James Bay releases acoustic version of 'Give Me The Reason' along with new music video
He released 'Give Me The Reason' in March
Following the release of his fantastic comeback single 'Give Me The Reason', James Bay has now released an acoustic version of the song along with a video. The singer, who will be appearing at Hits Live in Liverpool next month, shared a clip of the video on Instagram, followed by the full video on YouTube.
Telling his fans: 'It’s always fun to re-explore, rework or reinvent a song in a more stripped back way, creating an acoustic version. My musical life began with lots of performing acoustic, either solo or with a couple others onstage.'
He continued: 'So for me it’s a familiar way to make music. Here’s Give Me The Reason sounding a lot like it did when I first demo’d it. But with some extra special excitement peppered throughout by mine and @foyvance ‘s co writer and brilliant producer @gabesimonsays Enjoy! X'.
The music video shows James as he's getting ready for a gig where he is performing 'Give Me The Reason'. The video is also interspersed with clips from backstage and what looks like writing sessions.
The new version is clearly already a hit with fans who have been leaving comments, one wrote: 'I loved this acoustic version, the video is beautiful too. James, how do you manage to be so special and so humble at the same time? You truly touch people's hearts with your lyrics and music.🧡'.
Another said: 'Wow, just absolutely incredible. You never cease to amaze me and I cannot wait for more!! Much love! 💜💜💜'.
Before releasing the acoustic version, James also shared some of his thoughts behind writing the song telling his fans: 'So many different thoughts and processes go into writing every song. Here’s some of the thoughts behind the writing of 'Give Me The Reason' 🟠'.
As well as releasing new music, James is due to start his UK tour on 29th April in Oxford. He has also teased a new album telling his fans back in March: 'Give Me The Reason, the first single from my third album is finally here. It’s been a long and winding adventure making all this new music, but every moment was worth it. I love this song, hope you all love it too'.
You can hear songs by James Bay on Forth 1.
Now take a look at James Bay's career:
2013: James Bay released first EP and toured with Kodaline
James released his first EP 'The Dark of the Morning' in 2013 and also toured with the band Kodaline in the UK and Ireland.
2014: James Bay released 'Let It Go'
James Bay released 'Let It Go' in September 2014, the song was his first release from his second EP, as well being on debut studio album 'Chaos and the Calm', released in the same year.
'Let It Go' was a Top 10 song for James after it was re-released, following the success of 'Hold Back The River'.
2014: James Bay toured with Hozier
In 2014, James joined the band Hozier on tour, for their North America leg. He also released his debut album 'Chaos and the Calm' which was nominated for a Grammy Award, for Best Rock Album, while the song 'Hold Back the River' was nominated for Best Rock Song and Bay for Best New Artist.
2014: James Bay released 'Hold Back The River'
'Hold Back The River' was a huge success for James reaching Number 2 in the UK, it was also nominated for a Grammy and used in the film The Space Between Us.
2015: James Bay released 'Scars'
'Scars' was the third single released from James' debut album 'Chaos and the Calm' on 8th January 2015.
2015: James Bay had his first headline tour
After supporting bands on two tours it was his turn to be the headliner. In 2015 and 2016 he took his 'Chaos and the Calm Tour' on the road, performing in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and more places around the UK.
2015: James Bay opens for Taylor Swift on her '1989' tour
James Bay joined Taylor Swift on her '1989' tour in 2015. It was also the year that he won the Critics' Choice BRIT Award and GQ Men of The Year's Breakthrough Solo Artist.
2016: James won a BRIT Award for British Male Solo Artist
James was nominated for four BRIT Awards in 2016, winning British Male Solo Artist. This would make it is second BRIT in total.
James also won an Ivor Novello Award - Most Performed Work for 'Hold Back The River', a Q Award for Best Solo Artist, and Echo Music Prize for Best International Newcomer.
2018: James Bay released 'Us'
James released 'Us' in 2018, both as a solo artist and a collab with Alicia Keys. The pair performed the song together on The Voice in 2018 and you can watch their performance here.
2018: James Bay joined The Rolling Stones on tour
In 2018, James also joined The Rolling Stones on their 'No Filter' tour.
2019: James Bay toured with Ed Sheeran
James Bay joined Ed Sheeran on the Europe leg of his '÷' Tour. James later reflected on the experience writing on Instagram: 'Our time on the #dividetour has finally come to an end. What a beautiful, brilliant summer it's been! 3 months of shows I will honestly never, ever forget. Can't give enough thanks to my band and crew for all the endless hard work, love and laughs during this chapter.'
2020: James Bay released 'Chew on My Heart'
In 2020, James released 'Chew On My Heart', the song didn't chart in the UK, however the music video has now had more than 5 million views on YouTube, since its release.
2022: James Bay releases comeback single, tour and album
James Bay released his comeback single 'Give Me The Reason' on 24th March 2022. He also teased a new album and had previously announced his tour.
James' tour will see him performing with his band for the first time in three years and taking to the stage in several locations across the UK.
2022: James Bay releases third album 'Leap'
On Friday 8th July, James dropped his hugely-antipcated third studio album titled 'Leap'. The album features 12 new songs including 'Give Me The Reason' and 'One Life'.
2023: James Bay announces a one-off charity gig
James Bay announced a one-off gig to raise money for food bank charity Bankuet. All profits from the gig go to the charity which works with food banks across the UK.
2024: Album number four and upcoming tour
2024 was another big year for the singer, with him teasing new music before revealing that his fourth album, 'Changes All the Time', would be released on 4th October. Prior to its release, James released two singles from his fourth album - 'Up All Night' with The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, and 'Easy Distraction'. James described the songs on his fourth album as the best music he's ever made, saying: "I believe in this music."
Not only that, but in building the anticipation of his fourth album the singer also announced UK & Ireland tour dates for 2025. James revealed that throughout February 2025, he would be performing in cities including Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin and London - taking on the world-renowned Wembley Arena.
2024: Announces several acoustic gigs to celebrate new music
To celebration of his new music, James announced several acoustic gigs which will take place across England and Scotland in September and October 2024 - starting in Dundee, before playing across the country and ending in Brighton in October.
Now read:
James Bay: Get to know the singer behind 'Hold Back The River'
James Bay drops emotive video for 'Give Me The Reason' and teases new album
Buy tickets to see James Bay at Hits Live Liverpool