Durbin was born to Judy Settle-Durbin. His father Willy Durbin, a musician, died of drug overdose when he was 9. He was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's syndrome shortly after his father died. He has facial tics, some social awkwardness, and restricted interests.
He has a fiancée, Heidi whom he met in a bar and considered his 'rock'. They have a son together named Hunter.
In 2006, he performed in Santa Cruz-based children's theater group called Kids on Broadway and played the lead role in "Beauty and the Beast" and "Singin' in the Rain", as well as "West Side Story" in a production by All About Theatre, a Santa Cruz community theatre company. He was also the lead singer in a metal band called The Hollywood Scars. He said he has also done country music before.
James was invited to record and mix his amazing vocal talent with legendary producer/engineer/artist Alan Parsons (of The Alan Parsons Project/Beatles/Pink Floyd fame). Along with professional vocalist PJ Olsson, the group recorded James' vocals on Alan Parsons' song "We Play The Game," a collaboration with The Crystal Method.
Then only 19, James' drive, power, and musical insight were all too evident as he and Alan worked on recording a lead vocal and backing vocals on the Alan Parsons track from A Valid Path.
Idol Performances:
** Top 24: Personal Choice - You've Got Another Thing Comin' (Judas Priest)
** Top 13: Personal Idol - Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)
** Top 12: Year You Were Born - I'll Be There for You (Bon Jovi)
** Top 11: Motown - Living for the City (Stevie Wonder)
** Top 11 Redux: Elton John - Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) [[artist]Elton John]
** Top 9: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles)
** Top 8: Songs from the Movies - Heavy Metal (Sammy Hagar)
** Top 7: Songs from the 21st Century - Uprising (Muse)
** Top 6: Carole King - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles)
** Top 5: Songs from Then & Now: Closer to the Edge (30 Seconds to Mars) / Without You (Bandfinger)
** Top 4: Songs That Inspire / Leiber & Stoller Songbook: Don't Stop Believin' (Journey) / Love Potion No. 9 (The Clovers)
In 2016 Durbin and Alex Grossi of Quiet Riot worked on an album project "Maps to the Hollywood Scars". Volume 1 was released as a 5-song EP in February 2017. In March 2017, Durbin joined Quiet Riot, as their new lead singer. The band reported that their upcoming album, 'Road Rage' would be re-recorded prior to its release to feature Durbin on lead vocals. After recording a follow-up album, Durbin quit the band in September 2019. The album, 'Hollywood Cowboys', was released on November 8, 2019. In October 2020, Durbin revealed he had signed with Frontiers Records and was working on a "pure heavy metal" album. The Beast Awakens was released on February 12, 2021 under the Durbin moniker. Alongside Durbin, who performs lead vocals and rhythm guitar, the album also features drummer Mike Vanderhule and bassist Barry Sparks. In 2022, Durbin has joined forces with STRYPER members Robert Sweet and Perry Richardson (bass; also ex-FIREHOUSE) and RIOT guitarist Mike Flyntz in a new project called CLEANBREAK.
Right Behind You
James Durbin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's like I met you somewhere before, before
I can finish your sentence
I can feel you behind the door, the door
Turn off the headlights
I'll do the pedals and you can steer
Into the darkness
Trust me there's nothing to fear, to fear
Close your eyes
Fall backwards
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
Close your eyes
Just let yourself go
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
You don't have to say it
It's like I know when you're gonna call, and you call
I was unconscious
I could see that you were not far, not far
You can kill the headlights
I'll do the pedals and you can steer
Into the darkness
Trust me there's nothing to fear, to fear
Close your eyes
Fall backwards
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
Close your eyes
Just let yourself go
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
You gotta trust me
You gotta trust me
Do ya trust me?
Do ya trust me?
Close your eyes
Fall backwards
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
Close your eyes
Fall backwards
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
In "Right Behind You," James Durbin sings about the deep connection and trust between two people. The lyrics describe a sense of familiarity and resonance between the singer and the other person, as if they have met before or can finish each other's sentences. The singer offers comfort and support, encouraging the other person to let go and trust them completely, even in the face of darkness and fear.
The imagery of the song is quite powerful, with the invitation to "close your eyes, fall backwards" implying a backwards fall of trust and surrender. The repeated refrain of "I won't let you die, I'll be right behind you" emphasizes the singer's willingness to be there for the other person no matter what happens. The entire song conveys an atmosphere of tenderness, intimacy, and understanding.
Overall, "Right Behind You" is a beautiful and heartfelt song about the power of trust and connection in relationships. It offers a message of hope and reassurance, as well as a reminder that sometimes we need someone to be there for us, especially when we are facing our fears and doubts.
Line by Line Meaning
Something so familiar
There's a sense of familiarity between us.
It's like I met you somewhere before, before
I've met you before, but I can't place when or where.
I can finish your sentence
I know you so well that I can predict what you'll say.
I can feel you behind the door, the door
I'm aware of your presence even when I can't see you.
Turn off the headlights
I'll do the pedals and you can steer
Let's take a risk and switch roles. I'll trust you to drive.
Into the darkness
Trust me there's nothing to fear, to fear
Even though we can't see what's ahead, we can navigate it together without fear.
Close your eyes
Fall backwards
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
Take a leap of faith and trust me to catch you, I won't let you fall.
Just let yourself go
Relax and let go of any fear or doubt.
You don't have to say it
No need to explain or communicate, I understand how you feel.
It's like I know when you're gonna call, and you call
I have a strong intuition about our relationship.
I was unconscious
I could see that you were not far, not far
Even when unconscious, I knew you were near and watching over me.
You can kill the headlights
Let's live in the moment and not worry about what we can't see.
You gotta trust me
Do ya trust me?
Trust is key in our relationship, do you have faith in me?
I won't let you die
I'll be right behind you
I won't let anything bad happen to you and will always support you.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: JAMES DURBIN, PETE ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind