A WINNER of the Austrian version of hit TV show The Voice will play Bromsgrove’s Hop Pole this Sunday (February 15).
James Cottriall relocated to Vienna after graduating with a German degree at the University of Nottingham.
The singer-songwriter grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and picked up his first guitar when he was 12.
Writing and performing was both a hobby and helped pay for him to get through college.
It was in his final term when he saw a poster for The Voice TV show in Austria and, after entering, he won it.
As well as raising his profile, it gave him the chance to record the single Unbreakable with producer Alexander Kahr and it went to number one in the Austrian ‘Most Requested Chart’ and spent more than six months in the national Top 40.
It was also nominated as Song Of The Year at the 2010 Amadeus Awards and is due to be released in the UK on March 15.
After the success of that single in Austria and a second ‘So Nice’, he released his debut album ‘Sincerely Me’.
His second album Love is Louder peaked at number ten in Austria and led to further hit singles over there, including ‘By Your Side’ and ‘Smile’. Another album track ‘One Wish’ was used worldwide by Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch in 2012, generating impressive sales in some 50 countries.
He has played a series of shows in the US, while in LA, along with support slots with Bryan Adams and Justin Bieber.
James, whose dream has always been to ‘share his music with the entire world’, said: “Bryan Adams was the greatest honour for me, as I’ve always been a big fan.
“He stood at the side of the stage for most of my performance, obviously I tried to play just that little bit better for him.”
James will be supported by Bromsgrove’s very own Dan Greenaway.
For more, call the Hop Pole on 01527 870100.
Visit www.jamescottriall.com for more on James, his music and his tour.
