Josiah James

Josiah James, aside from having a cool name, has put out some cool music. His new 8-song EP is bursting with catchy tunes and an inordinate amount of passion. For a guy who’s been at it from an early age, he manages to juggle a perfect mix of coffee shop minimalism and revival meeting spirituality. This is definitely not one to pass up and should inspire most listeners to be on the lookout for both his previous and forthcoming releases. - Indie Vision Music

I really liked this album. I think Josiah James has a sound that is unique in the Christian music scene, which could be compared to such mainstream acts as Jack’s Mannequin. The concept for the album is interesting and thought-provoking. This album was completely self-produced which makes it even more impressive because the quality is flawless, especially the vocal talent of Josiah James, and the instrumental talent of the musicians on the record. I believe that this album has great potential both in the Christian and mainstream markets alike. - Indie Vision Music

The competition for “Free Christmas Song of the Year” ended up being between only two nominees, TobyMac and Josiah James. Considering Toby is one of the biggest names in Christian music right now, his 76% victory is no surprise at all. However, despite the competition, indie artist Josiah James still managed to get a very respectable 24% of the vote. - www.thefreechristianmusicblog.com

"All Forgotten Things is great record. Love this guy and his tunes!" - Twitter

All Forgotten Things is good stuff! - Twitter

"Josiah James is a great song writer and I can't stop listening to his new record, "All Forgotten Things". Great guy and very talented!" - Twitter

All Forgotten Things is unforgettable! - Twitter

Josiah's stuff is awesome! I love the melodies and the song writing is outstanding. Good stuff! - Moises Navarro of Moi

"...hey were absolutely killing it. And so was Josiah James (a spitting image of Conor Oberst). It became clear that James, with his emo crooning and comfortable stage presence, had more talent in his deep V-neck Gap T-shirt than I have in my entire body."

-Josh Fernandez - Sacramento News & Review Magazine

It’s easy to dismiss Josiah James as just another dude trying to make teenage girls swoon, but anyone in his increasingly large fan base will let you know that this kid has serious talent. His songs reflect his positive outlook on life, which isn’t a bad thing: At 19, he’s a little too young to be jaded by life. That doesn’t happen until you make the serious bucks. K.M. - Sacramento News & Review

Josiah James toured with and opened for Future of Forestry for 20 dates on the "Advent Christmas Tour" through OR, WA, CA, AZ, NV. - Secret Service Entertainment

Josiah James has been nominated for Sacramento's bands of the year as "Outstanding Teen Band".

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/2009_sammies/event - SN&R

Josiah James has been on regular rotation for Sacramento's premier radio station 100.5 the Zone on the Zone's unsigned night on Sunday Nights.

www.radiozone.com - 100.5 The Zone

Album Review: The Morning Light
By Josiah James

By Paul Gibson | September 13th, 2009 | Posted In Album Review

josiahjamesmorninglight

Independent

{Release Date: April 25, 2009}

Sitting around an old flatbed truck, listening to a lone guitarist play is not what I expected when I decided to go to this year’s Tom Fest in Camas, Washington. But, I was astounded by the lack of seats left to see Josiah James play. I had never heard of him until I walked through the merch building and was hailed to a booth being manned by James himself. “Want to listen to my music” he said? So I slapped on a pair of beat-up headphones hooked to an iPod and liked the pop/rock/folk/worship sounds I heard. When I told him I ran a website and radio show he was nice enough to hook me up with a promotional copy of his cd, The Morning Light, and a flier advertising his set the following day.

I made it a point to show up in time to see him on the “Flatbed Stage,” and it was a good thing I arrived early. Shortly before his set started there was very little seating available. He started playing with just himself, an acoustic guitar, and a sampler, which he used to layer his guitar sounds in such a way to give a cool illusion of a full band. I had heard of the likes of Phil Keaggy doing such things, but I had never seen it in person before.

James was able to pull in more than his fair share of passers-by during his set. People wearing shirts featuring bands like As I Lay Dying, The Famine and Haste The Day filed in to watch his set and seemed to be quickly hooked. I am still in shock that he could pull in so many fans of hardcore, metal and screamo. All the while a metal band, who will remain unnamed, played a loud thunderous set less than a quarter mile away.

After getting home and popping in The Morning Light into my iTunes, I discovered to my delight, a great album filled with rich songs, both performed and written with great skill. Unlike his live set, TML does feature a full band, giving it an even bigger sound than his live set. Several people at Tom Fest made the comparison of Switchfoot, which is not far off. I compare his sound to a cross between Switchfoot, The Afters and maybe a worship style band like Delirious or Sonic Flood. Songs like Reaching For The Stars, The Bigger Picture, and The Morning Light have an accessible pop-rock sound, while The Prodigal is a solid audience participation/worship song.

I usually don’t get too much into the softer side of rock, but this album is a must have for people who like The Afters, Switchfoot, Sonic Flood, or just good music. James shouldn’t be an independent act for long. Anyone who can pull a crowd at a festival featuring mostly hardcore and metal acts has my respect and is bound for greater things than the “Flatbed Stage” at Tom Fest.

~Paul Gibson
???? - www.thechristianrock20.com