Departure Lounge with Mitch James

At 24, Kiwi singer-songwriter Mitch James has already ticked off multiple milestones. Released last September, his self-titled debut album is certified gold in his home country of New Zealand. His singles 'Bright Blue Skies' and '21' have become Platinum hits, and he’s had two more singles, 'Old News' and 'All the Ways to Say Goodbye', go gold. He’s racked up 120 million streams so far, and many of his guitar-influenced pop songs have become mainstream radio staples.

Mitch kicked his career off by busking on the streets of London. He’d moved to the UK, but struggled to make ends meet. James spent time sleeping rough, was beaten up and robbed. But he got to perform, honing his skills in front of an audience, busking during the day while playing more than 200 shows in pubs and bars around the country at night. As his confidence grew, James began replacing covers with his own material, songs inspired by his experiences living abroad, ones that utilised his knack for matching hook-filled melodies to his warm vocals.

Along the way, Mitch James has clocked up the miles playing major local and international tours, and he counts UK superstar Ed Sheeran and local rock giants Six60 as both mentors and friends. He recently scored four nominations at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. With his new single 'Sunday Morning' just released, several major summer tours planned, and a second album being prepared for 2020, things are only about to get bigger.

Mitch checked into the Departure Lounge with Stampsy and Josh to talk fan messages and his kryptonite... shoes!