James Garner

Despite melodic intervals that take daring leaps and lush vocal harmonies that strike at unexpected moments, James Garner intuitively knows how to capture the listener with a catchy hook or two. Dangling precariously on the edge of pop, somewhere between the John Mayers and the Joseph Arthurs, he fits comfortably between the two worlds: All-American Pop Star meets Brooding Bad Boy. As if that weren’t enough to set him apart, Garner records all his own music in the privacy of his Seattle-Based Loft Studio. “I bought my first laptop when I was 25 and immediately started recording,” he says. “I usually start with a guitar lick or piano riff and let it evolve from there.” Thick, doubled vocals, subtly undulating soundscapes, and ethereal reverbs are integral to his signature sound. Although a self-professed recluse when it comes to making music, Garner is no stranger to the stage. Having graced Seattle’s music scene in venues such as Chop Suey, Mars Bar, and Magnolia’s Boxcar Alehouse, he is equally comfortable taking an audience for a ride as he is seated in the hot spot of his home recording studio. Whatever the medium, this guitar-toting, radio-ready tunesmith has no problem finding an outlet or an audience for his musical expression.Influences Elbow Joseph Arthur The Verve Travis John Frusciante John MayerNotable Performances Chop Suey, Seattle, WA Mars Bar, Seattle, WA Boxcar Alehouse, Magnolia, WA Lengthwise Brewery, Bakersfield, CA Café Med, Bakersfield, CANotable Musicians Played With Joanie Dirska – Rhodes, Keys Sean Swearinger – Lead Guitars Todd Armstrong – Percussion, Djembe Les Webb – Upright Bass Paul Cartright - Strings