Singer, songwriter, producer and musical entrepreneur. Asked to describe himself, he offers simply: musician. Could he elaborate? He suggests Couldnt I just hum it instead? James is South African. Cape Town-born. He cut his teeth in classical music in the 70s with the usual childhood distaste and messed around with break- dancing and synthesizers in his early teens. The 90s however would see him form his own band, abandon a law career and take a leap into the great unknown. As singer/ songwriter for The Usual, he achieved fame in the late nineties with enduring classics like The shape that Im in and Like a Vision, securing the band a special place in the hearts and homes of music lovers throughout South Africa. James and the Usual were rewarded with 2 National ..1s, 2 South African Music Awards and a list of top tens. He is also a busy commercial producer and writer, and the creative brain behind the development of Street Level as an independent music leader. His musical exploits have taken him to the UK, USA, Thailand and Australia where he has been collaborating and networking with key writers, producers and industry leaders. James has also recently been invited by Yoko Ono to perform John Lennons classic 'Imagine' as the soundtrack to the upcoming Amnesty International television and film commercial. For further information please click onto www.jamesonline.co.za He has recently returned from New York were he showcased his talent at the prestigious Living Room and Cutting Room. He has collaborated on a new song with Grammy award winning songstress Julie Gold who wrote From a distance together with 11 Emmy Award Winner A J Gundell. He is also enjoying a wonderful creative relationship with Curtis Aaron Richardson, who has written hits for J Lo & Joss Stone amongst others.For more information about James, please visit www.streetlevel.co.za or www.jamesonline.co.za
