Gavin James- Irish Music Artist
Gavin James: Songwriting simplicity and staying grounded
Gavin James, born Gavin Wigglesworth in Dublin in 1991, is a critically acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter known for his emotive voice and heartfelt acoustic ballads. Coming from a musical family, he began performing in his teens and gained early recognition on Dublin’s open-mic circuit. His breakthrough came in 2013 with the single “Say Hello,” which won Irish Song of the Year. He soon signed with major labels Sony and Capitol Records, touring with artists like Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, and earning widespread acclaim for his debut album Bitter Pill in 2015. Hits like “Nervous” and “Always” followed, with the latter earning diamond certification in Brazil and cementing his international popularity.
James has since released several chart-topping albums, including Only Ticket Home, Boxes, and The Sweetest Part, earning over 45 Platinum and Gold certifications worldwide and more than 2 billion streams. Known for his emotional storytelling and soulful performances, he continues to evolve his sound, recently releasing “Goldrush” in 2025 with a more electric, rock-influenced style. He also supports local Irish music through live shows and open-mic events at Doyle’s Corner, a Dublin pub he purchased in 2024. Despite global success, Gavin remains deeply connected to his Irish roots and local music community.
Can you tell us about some of the key milestones in your music career over the past few years?
Over the past few years, I’ve continued my journey from Dublin busker to international artist. My third studio album, The Sweetest Part, topped the Irish charts in 2022 and led to an incredible run of headline shows across Ireland and the UK. In late 2023, I released “White Noise,” a track that marked a darker, more dynamic shift in my sound and set the stage for my fourth album, which I’ve been recording near Dublin and plan to release in early 2025. It’s been a busy time not just creatively, but professionally too—my company posted strong growth in 2023, which has been a great milestone.
One of the standout moments in my career was performing “Bitter Pill” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! back in 2015. It was an unforgettable experience and helped introduce my music to a wider US audience. That performance, along with earlier appearances on shows like The Late Late Show and Dancing with the Stars, really helped build momentum internationally. Now, with new music and a world tour on the horizon in 2025, I’m excited to keep pushing forward and evolving as an artist.
Tell us why your in Wexford today?
I was in Wexford Town today soaking up the local vibe and getting the word out about my upcoming gig at the Live at the Breakwater Festival. I’ll be headlining the Breakwater big-top on Saturday, 2nd August, during the same week as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which makes it extra special. I spent some time on Main Street chatting with business owners and shoppers—just getting to know the heart of Wexford and the people who make it such a great place. It was a great way to connect with the community ahead of the show, and I’m buzzing to be back here soon performing under the marquee.
