Music
Press
Andrew James is a singer and songwriter—but the term “singer/songwriter” does not do him justice. The British tunesmith has more of a rock edge than we normally associate with the singer/songwriter subgenre, but his pop-friendly hooks and graceful piano work keep the songs grounded. While his extremely talented supporting players rock behind him, he lets loose with rich, soulful vocals that glide across his sweeping melodies. He has an impressive vocal range, effortlessly switching from a smooth falsetto to a full-bodied baritone. When he makes a vocal downward swoop, as on the chorus of “Scared To Fall Down,” he takes you down the spiral staircase with him. James’ songs paint a picture of a man who has fought personal demons, doomed relationships, and an utter lack of control over the state of his world—yet he has overcome all of those things and finally found salvation. The lyrics are sometimes loaded with multiple meanings. Is “I Can’t Fight” about drug addiction, alcoholism, or unrequited love? One could simply ask him, but part of the song’s appeal is that it leaves the listener guessing. And with beguiling couplings like “Feel like I could lie undetected/Feel like I could die unprotected” (from “Safe As Houses”), James is sure to pull you into his world and keep you in his grasp until he’s sure you’ve got his message. At first listen he may remind you of David Gray, but it soon becomes clear that Andrew James is a talent all his own. Don’t miss out on him. - S. J. Dibai
Discography
Andrew James: EP
Broken: 2 live radio performances: BBC Cov/Warwks (UK)
I can't fight: Live radio performance BBC Cov/Warwks (UK) + CD radio play BBC Cov/Warks (UK)
Safe as houses: CD radio play BBC Cov/Warks (UK)
My bridge is burning: Live radio performance from FUEL, Nashville on NIXACountry.
Alone: Live radio performance from FUEL, Nashville on NIXACountry + CD radio play 91X (CA)
Available on itunes
www.myspace.com/andrewjamesmusic
Photos
Bio
Andrew James was born in the UK and has been writing and performing songs since he was at school, aged just eleven! Classically trained on the piano from the age of nine, Andrew worked right through the grading system and finally finished aged 17, when his love for writing completely took over. Andrew is also a drummer.
Andrew and his band of experienced pro musicians have recorded a five track EP (plus a session live album to sell as a limited release at gigs) and played venues all over, including London, Nashville, Poland, Austria, Switzerland and of course closer to his home town of Stratford upon Avon.
2007/08 saw the guys make three trips out to Nashville to play to a whole host of different venues and audiences, which was great exposure and a real experience. Lodz in Poland saw Andrew and the band play the main stage of their week long festival which was a great success resulting in a return invite.
Currently Andrew is gigging in the UK as well as concentrating on writing the final songs to be added to the first studio album, which is due out in 2009.
"Of course whenever we're asked to play a venue it's great to do. I love to get out there and see what people think about my material. In addition to gigging, I'm constantly writing and looking for new ideas. It's very important as a singer/songwriter, to ensure your mind is open to new ideas and styles just so that you don't stagnate artistically."
Andrew James certainly has a growing fan base and a distinctive sound which clearly allows him and his musicians the freedom to perform with passion and forge ahead with clear purpose.
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