James’ March 21 performance will be the first in his home town since his Australian Idol journey came to an end in November.

James will be backed by his new band and will road-test his debut single Rollercoaster, which will be officially released this week and will be available on i-Tunes.

Rollercoaster has been the focal point of James’ creative efforts over the past month as he adjusts to life after the Idol whirlwind.

“I’ve been all over the place to be honest,” he said. “It has been pretty crazy.”

“Coming away from the show was a bit of a rude shock. Suddenly you’re on your own and you realise it all comes down to you.

“So I’ve just tried to put my head down and get on with things.”

James has spent three weeks in Taree’s Paradyme Studios with producer Hamish McDonald. A self-described perfectionist, James said creating his debut single was all about getting it right.

“(Rollercoaster) is about the ups and downs of a relationship,” James said. “Sometimes you never really know where you stand, but even after all that, you realise you’re still in love.”

Rollercoaster has received plenty of airplay on local radio station MAX FM since it was first aired last week.

The track features the musical efforts of guitarist Chad Hayden (another former Wingham High School student) drummer Matt Bevitt and multi-instrumentalist and producer Hamish McDonald.

Chad, Matt and Hamish will back James at the Wingham Services Club gig on March 21, and will also join James at the performances he has planned across the region for the next couple of months.

“I’m really lucky to have such a solid backing band,” James said. “These guys are all excellent musicians and it is great to play with them. It is something I’ve been looking for.”

Rollercoaster film clip to be shot in Taree!

JAMES Johnston has announced his plans to film a music video for Rollercoaster.

The exciting twist is, the filming will take pace in Taree tomorrow evening under the Greater Taree City Council Chambers.

James said he is looking for 16 to 25 year olds who want to be a part of the project.

“I’ve never made a film clip before, so it’s exciting for me at the moment,” he said.

Hit James up on his Facebook page if you want to feature in the filming.