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.
Stand Up
James Durbin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the lights go down
And I hit the stage
I'm alive, there's no way
You can stop me now,
It's in my veins
I can't wait,
Let's start the show
It's time to see you stand up
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you want it
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
Tell me if you're ready to go
Ready to go!
Turn it up, let it grind,
Just plug me in, I'm amplified
Can't stop me, block me!
Don't care if it's the death of me
Tickin' like a time bomb
Ready to blow
Now it's time,
Let's start the show!
It's time to see you stand up
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you want it
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you're ready to go
Ready to go!
Time won't wait for anyone
Cause we don't live forever
And if you think I've had enough
I'm only getting started now
You'll see
The lights are shining on me
Yeah yeah
Wanna see you stand up
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
Yeah!
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you want it
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you're ready to go
Tell me if you're ready to go
Tell me if you're ready to go
The song “Stand Up” by James Durbin is an upbeat, rock anthem that encourages listeners to let loose and live in the moment. The lyrics depict the singer as someone who is energized and alive when he’s performing on stage. He’s unstoppable, driven by a strong passion to entertain his audience. The chorus repeats the phrase “stand up” in an attempt to coax the listeners to join in on the fun. The song’s meaning is quite simple: Life is short, and we should take advantage of the time we have here. We should embrace our passions and let loose.
The song seems to be a motivational tune that encourages people to let loose and have some fun. A lot of the lyrics are centered around being alive and making the most of life. It's urging the people to make the most of their time here on earth by doing the things they love most. This can mean different things to different people, but whatever it is that people enjoy, this song insists that they go out there and do it!
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight, I'm okay
I am feeling good and ready for the performance tonight.
When the lights go down
And I hit the stage
I'm alive, there's no way
You can stop me now,
It's in my veins
I can't wait,
Let's start the show
Performing on stage gives me a rush and I am completely in the moment. Nothing can stop me now and I am excited to start the show.
It's time to see you stand up
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you want it
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
Tell me if you're ready to go
Ready to go!
I want the audience to participate and show their excitement by standing up, raising their hands, and shouting out. I want to know if they are ready for the show to begin.
Turn it up, let it grind,
Just plug me in, I'm amplified
Can't stop me, block me!
Don't care if it's the death of me
Tickin' like a time bomb
Ready to blow
Now it's time,
Let's start the show!
I am ready to rock out and I am pumped up. I won't be stopped by anyone, even if it means I am risking everything. I am ready to explode with energy and start the show.
Time won't wait for anyone
Cause we don't live forever
And if you think I've had enough
I'm only getting started now
You'll see
The lights are shining on me
Yeah yeah
Life is short and we must make the most of every moment. Even if others think I have done enough, I am just getting started and I will keep shining on stage.
Wanna see you stand up
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
Yeah!
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you want it
Stand up!
Let me see your hands up
Wanna hear you shout it out
(Come on)
Tell me if you're ready to go
Tell me if you're ready to go
Tell me if you're ready to go
I am encouraging the audience to participate and show their excitement by standing up, raising their hands, and shouting out. I want to know if they are ready for the show to begin.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLIFFORD NEWTON, PAUL F. TRUST, JAMES DURBIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joey Trottier
James Durbin and Caleb Johnson are two american idol dude who deserve huge careers! Great song James!
Rocio Samaniego
James is the best, I love his style, his voice even from the incredible first audition, I said from the beginning when he was still a runner wins or not he will win American Idol anyway in music and I'm not mistaken, each day will have more fans like me love him ........ james you are amazing I love you
alberach
How was he not a bigger star? This is fantastic!
fanny lasso
es fabuloso me encanta espero que traduzcan la letra para leerla me encanta es un gran chico y se merecia ganar american idol espero que le vaya super bien
MONICA CECILIA
Pure energic and rock, James is amazing.
Lauren Lopez
I remember when this came out!! Geez! And I actually met him. He’s very laid back! I didn’t even shake hands with him lol I just said my name quickly and hugged him haha!!!!!
MONICA CECILIA
Pure rock, total energic.
Tasha G.
He is soo amazing ! !
vladi4ko
great song, sadly does not have as much recognition though
Jose La Rosa
I was waiting for your record production since you left American Idol. You're the best! much success. tkm