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James Blunt Answered Your Questions!

James Blunt sought entry into the music industry upon finishing four years in the Army. Back to Bedlam, Blunt's debut album, was produced in large part by Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith). It was released in 2005, but not before lead single "You're Beautiful" spent many weeks at number one on the U.K. singles chart. James is now taking his charts domination game worldwide.

Recently he took time out of his busy schedule to answer his fans burning questions in our "Ask the Artist" feature!

Natalie from Leicester, UK asked:
I've heard you're from a military family, so how did you get into music?

JB: My mother. She wanted me to have a rounded education with academic stuff and sport and thought it would be a good idea to pick up an instrument. It was violin at age 5 and piano at 7. Then when I saw someone play the electric guitar when I was 14 that was it. It was a lot more interesting so I picked it up, learned some chords and some songs.

Yan Debowski from Quebec asked:
What was the reaction of your father when you told him that you don't wanna be a soldier for the rest of your life?

JB: Very nervous. He thought it was foolish...giving up a steady job and career prospects.

Louise Carter from Colchester, UK asked:
Do you ever regret leaving the Army?

JB: No. You could take a wild guess and get the answer to that one. (Laughs)

Sarah from Huddersfield, England asked:
What is your fondest memory from writing your album?

JB: Being in a very small one room studio in North London with my friend Jimmy recording the demos...I was feeling like I was really capturing stuff musically.

Amy from Buenos Aires, Argentina asked:
When I first listened to "Goodbye My Lover," I thought she had died. What happened to her? Is it based on your own experience?

JB: All my songs are based on my own experiences...all very personal. They’re all like books...where you read them and have images in your own mind while reading the author’s words. She’s still alive.

Masja from Zagreb, Croatia asked:
I was wondering if the song "So Long, Jimmy" is about Jim Morrison?

JB: It’s really about Jimi Hendrix. But when I recorded in Los Angeles I added the nod to "Riders on the Storm". But it’s also for my friend Jimmy and my parents also call me Jimmy sometimes. So it’s one big Jimmy festival.

Joey from Victoria, British Columbia asked:
Where do you get the inspiration to write such fantastic songs?

JB: My own life experiences – friendship, love, losses...good times and bad.

Paul Allen from Plantation, Florida asked:
What has Elton John meant to you?

JB: He is an amazing man who champions new music on the grassroots level. I’m very grateful to him for everything he’s done for me.

Nina S. from Kristiansand, Norway asked:
What qualities do you find attractive in other people?

JB: Honest eyes. Compassion and understanding for others and humanity... and a love of life.

Cay Pyatt from Bideford, UK asked:
What do you do in your spare time? Will you ever do a duet with someone?

JB: No spare time. None at the moment...not a lie. Friends and family though.

A duet? If the right person approaches me and asks... sure.

Erika Dallimore from Oxford, England asked:
If there was one thing you couldn't live without in your life, what would it be and why?

JB: Friends and family. Life would be pointless without them.

Frieda from Packebusch, Germany asked:
When is your birthday? How old are you?

JB: February 22nd. 19 years old... I think I am.

Charlotte from Leeds, England asked:
What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

JB: Straight old chocolate... followed up by a banana.

Thanks to James for his time! Listen to the full album -- Back to Bedlam!