James Lange Theory of Life and Music

We met James Lange in Palm Beach for a drink and a chat to find out about what his band Lange Theory has been up too.  First – the band name, not only apt because James Lange fronts the band, but also because the ‘James-Lange Theory’ is one of the earliest modern theories of emotion and physical responses. It’s hard to imagine James with any other emotion than relaxed and upbeat: he’s pretty much the epitome of the classic surfer dude with kinda wild and crazy curly blonde hair and washed out jeans. 

James is studying Science at the University of Sydney after taking a year off last year to travel up and down Australia’s east coast and surf.  ‘I felt my mind degrading a bit, and really wanted to come back and go to Uni and stimulate the brain cells again. This is my first year, and I still have another 2 years after that (depending where I really want to go)… I still haven’t figured that out yet.’

Going to University in the city is stimulating but it does take a lot of valuable time away from James’ other main focus, his band (and main passion) the Lange Theory. ‘I go to uni Monday to Friday, ‘ James says, but adds laughing, ‘I usually take Monday off. Tuesday – Thursday I get home at 7pm, and I leave the house at 6am. I am usually pretty busy and kinda tired, but the band always makes time to practice when we have a gig coming up. I am busy, but somehow I always manage to fit it in. I don’t know how!’

“The Lange Theory’s sound is decidedly beach-y, a kind of folk, roots, reggae mix, which is 100% listenable.” 

The Theory’s sound is decidedly beach-y, a kind of folk, roots, reggae mix, which is 100% listenable. The band’s sound is carried along by James’s beautiful vocals and his strong song writing skills. ‘I have been doing solo acoustic guitar and singing since I was 9 years old, and getting into ukulele and piano in the last few years as well. When we have time to practice as a band we usually do a bit of a jam session first up, and try how things work out with the group. Some songs might be better suited to a bigger sound with the full band, and other might be good just for me to do as a solo thing. When it comes to music, I try to constantly be writing, and evolving in my writing.’

James (last on the right) and the band take a decidedly relaxed view on self-promotion, but it seems to be working out quite well for them so far. ‘When I do a gig,’ he says ‘things usually evolve from there. I usually get one or two offers for more gigs. I like the way that works, because it is an affirmation for me that people like what we are doing, and that’s how I kind of feel how it should work.’ They get a lot of encouragement from their local community as well -  ‘I grew up in Avalon, near the beach. Av is like its own little bubble, everyone knows everyone, I am so lucky to have the support I do in the northern beaches. The music has a real beach-y feel, I can’t get away from its influence on me.’

We mention that we heard he was on the ship’s iPod docking station on high rotation on a mate’s surf charter boat in The Mentawais (off Sumatra in Indonesia), James grins shyly and demurs as if ever so slightly embarrassed by this fact, before nodding, ‘Oh, that’s really cool...’

Here in Girlo World, we completely agree with our surfing brothers excellent taste and it’s now our new obsession in our studio. Well move over Jack Johnson (please!)

So how would the next move in the Lange Theory play out if anything were possible? 

‘I guess if I could do anything, I would love to play at all the festivals throughout Australia (I love camping festivals). Next up we are playing at The New Beginnings Festival, on January 14th and 15th at Lake Macquarie, along with Grafton Primary and The Hungry Kids of Hungry, which should be awesome. I guess as a career trajectory I would love to do something like Tame Impala or Angus and Julia Stone have.’

Watch this space.

If you want to catch Lange Theory at The New Beginning Festival, you can buy tickets through Lange Theory Facebook Page to receive discount, and bump of the bands set time - lets make them headliners!

Photographer: Alistair Vann