Hello and thanks for visiting my page. As you might have guessed my names Drue James and I’m a singer/songwriter from South London. Some of my material sounds similar to Damien Rice and Tom Mcrae. I also draw influence from Alanis Morisette, Snow Patrol and Idlewild. I’m currently writing and recording a new demo due for release in September 2007.
I started out writing in December 2004 after being disenchanted playing in bands with non committed musicians. Since that time I have been on a continuous learning curve. I have written about 120 songs, played at least 200 gigs, that range from a toilet in Bromley to 600 school children in Cambridge, from The Secret Garden Party in Hertfordshire to an open mic tour up and down the UK. I love playing live. Communication and interaction is what I live for. The tingles down your spine effect.
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. When I was 11 I had my first half pint of Abbot Ale and spent the rest of the day singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to my Dad. I’ve sung in a Barbershop choir and 4 different bands ranging from Indie Rock to Progressive Metal. Vocals are my first instrument and as long as I’m alive I’ll always be singing.
Guitar is my second. As any guitarist knows discipline is the key. For years I thought I could blag it by playing twice a week and expecting to be brilliant. It’s only in the last 3 years I have really improved and I now teach 9 guitar students in the South London area. My guitar style comes from a minimalist approach and has a folk/rock feel. I’m indebted to my friend and mentor David Bonney who is a constant influence on my skill and musicianship as a guitarist and producer.
Just recently I have joined a party function band called Keep It Covered. What do you think of the name? We play all the best rock and dance tunes from the 50s to the present day. We’ve been rehearsing hard for the last 4 months and we are currently looking to book gigs. Have a look at our site www.myspace.com/keepitcovered. You’ll find a video demo from our last gig and some more info about the band.
If you have seen me live then you might have seen me play with violinist Laura Hamilton. Laura and I have a rare chemistry that I haven’t found with any other musician as yet. It’s a combination of similar influences, shared vision and precognition that gives our live experience an emotional intensity. You’ll be able to hear Laura skills on the new demo.
In previous biogs I’ve rambled on about past achievements and how I’ve had “interest†from various music business folk but I want this one to be different. It’s not where you’re from it’s where you’re at. As I mentioned above there will be a new demo available from September 2007 so I’m currently putting this together. There will be sneak unfinished previews on this site from time to time. Additionally I am looking for drummers, bassists and celloists to help complete the songs in the studio.
Thanks for taking some time to read this. I will endeavour to keep updating this site as often as I can.
Peace.
Drue.
