An old soul in a young body. James Smith mixes new techniques with classical arrangements to create his signature sound. A passion for music is his life's journey. It started with an early obsession with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, continued with winning a karaoke competition at a caravan park in Clacton when he was nine, and increased several times over at fifteen when he took part in Britain's Got Talent. But these successes were only the beginning; he was yet to mature into an artist.
James grew up in East London, and his musical career was shaped by accompanying his father to markets around London to entertain passers-by and attract new customers with his singing. James used the COVID lockdown to his advantage and focused on perfecting his performance. He learned to be himself. He also discovered how to express his emotions and experiences with those close to him through writing. He adds familiar melodies to his testimonies that can remind listeners of great moments in contemporary pop. One time it's Coldplay, the second time it's Michael Kiwanuka, and the third time it's Paolo Nutini. The heartfelt vocals with James' specific style open up space for the intervention of electronics. The result is an excellent combination that is best represented by the current Common People album released on Bad Music.
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