James Bay: Artist You Should Know

Photo by Alex Shahmiri

It was about a year ago when I first heard and met James Bay in Los Angeles. His first EP, “The Dark of The Morning” really drew me to him.

In the song “Move Together”, James sings with a thoughtful, old soul and his lyrics are beautiful. So when you meet him, you are amazed that he is only 24 years old.

With a deepness and maturity to his sound, I see why artists like The Rolling Stones and John Newman have asked him to open for them.

James songs sound fresh, but capture a timeless quality. Songs like “Let It Go” are not to be forgotten.

When you listen, you realize that singing comes easily for him. He wrote and recorded in Nashville and you can hear it.

One of my favorite songs by James, out now, is called “Hold Back The River”. It’s one of those songs that just grabs you.

James, who is signed to Republic Records, is now on tour with KCRW favorite – Hozier.

James played a sold-out tour in the U.K. and now they’ll be performing in Los Angeles on October 16 at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian. I see greatness ahead.

— Jason Kramer