James Leclaire Strikes a Chord with Newest Anthem “Are You Ready?” – Part of His Ambitious Monthly Release Project
Singer-songwriter James Leclaire gets everyone singing along with his latest single, “Are You Ready?”
Manotick, Ontario-based folk artist James Leclaire released his sixth single “Are You Ready?” from his ambitious and unique project where he is releasing a new song each month for the next three years.
After the shocking end to his 23-year marriage in 2020, Leclaire recorded an astounding 37 songs that encapsulate his heartbreak and journey as he navigated through many new life experiences.
“My sorrowful songs were always written from a fictional place or as a witness to others pain. Now it was my sorrow, my pain, my wound, and it caused my pen to bleed ink and my guitar to cry chords,” says Leclaire.
To assist on the project, the Renfrew, Ontario-born folk singer-songwriter amassed an all-star team of seasoned musicians that have worked with artists such as Norah Jones, the Doobie Brothers, and Neil Young. The contributors include guitarist Kevin Breit, drummer Ed Toth, guitarist and pianist John Fraser Findlay, harmonicist Mickey Raphael, and many other local musicians.
“Are You Ready? describes all the ups and downs that one will face while chasing the thing that they love. It enforces the idea that good things are always worth fighting for. Am I ready? I sure am.” says Leclaire.
With a chorus highlighted by backing vocals inspired by 80s metal, combined with the grounded folk and alt-country sensibilities of the musicianship and Leclaire’s life experiences, “Are You Ready?” creates an acoustic-driven track with melodies that make it impossible to ignore. Leclaire’s gruff vocals add a sense of urgency and emotion that expels his emotional lyrics like a memorable punk sing-along.
Leclaire’s newest work comes after a hiatus that saw him not perform or record new music for over five years. After his life was turned upside down and finding new life experiences and a new relationship, Leclaire had an overflow of inspiration which resulted in kickstarting his return to music.
The first monthly single, “Things That I Said”, was released in August 2023. Each new monthly song has a different surprise and “Are You Ready?” is one that will get audiences singing and moving.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is James Leclaire and I am a folk/country singer-songwriter from Manotick, On. I have always loved the art of storytelling. So, naturally, songwriting became a great way for me to tell stories. I started writing songs as soon as I borrowed a guitar from a friend when I was 16. I never learned covers. I just wanted to tell my own stories. That storytelling passion also led to a successful career in animation as a series creator, storyboard artist, director, and studio co-founder.Â
Tell us about the process of recording “Are You Ready”?Â
 “Are You Ready?” is one of thirty-seven songs that I brought to producer Phillip Victor Bova at Bova Sound in Ottawa back in December 2019. Phil loved what I was doing and came on as producer. We started recording in 2020 and it took us all the way to the end of 2023.Â
Phil’s keen ear, skill set, experience, and contacts brought the songs to a level beyond what I expected. For “Are You Ready?”, Phil reached out to Juno Nominee John Fraser Findlay for lead electric guitar. John did not disappoint. He is a total pro and supplied amazing riffs alongside his enjoyable demeanor.Â
My lifelong friend Michael Hunter added his furiously precise drumming skills to the track which really set the pace of the song.
On bass, another friend, Tristan Whitehead lent his four-string abilities which stirred in an addictive rhythmic hook. Â
With all that, plus the cozy and friendly environment provided by Bova Sound, the experience of recording all 37 songs became one of the most memorable milestones in my life. “Are You Ready?” is the 6th single released from that batch with a new one coming out every month.Â
What’s it like being an artist in Manotick?
Manotick is a small village about 30 minutes from Ottawa’s downtown core. So, although there isn’t a music scene directly in Manotick, there are lots of places in and around Ottawa to perform original music.Â
Living in the country near the water provides a serene place to relax and cultivate my songs.Â
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
Well, the first Canadian artist would have been Bryan Adams. I remember being about 8 or 9 years old and buying the “Reckless” cassette from Radio Shack. I had a large Claritone boombox that I would pull around my neighborhood in my wagon, blasting Kids Wanna Rock and Run To You. Sorry dad, I know the Claritone was never supposed to leave the living room.
As for the most recent, I would have to say, Slow Leaves(aka Grant Davidson). The guy is so uniquely talented as a musician but equally amazing at self-promotion. He is like an audio battle royale that’s down to Roy Orbison, George Harrison, and Leonard Cohen. And Roy is on the top rope preparing to come down with a flying elbow. Oh, and his stage presence and live performances are stellar. Check him out!
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
I guess the one thing I would encourage everyone to do is to take a chance on yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just a path to knowledge, and knowledge paves the path to success. A top Major League Baseball star hits .300. That means he misses 70% of the time. So keep swinging!