When James Bookert walked off of the set of the last day of shooting the movie Pitch Perfect 3, he knew that he wanted more of a role as a writer/producer. Having collaborated with musicians Harvey Mason Jr, Anna Kendrick, Ester Dean, and Trinidad James, Bookert wished for a role far beyond what he could find in his then-band, Whiskey Shivers.
Having had a heavy hand in the recording, production, and arranging of Whiskey Shivers’ songs that appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Pitch Perfect 3, Bookert set out on a journey that would find him as the sole musician, engineer and producer in his new project San Gabriel.
Following the release of the film, when Whiskey Shivers’ European tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bookert took a job at an East Austin Liquor store to make ends meet. It was there that Bookert began writing and recording what would become his debut record Nights and Weekends, which is due out August 15th via Share It Music (PRE-ORDER).
The liquor store, nestled in a quiet East Austin neighborhood became Bookert’s home away from home; his de facto studio. He began writing and recording on his downtime, before, after and during shifts as well as on Sundays when the store was closed. As long as the shelves were stocked, Bookert was able to write and record his music.
After a string of seizures, and waking up in a hospital bed surrounded by his family, it was made abundantly clear how fleeting life can be. Bookert made the decision to leave his former band to pursue his solo music as San Gabriel
His efforts quickly caught the attention of Austin NPR affiliate Radio Station KUTX, when they named San Gabriel “KUTX’s Artist of the Month in January 2022.” With a newfound confidence, Bookert began recording and releasing more and more singles, all the while amassing a collection of songs.
Affectionately named after his shifts in the liquor store, San Gabriel’s debut record, Nights and Weekends is a collection of synth-forward, optimistically melancholic songs, chronicling Bookert’s tackling lost love, grief, and grappling with an uncertain future both musically and professionally.
After a chance meeting with Griff Washburn of Goth Babe at Austin City Limits, Bookert was offered a position in Goth Babe’s touring band as a keyboardist, singer and guitarist which he still holds.
Today, Glide is offering an exclusive premiere of the standout track “Play With Fire” and its accompanying music video, which was filmed in the wide-open expanse of Marfa, Texas. For anyone who recalls the wild glory of Austin “trashgrass” band Whiskey Shivers and perhaps even the always-smiling fiery presence of Bookert on the banjo, “Play With Fire” signals a major musical departure as he sheds the acoustics for a fully electric sound that draws influence from modern indie pop as well as 80s rock and New Wave. Bookert takes on the role of producer, composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist with this tune, laying down sharply cool guitar lines over bright, airy synths and breezy yet soulful vocals. Ultimately, the tune captures his exciting evolution as an artist.
James Bookert describes the inspiration behind the tune:
‘Play With Fire’ is about a relationship coming to an end. It was written when I was still touring with my ex-band Whiskey Shivers. By this point in our band, our tours had devolved into over-the-top partying, and general shenanigans that I no longer wanted to be a part of. And while the shows were growing in size, it was no longer a safe or healthy environment.
To make ends meet, I took a job in an East Austin liquor store, where I was able to write and record music during my shift, as long as the shelves were stocked. My boss was really cool, and he’d let me come in on Sundays when the shop was closed and work on music, or record guitars or vocals.
“Play With Fire” delves into themes of independence, self-awareness, and emotional boundaries. As I was writing the song, I was gaining a newfound sense of self-confidence while learning to stand on my own both personally and professionally.
In short, “Play With Fire” is a reflection on growth, independence and setting boundaries that serves both as a warning and declaration. Sort of a reminder to myself to be mindful of my boundaries and energy that I put into relationships that may or may not be healthy or beneficial.
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