Life’s good today — James Mortimer launches debut album

After a decade of playing alongside brother Robbie, James Mortimer is stepping out front of stage and singing to his own tune.

“Life is Good Today” is the snappy title of James’ 13-track debut album that was recorded at Orange’s Dotted Eight Studio under his performing name, James Keith.

Originally written with younger brother Robbie Mortimer in mind, James said the songs changed to be more personal in nature after deciding he would go ahead and record them himself.

“One of the good things, when I decided to do it myself, I wrote some personal songs about my kids and about growing up in Orange and when we were kids and so I have made it more of a personal album about my life and growing up out in the country,” James said.

“And they are all positive songs too… There seems to be a lot of negativity around these days, and I like to focus on what's good so all these songs have a really good positive message in them.”

Joining James in the recording studio were long-time bandmates Alvie Bevan and Quinn Luxford.

“Two of the best local musicians!” James said. “They're in the bands I play with, so they know me, they know my style, they know my life and music and they came and recorded their parts on the album and we ended up with 13 songs that, honestly, I couldn't be more proud of!”

While the first single from Life is Good Today will be released on Friday, October 28, James’ actual album launch will be this Friday, October 14 at the family winery, Mortimers Wines.

“It will start at 6pm and I’ve got Darren Smith, another local musician, he’s going to help me out, he’s going to be the support act,” James said.

Supported by his five-piece band, James will perform all 13 tracks from Life is Good Today along with a few other big hits.

For more information and for tickets to James Keith’s debut album launch for Life is Good Today, visit: www.mortimerswines.com.au/events