
James Bolen, a solo artist hailing from TBC, United States, is the mastermind behind the original single “Meltdown.” With a musical style influenced by legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Beck, Led Zeppelin, and Jack White, James showcases their talent by playing all instruments on the track. Recorded in his basement studio, James brings a unique blend of bluesy, space rock to the table, highlighted by a standout harmonica solo.
Released on 18th June 2025, “Meltdown” immerses listeners in a sonic journey that sets James apart as a versatile and innovative musician. Exploring themes of narrowly averted catastrophe, “Meltdown” by James Bolen stands out as a captivating musical creation. The track not only reflects James’ diverse influences but also pays homage to his late father through the use of his guitar in the recording.
Drawing on past experiences and musical inspirations, James delivers a memorable sound that has been compared to the likes of Beck and classic rock icons like Led Zeppelin. With a blend of acoustic slide riffs and electric guitar tones reminiscent of Gilmour, “Meltdown” promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences, solidifying James Bolen as a rising star in the music industry.
The song was recorded in his home studio. This was the first recording he’d done with my Neumann mic set up through an Apollo Twin. The guitar on the recording belonged to my late father. This song draws influence from many artists and bands. The acoustic slide riff is unique, which is hard to do these days since there have been so many acoustic slide songs. James drew influence from the Allman Brothers, Jack White and Zeppelin. It’s also been likened to Beck. The electric on this song is a nice Strat, and James tried to chase a Gilmour sound. All in all, it is a fun song