James Murdoch

What else are you supposed to do when you grow up in Whitehorse, Yukon? It’s not like you can take your cue from gutter-punks in Scarborough and watch the grass grow. It only make sense that someone like James Murdoch, with a natural voice and gift for guitar would start strumming and someday leave the icy banks of the mighty Yukon River for the ‘sunny sights’ of Victoria, British Columbia and later Edmonton, Alberta. There’s nothing more cross-Canada than the story of James Murdoch and the travels behind his present life.

“…Engaging…He embraced a full range of sounds, from roots-pop to a smoother, lounge-y vibe and ended up with some funk. Young James is a versatile guy… The Future looks good”
– Chart Magazine, Review of live show CMW 2004

At the age of fourteen, James found himself in climatically kinder, gentler place, but one where the challenges of wanting to become something far overwhelmed the challenges he faced at home. Intent on honing his craft, James sought out others of his musical species, working towards a goal to get his music heard. After collaborative efforts, including an enticing project with fellow Yukon alumni, Stephen Noel (Boy), James recorded his independent debut album, Polyphonic, garnering nominations from The West Coast Music Awards and “Pop Album of the Year” at the 2002 Prairie Music Awards. From there James had a perfect springboard to get noticed, Montreal based Indica AQ coming to the table with a record deal in 2003. James is in the studio working with John Whynot to produce his second album.

James’ music is a spectacular blend of roots based, folk soaked melodies with a pop sensibility and intriguing lyrics that take the listener and audience to a magical place. Aural liberation to the masses. It can’t be helped, his music strikes a chord with what people are looking for in good music. Akin to the sounds of Blue Rodeo, James Taylor, John Mayer and the like, expect a rosy future of festivals and theatre tours across our country and others. From the Yukon tundra, to Queen Street West in Toronto… James Murdoch is someone that people relate to and feel a sense of collective abandonment. He delivers a satisfaction elixir through his words and music that inspire.

“Now comes James Murdoch, another quirky and talented singer-songwriter from Whitehorse who made a great album by himself in his room at his parents’ house… Whitehorse could hold the key to saving rock’n’roll from its own excesses.” - Edmonton Sun