Songs of Pilgrimage
A new album by James J Turner
Supported by National Lottery Project Grants
Exploring Pilgrimage as a living cultural and personal practice - intentional journeys, reflection, connection to place and wellbeing in contemporary life
Selected Tracks by James J Turner
The following recorded tracks showcase James’s songwriting, performance and recording ability and experience.
Long Time Coming (2025) – Studio recording receiving widespread UK radio airplay, including national and regional BBC programming.
Cycle of Life (2023) – Track from a previously Arts Council England-supported album, broadcast across UK radio and released as a single.
Spirit, Soul & a Handful of Mud (2016) – Title track from a released studio album, regularly performed within current live programmes.
About the Project
Songs of Pilgrimage is a new album of original contemporary folk songs. Using National Lottery Project Grants funding, James will research, write, record and professionally release the album.
The creative heart of the project is the idea that pilgrimage is not only a historical or religious tradition, but a persistent and evolving feature of human experience. Through accessible contemporary folk music James will aim to create songs that connect deeply with listeners and are a strong fit for specialist radio programming.
A dedicated project website will feature commissioned short films from a small group of contributing artists, each sharing a pilgrimage of personal significance. The site will also invite audiences to submit their own reflections, photos and videos, creating a genuine layer of public engagement.
James at Dinas Emrys – a sacred Druid site and place of personal pilgrimage.
Project Elements
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Commissioned short films – contributing artists share their own meaningful pilgrimages
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Audience engagement – open invitation for listeners to submit reflections, photos and videos
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Dedicated project website – bringing everything together as a lasting engagement platform
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Professional PR and radio campaign – building on my established track record of playlisting and broadcaster relationships
Coming soon:
Contributor films and audience submissions will appear on this site as the project develops.
Radio & Reach
Building on a strong track record of radio support (including the recent single Long Time Coming which was added to over 50 playlists), the new album will be supported by a professional PR and radio promotion campaign targeting specialist folk, acoustic, roots and Americana programming.
For more information on
James J Turner
including music, bio, press, live dates
please visit
jamesjturner.com
At the Liver Building, Liverpool – a contemporary cultural pilgrimage in James's home city.
Walking the path – pilgrimage as a living, everyday experience.
At Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia, Eryri – finding meaning and reflection in wild landscapes.