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effrey James' sophomore EP "Goin' Back Down," is a powerful blend of bluesy, soulful rock that digs into the roots and passion of his artistry and musicianship.
"The idea for the new album was to get a grittier, darker sound that represents the music that I love to listen to and play when I’m just hanging with my friends. I wanted to let go of any restraints I had and see what came out," James says.
Breaking down these elements of his craft allowed James to emerge with a product full of honesty and maturity that only an artist of his caliber can deliver.
He attributes much of this success to his backing band, The Professional Children, including long-time drummer, Brandon Chappell and Justin Halpin, co-writer and guitarist. Their influences not only bring James' sound to life on the EP, but also add a fiery presence to the live show.
Recorded at Vibe56 studios, “Goin’ Back Down” was produced by Nashville industry veteran, Lex Lipstiz, who helped James and the Professional Children tighten up their sound.
"Jeffrey James has one of those classic soul voices. With his bigger than life stage presence and commanding vocal delivery, he definitely sells you on every word... I think it's only a matter of time before he's a huge star," says Lipsitz.
With an immense passion for performing, James will follow the release of "Goin' Back Down" with a college and venue tour, bringing it straight to the fans who funded the EP via Kickstarter.com.
“I am extremely grateful for my fans who contributed to this album. It was very humbling to see how many people wanted to help this project succeed. I cannot thank them enough. I just hope that they are as happy with the outcome as I am,” says James.
He is hopeful to follow the success of this past year’s touring, which included playing over 60 shows, opening for Hanson and Rooney and winning Vanderbilt’s Rites of Spring band contest to share the stage with Sarah Bareilles, The National and Public Enemy.
A strong believer in giving back to those who have helped him along the way, James also frequently returns to his hometown in Brownsburg, Indiana to perform and talk to his junior high and high school music classes about his journey in the music industry. He has even developed an annual songwriting competition with the help of his high school choir director Melissa Stainbrook.
Recently asked to join Music City Unsigned, a group of music lovers who support and promote independent artists in Nashville, James has already proven himself to be a treasured asset to their elite family.
"Jeffrey James is making music that honors the past, but sits perfectly in the present. He's got the voice, the groove and was undeniably born to sing," says Music City Unsigned. "Jeffrey's passion and drive will continue to propel his career forward and make people take notice of one of the best emerging voices coming out of Music City today."
Goin Back Down will be available via iTunes starting May 31, 2011.
semi-pro
Rock , Blues, Soul
The House that Matt Built, I own my own publishing
Management: N/A
Publishing: N/A
Label: N/A
Booking: JeffreyJames32@gmail.com
Administrative: JeffreyJames32@gmail.com
ASCAP
acoustic guitar / piano
Marc Brousard
Johnny Lang
Josh Kelley
Billy Joel
The Beatles
Chicago
in co writing in person
in networking with songwriters
in pitching songs to artist
in pitching songs to tv
in getting a record deal
in getting a publishing deal
For a living
I Also Write:
by myself
with others
for myself
for others
I Prefer To Write:
lyrics
melody
music
experience >
Holley Maher: Always Be
John Flanagan: Stoplight
J.T. Spangler: No,No,No
Something About You
All Alright
Grand Prize winner of the Expose Yourself Song Contest for my song "Always the Same." Contest was through Reviewposse.com.
Winner of the "Shout it Out" competition. Won the chance to open for Hanson in Nashville, TN, Aug. 3rd 2010. Was hand picked by Hanson.