Former Burnley student C Douglas to release new Paris-written EP

James Douglas Clarke– known as C Douglas for his solo work – grew up in Todmorden and studied at Blessed Trinity RC College and Burnley College before finding early success with his band The GOA Express, who played festivals including Glastonbury, Primavera and SXSW and received regular airplay on BBC 6 Music.

Now based in the French capital, C Douglas has announced that his new EP 75019 will be released on Friday, January 30, The EP is named after the postcode of the Paris district where the songs were written.

“I moved to Paris two years ago from the North West and have been quietly writing music behind a noisy city background ever since,” he said. “The songs on the EP were all written in the 19th arrondissement … hence the postcode title 75019. It’s been a fresh start and a new opportunity to fall in love with making music – something which I had lost over the last few years. Non-stop partying, late nights and endless touring can do that.”

He added: “Each of the tracks are incredibly personal, outlining true emotions without restraint. I’m a strong lover of lyrics and melody and feel that we all connect through feelings which can be hard to express. I make music and write lyrics to make sense of these feelings. Each song an annoying puzzle – myself – in need of solving.”

The EP has been recorded with Hull-based producer Steve Cobby of Fila Brazillia and will be released on Golden Lion Sounds, a label whose roster includes artists such as Jarvis Cocker, Jane Weaver, Working Men’s Club, WH Lung, The Orielles and The Lounge Society.

“A big, massive thank you to Golden Lion Sounds and to Steve Cobby for making this happen,” said C Douglas. “I took more from my session with Cobby than I have from any other session. His work ethic and outlook on life are completely refreshing.”

He is already hoping the release will lead to more studio time together.

“Hopefully, in the next few months, I will be able to get back into the studio with Steve Cobby so that we can finish the next C Douglas EP,” he said. “I hope that 75019 does well enough to allow this opportunity to happen and would be extremely grateful for your support.”

Although now living in Paris, C Douglas remains closely connected to his roots in Lancashire and West Yorkshire through Golden Lion Sounds and his ongoing relationship with the independent music scene in the region.

The 75019 EP is available to pre-order on 12” vinyl here.