Country music newcomer, James Keith, creates music fuelled by positivity. In a previous life he was a professional rugby league player, now he’s turned his talents to the stage with the release of his debut single, ‘Life Is Good Today’.
James’ new single is a stirring country rock tune designed to exude feel good vibes. “There is so much negativity in the world and it really bothers me,” declares James. “This song has a really positive vibe with lots of energy and gives the listeners several simple reasons, from having a beer with your old man, to waking up next to someone, or going to a show and singing along, to just “LIVE IN THE MOMENT, CAUSE LIFE IS GOOD TODAY”.
The 4-minute anthem pumps through the speakers like something from the glory days of live music – big electric guitar riffs, thunderous drums and James’ down-to-earth vocal front and centre.
While produced and engineered by Craig Honeysett at Dotted Eight Studios in Orange, James took a hands-on approach to the recording. “I had a hand in all aspects of every instrument in the production phase.”
‘Life Is Good Today’ is more than just a song for James Keith, it’s a mantra. It all began when he visited Nashville, TN in 2011. “All the cover bands kept playing this song with the lyrics “life is good today” which really resonated with me.” Country music with a positive message has been his focus ever since.
But before he had this epiphany in Music City, he’d been involved in the family business – professional rugby league. His father, Peter Mortimer, played professionally for 11 years (alongside uncles Steve and Chris Mortimer), notching 5 grand finals with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. When the opportunity arose to follow in his father’s footsteps, James moved from his hometown of Orange to Sydney’s Northern Beaches to don the jersey for Manly.
However, Orange still holds a special place in James’ heart, which is why it was the site of the video clip for ‘Life Is Good Today’. Shot by Dave Smyth (The Studio Door) and Craig Honeysett during a live performance at the CWA Hall in Orange, it captures the raw energy James projects through his music. Behind the band sits an illuminated ‘Tootsies’ sign – a throwback to that life changing Nashville trip, where many a late night was spent listening to the twang of a tele in Broadway’s famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
‘Life Is Good Today’ begs its listeners to pause and count their blessings. Which, to James Keith, is paramount. The unbridled optimism and positivity he weaves into his high energy country rock makes for an impressive debut.