what ways do you hope to grow and develop personally and professionally in the next 12 months?
It’s easy to gauge whether you’re going in the right direction personally and professionally by how you feel. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If you’re scared to do something because you’re doing it for the first time, you have to push through the fear. If something feels great, do more of it.
If you could choose one word or phrase to represent your theme for the new year, what would it be, and why does it resonate with you?
I have an ongoing mantra: I use my musical gifts to raise the frequency of the world. If I continue to do that in 2024 and beyond, it’s been a success.
With an exciting journey ahead and the promise of new music soon, we’re looking forward to following Lorna James along throughout 2024; as we end our conversation today, we thank her for taking the time to speak with us.
Follow Lorna James: Instagram | Spotify
