SHADES of DAY

“You failed at life/You’ll get ‘em next time/There’s a second chance for every one.”
The opening lyrics for “One Flashing Light,” the first song on Take All Night, the long-awaited second record by Ojai’s Shades of Day, are reflective of those moments on the artist’s path when self-doubt threatens to derail hope. It’s an experience that’s familiar to anyone who ever pursued a dream — when, despite all evidence of impending doom, you forge ahead, clinging to every scrap of encouragement you ever received, every inspirational cliché you ever heard.
With nearly five years having passed since the band’s debut record, Mayday, this release may seem like the proverbial second chance, but Shades front man B. Willing James sees it as more of a beginning. “You always hear about overnight success after a decade of hard work,” he says. “Discouragement and perseverance for the love of the game — I feel this is our real coming-out party.”
Chosen by VCReporter as a band to watch in 2010 and recently voted one of the top three bands in Ventura County by readers, there’s no question Shades of Day’s star is on the rise. And if the reception it received at the Ventura Theater last month is any indication, fans are having no trouble embracing a more seasoned and mature version of the band that wowed us in its infancy with its straightforward, country blues rock.
The journey from there to here hasn’t been fraught with the rock star drama normally associated with a band’s early development. Rather, it’s been a time of personal growth and searching, especially for James as is evident lyrically throughout Take All Night. Progressing as a band is a costly and often disappointing endeavor, especially at a time when it’s ridiculously easy for people to cycle through new music. A few years ago when things began to slow down for Shades of Day, James moved briefly to Los Angeles and explored his options as a solo artist. He also fell in love. All of this life experience ultimately strengthened his confidence in his calling as a musician and his bond with the band — all of which has everything to do with what is clearly a more grown-up collection of songs.
“I think I’ve been loving the last couple years — the richness of life I didn’t feel in my early 20s. I had more raw energy and apprehension, but now I’m more comfortable in my own skin and able to present what I want better, and that goes for everyone,” he says. “Making this record taught us a lot about ourselves, and about how to make a really good record.”,,