Vic James returns with “Better Place,” a striking new single that channels vulnerability, resilience, and self-examination into a deeply honest musical statement. The track explores the long shadow of childhood trauma, the complexities of identity, and the conscious decision to pursue healing rather than remain defined by the past. Both introspective and forward-looking, “Better Place” captures a pivotal moment in James’ personal and creative evolution.
The song draws heavily from James’ early life experiences, including growing up in the DSS system before being adopted. While adoption provided stability and support, the reality that several of his siblings remained within foster care left a lasting emotional imprint. Those layered experiences — gratitude intertwined with grief, relief paired with responsibility — form the emotional backbone of “Better Place,” giving the song its raw authenticity.
James describes the track as emerging during a period of emotional transition rather than resolution. “There was a point where I wasn’t in a better place yet — I was stuck in between,” he explains. “I had to create that space for myself mentally. Writing this song was a way of pushing forward and reminding myself that I had the strength to keep going.” The song unfolds as a dialogue between different versions of himself, tracing the journey from survival to self- awareness.
Growing up without a traditional family structure shaped James’ sense of self from an early age. Although he recognizes the opportunities adoption afforded him, he also carried a persistent sense of guilt for being the one who “made it out.” “My siblings went through things I didn’t,” he reflects. “That stayed with me. It made me feel like I had something to prove — not just for myself, but for them too.” That internal pressure eventually manifested as perfectionism and emotional burnout.
As James transitioned into adulthood, the coping mechanisms that once kept him grounded — school, sports, creative outlets — fell away. In their absence, long-suppressed emotions resurfaced. “When the noise stopped, everything caught up to me,” he says. “I realized how much I had been holding onto without ever addressing it.” Songwriting became a way to confront those emotions head-on, transforming memory and reflection into music.
His creative process is rooted in honesty and self-inquiry. James often begins by writing down personal truths — what he struggles with, what he values, what he’s learning to accept — and reshapes those thoughts into lyrics. “Once it’s in a song, you can’t run from it,” he explains. “It makes you sit with yourself and grow.” That evolution is echoed in the lyric “I’m not who I was last summer,” a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of change.
A defining influence on “Better Place” came from reconnecting with his biological mother later in life. The meeting offered clarity and perspective, revealing just how fragile and uncertain his path could have been. “It helped me understand why ending up somewhere better mattered so much,” James shares. “It didn’t erase the past, but it gave me peace with it.”
Through “Better Place,” James addresses depression, survivor’s guilt, and the challenge of finding meaning after hardship. Rather than offering easy answers, the song embraces complexity — acknowledging darkness while still reaching for light. “Sometimes happiness shows up in the smallest moments,” he says. “This song is about choosing to keep moving when no one else can do it for you.”
The release marks a significant step forward for James, both artistically and personally. “Healing isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen,” he reflects. “It’s about learning how to live with it and still build something better.”
With “Better Place,” Vic James delivers a candid and emotionally resonant work that speaks to anyone navigating unseen struggles. It stands as a testament to resilience, self-compassion, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness.
“Better Place” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Links: ►Download/Stream “Better Place” here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1kKZUg69TYwLlf6Oz7AHxw?si=9691295140ba484c
►Subscribe for more official content from Vic James here:
https://www.youtube.com/@VicJamesOfficial
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Instagram: / https://instagram.com/vicjamesofficial
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21BLZWMXQVVMbwrz4U52BC?si=4q3fVgwjR8CRdD6stuBYbg
Youtube: / https://www.youtube.com/@VicJamesOfficial
