James Marriott: Love, Limerence & Light Arson

"We've been playing it since June, and now it's out, it's not mine anymore. It's a wonderful thing," James Marriott says over Zoom, referencing his new single 'Burn Down The Disco'. Taken from his upcoming album Warning Signs, the track has been described as conveying the "unveiling of obsession within a relationship".

This new track marks a distinct shift in Marriott’s sonic identity, though still ringing true to his existing catalogue. Most artists might see this as a risk, but James Marriott remains assured that his true fans will adore it, simply because they asked for it, and it comes from him – quite a beautiful notion.

"I felt like my audience would like it. When I come to the table with a first single, the most important thing for me is the people that have got me to this point are going to enjoy the direction of it."

When asked why he chose to explore obsession as opposed to traditional relationship themes, Marriott laughs. "I'm not normal about relationships," he confides, speaking about his affinity to the word "limerence" and its link to this new track.

"When you're dating someone, there's this idea that you're trying to get validation from them, and then when you actually fall in love with someone, you suddenly think you’re in control of the situation and then, in a pin-drop moment, that all just dissolves."

He links this term to 'Burn Down The Disco' and connects the themes to extravagant thought processes in his brain when he encounters a romantic relationship.

"Obviously I don’t go and burn down establishments, nor do I recommend it," Marriott jokes as he discusses the extremity of the song title in collaboration with the intense feelings the lyrics evoke.

Speaking from a songwriting and production outlook on his new single, Marriott discusses the beauty and humour of juxtaposing lyrical themes with what is heard instrumentally, with a quote that everyone should hear: "If you have a boat and you paint it blue, then it's just going to kind of fit into the ocean. But if you have a boat and you paint it red, then the picture will look a lot more interesting to me."

He expands on his analogy in reference to his new single.

"If you have a lyric which coincides with the instrumental of a song, then it will all fit and be cute in a little box, and you can package it up nicely. But if you have a lyric which goes against the instrumental theme of the song, I think it’s more interesting."

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Bringing up last year's Don’t Tell The Dog, Marriott’s first UK #1 Album, he discusses the overarching familial and childhood themes, and how they were personally recontextualised for him through the writing and production of the 2025 record.

"I think with all music, whenever you write it and you release it, I think there's these two stages that happen: kind of the acceptance, and letting go of the things."

As the record was released over a year ago, Marriott reflects on how he has grown as a songwriter and looks towards being rawer and more honest in his lyricism.

"There were definitely themes in Don’t Tell the Dog that I was still very much coming to terms with that aren't as obvious in the lyrics, as I now would have liked them to be... And I think, if anything, with Don’t Tell the Dog, I wish I’d been a bit more critical of myself. I wish I'd kind of pushed that boat out a little bit more.”

He talks about finding that balance between this mindset and what is fitting to share with the world, having begun his career as an online personality. While openness has been a significant part of building a public presence, he affirms that now in his music career, he is finding a happy medium.

As he puts it, "You don’t want that person to kind of be like sending you a message the next day like, 'What the fuck, why are you airing this out'?"

Marriott goes on to reflect on his journey of improvement, from where he started in his music-making journey to his newest release, stating that the perception of improvement is subjective and not his biggest focus.

What he truly focuses on is that a listener understands that he cares deeply about the music and art he is creating.

"I love writing music, and I love producing music, and the whole process of it. And I don't need people to think I'm good at it, or people to think that I'm improving, but I would love for people to just kind of understand that I’m doing it because I care about it."

On his way to Australia this month, for the third time, Marriott speaks about his love for our incredible summer weather, great coffee, homey-feeling streets and terrific fans. "The crowds are fantastic. Like every time we play a show in Australia, it’s always taken me by surprise."

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As an international artist, he reflects on how grateful he is to be playing similarly sized shows in Australia, as he does in the UK.

"So, it's always like, well, we’ve got to go back. There's people that would like us to be there."

Marriott is thoroughly invested in his live performance and the experience he offers an audience, utterly enthused when discussing his favourite audiences and cities. He considers the interesting contrast between certain crowds and what that means for a live show, with determination to make each experience a memorable one.

"Sometimes if you want a certain energy, you’ve got to repeat yourself," he says, referring to specific past live shows in the UK.

As our chat comes to a close, we pivot back to his catalogue, past, present and looking towards the future. I ask, "If Are We There Yet? is about asking the questions, and Don't Tell The Dog is about unpacking those answers, what is this new chapter about?"

James has hinted at a new record on the way, Warning Signs, which is now confirmed to be released in early 2027, with 'Burn Down The Disco' being the precursor.

His answer is succinct: "It's a full stop."

A full stop to the early part of his career, the blossoming, page-turning and evolution, not to come to a halt – but to continue in a new form.

"I think there's a certain part of me, which is like, I need to go away and find out what, what I want to do next in terms of my sound. And I have some ideas, but I feel like this does feel like a resolute full stop to my other two records...a nice kind of rounded in a box, nice bow, wrapped up, delivered, gone."

Refreshing and raw, with honesty that carries through his music and his words, James Marriott offered a new perspective on independence, autonomy and growth as a musician. His openness was a reminder that songwriting draws a beautiful line between understanding yourself and being understood.

Seeing his live show during this time between records, with his sense of vigour and enthusiasm, would be a special moment for every music lover.

Catch James Marriott performing at Hindley Street Music Hall on Monday 12 October. Tickets on sale now at moshtix.com.au.